Sounds like the tagline for a new movie? Maybe not, but I wanted to share with you MY art story. It has to do with these two paintings:
These are two oil paintings I did when I was in Grade 6. I was twelve.
They were for an at-home art project (yes, we actually had an art class each week and an ART teacher - this project, however, was to be done at home). I got a B.
I was a very very quiet girl and I avoided conflict. But I was devastated with a "just" a B. So I shyly went up to my art teacher and asked "Why did I only get a B?"
His reply, "Well, they are nice, but anyone can do a paint by number..."
I remember quietly stammering...."But they're NOT..." but his attention had turned to someone else and the moment disappeared.
Something happened to me and art then...being an artist became a silly dream. I forgot about it for years until I burned out in my computing career. I started to reflect on my childhood...wondering where some of my FEARS REALLY came from and WHY I couldn't shake this DESIRE to CREATE...
I told you my art story not to gain sympathy. I've made peace with that long ago! I think we all have similar stories.
I've learned there is this THING that keeps calling me....I once read an article that referred to this thing as a HUNGER...and art making for me is THAT.
They were for an at-home art project (yes, we actually had an art class each week and an ART teacher - this project, however, was to be done at home). I got a B.
I was a very very quiet girl and I avoided conflict. But I was devastated with a "just" a B. So I shyly went up to my art teacher and asked "Why did I only get a B?"
His reply, "Well, they are nice, but anyone can do a paint by number..."
I remember quietly stammering...."But they're NOT..." but his attention had turned to someone else and the moment disappeared.
Something happened to me and art then...being an artist became a silly dream. I forgot about it for years until I burned out in my computing career. I started to reflect on my childhood...wondering where some of my FEARS REALLY came from and WHY I couldn't shake this DESIRE to CREATE...
I told you my art story not to gain sympathy. I've made peace with that long ago! I think we all have similar stories.
I've learned there is this THING that keeps calling me....I once read an article that referred to this thing as a HUNGER...and art making for me is THAT.
Lately, I've been reading this book to help me understand what this is all about...its a great read. http://www.amazon.ca/Art-Fear-Observations-Rewards-Artmaking/dp/0961454733 |
So I am making a commitment, a contract with myself this year...to create everyday. And because I need order and a PLAN, every month I am going to concentrate on a THEME. I have so many images in my head...I NEED to RELEASE them...satisfy that HUNGER (or FEED it..)
For February...I've picked FLOWERS...I love them, I grow them, I photograph them, Valentine's Day is on the 14th, AND I actually need to learn HOW to paint them...
For February...I've picked FLOWERS...I love them, I grow them, I photograph them, Valentine's Day is on the 14th, AND I actually need to learn HOW to paint them...
Stay tuned for more ART, less FEAR and more LEARNING! And let me know if you can relate to my ART Story and to the HUNGER!