One of two similar small paintings where I tried to paint exuberantly
My head hurts. I've been thinking too much. But today I will try to answer Leslie Miller's fourth question, "What are your biggest hopes and dreams for your creativity?"
My wildest hopes and dreams, the ones I didn't even dare hope and dream when I started painting, have already been fulfilled to a great extent, much to my surprise. I make art, I sell art. I can say "I am an artist" and that little voice inside me doesn't always chide me by saying "Who are you kidding?" So one of my biggest hopes is that this will continue, despite all the obstacles currently confronting me. Those obstacles deal mainly with making a living.
Okay, this next hope is kind of silly, and it may not have anything to do with my creativity, but here it is: I long for the day that my kids ask me for one of my paintings for their own homes. Better validation than any number of sales.
I hope that my painting will improve, that I never quit learning; I hope that I will discover new and exciting ways to apply my creativity to my painting; I hope that I will have the guts to stay the course and keep making art despite the obstacles; I hope that I will never quit experimenting. I would like to encourage others to recognize and utilize their own creativity, inspire others to explore and experiment. I would like one day to be a mentor to others, like Martha Marshall and Karen Jacobs and others are to me.
These are just a few, off the top of my head, which still hurts.
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8 comments:
Every time I read an artists answers to the questions, I find something that is true for me as well, and I am inspired to keep going, to strive to be "better". Thank you Mary, for taking the time to think and answer the questions. I have read your post first thing in my morning most days for over a year now. My morning cup of hot coffee and your post. A great start to the day.
I can really relate to your comment about wanting your kids to want to hang your art. My daughter, bless her soul, asked me not to just give her a piece of art that she would feel obligated to hang. She is very fussy about what goes up on her walls. I would like her to ask for one of my paintings, but I have long let go of feeling a failure because she hasn't. Fortunately, my husband likes my work.
I forgot to mention that I really like today's painting. It is very intense and enthusiastic.
Mary: I've read all three of your blog posts this week and have been fascinated. This last one, though, gave me a thought. I know you'll continue creating art forever and maybe, just maybe, it will be your "salvation" from the current obstacles you're facing. I firmly believe that if you are doing something you love, it can transcend anything else. Maybe I'm being a bit simplistic, but I like to think of it that way. Interesting questions and even more interesting answers.
Anna
Thank you for sharing your answers to these thought provoking questions. I'm going to have to try to answer them myself.
If you ever find yourself with some time to mentor someone, I'm up for it! :)
Leslie: Thank you for asking these questions and making me think about what my art means to me. And thanks for being a friend and taking time to visit with me. Your support is invaluable.
Miki: I wonder why it's so important to us to have our kids like our work? any thoguhts?
Anna: You, too, are an artist in your own chosen field, so I know you get it. Do you think it's hereditary? And, what would I do without my sisters? Thanks for being not only my sister, but also a friend.
Bridgette: You are so much further along the artistic path than I am that you should be mentoring me. But whatever you need, I'll be there for you.
To be mentioned as a mentor... you've made my day, girl! Blogging is certainly a new way of exchanging info in a take-it-or-leave it manner and I can see how mentorship can evolve. Thanks for thinking of me in that way, I also learn from this medium... long live art blogs!
Mary, you keep insisting you are not a deep thinker, but your answers to Leslie's questions are gutsy, honest, and very moving. You are obviously painting from that place where these answers originate, because your art is touching others. And there is nothing shallow about it.
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