There is something incredibly personal about art. If your an artist, you know that. If your not... think of something you feel extremely passionate about or that you do, and you will know how personal it is. I like to think of my mixed media paintings as little pieces of me. Little pieces of me sent to very special people or commissioned by very special people that want a little piece of me in their home. I do, what I do, and that is what I do. I feel continually honored that others enjoy what I create. I am an artist, because I have to be. I am an artist because it was embedded in my soul before I was born. There is place in me deep inside that makes me a creative soul. Born with a desire to imagine and unfold the images in my head.
The things I paint come from...well I don't know! But they come and that is all that matters! :) Sometimes I wake up with them, SOMEtimes I even dream them! Often I can not create anything else until the image that stirs is given it's proper place on canvas or paper. I imagine how my ideas come to me to be like a spirit to a psychic...overloading their thoughts until they are given the respect they are looking for.
Hours go into each of my pieces, I sit and I draw, paint, chalk, and pen until everything looks just right. Until I can see no further changes needed I continue with tender loving care. Art is the piece of me that finishes my puzzle. When I am not paying attention to my passions...that's when I feel most lost. Thankfully I know that now, and I pay attention to it. Over the years I have thought myself to be an oil painter, a crocheter, a water colorist, a collagist...but in reality I was all these things! I just had to realize that I wasn't just one of these things, but ALL of them!! That I was indeed a mixed media artist. That I was part of a growing movement of art, and that I was the one of people I looked up to in Somerset Magazine. I am trying so hard to be what I am, to be what I want to be... to live up to my own personal standards and not those of others. It is hard to paint for me and no one else... it is difficult to not create what I think people want... but what I want. There is a fear that people won't like what I want to share, and would be happier with something I created for the public eye. Very recently I had an epiphany that it doesn't matter what others want... it only matters what I want... and that will make my art more original and unique.
My art is a big part of my life... my soul. Art is a part of your soul...a glimpse inside it, the place where glitter resides and all your pretty colors spill out. I feel lucky to be able to express my glitter and pretty colors into a visual medium. It isn't easy sharing what you do, there is the worry of scorn and criticism... but on the flip side there is the feeling of pride, bravery, and honesty.
I have come to a big conclusion recently that I need to continue to be true to myself and my ambitions. The dedication I have given to my dreams is showing signs that it is right, that I am in pushing myself in the right direction. I will not lower myself, or my standards. I will create what I create, and if you all... and others love it, then it's a blessing and a happiness inside me that grows. For those of you who have commissioned me or someday will, I thank you for trusting what I do... and letting me fullfill your ideas. Commissions are about loving what the artist does, not dictating what they should do. I love love love getting ideas from people, it's a challenge and a game to create what they have thought up. It is however, that trust I speak of, that you give me with your idea, that leads me to painting something unique and wonderful, for you and only you.
My studio is all tidied up and I have been busy at my table and also within my own mind. I have been thinking of the things I would like to put on my 2012 bucket list and what I would like to see out of myself in the coming year. Think of what you would like to accomplish, look forward not back. Take the time to recognize you and your talents whatever they may be! enliven your soul!
