My notebooks have no theme. I jump from one image to another. Instead of doing all winter for example, there is just one winter page. There is no consistency. I have noted that real artists seem to either have series or image and technique consistency in their work. Also, I dont know what the "use" of these things is. They arent something one would display. They don't hang on a wall. What is the point? I am not sure. I would like to get back to making things that hang, but am blank on that.
Looking through photos of the artwork I have done through the years I realize I have either thrown away or given away much of it. Some even sold. Those I do not regret losing. The others, I sort of wish I kept just as "evidence" of all the work I have done. These notebooks just fold up like a book and can be stuck on a shelf. Canvases take up a lot of space. Probably partly why I discarded them.
But also, until NOW, I never appreciated my artwork or my writing. Having a drawing come to the attention of Bottom Dog Press has made me pause and reassess my life time of work. Curious. And thinking about that has led me to see that I have not appreciated the people in my life, who have woven with me a beautiful fabric of who I am now. My family, my friends. I take everything for granted. My intelligence, my talent, their intelligence, their talents.
Maybe I can change, and begin to show appreciation for myself and for others, for this life I am living.
Blessings, suki
9 comments:
Dear Suki, I know - those "nods" we get from others in "authority", like the publisher, confirms something deep in us, allows us to acknowledge our unique expression of Life that we are! Am glad that this has given you the opportunity to reassess your contribution to all our lives. These types of things do have a way of bringing more awareness and opening us up more...
PS: I have *always* felt appreciated by you! You have a way of affirming others that is very genuine! That too is a gift :)
Much love, C
I think it's commercial artists who work to create something "useful" and only because it will appeal to a buyer. I think of a true artist as
Someone who
Likes to play and doesn't care about to outcome but simply enjoys the process - like a child.
The new year is a good and natural time to reflect on the past and ponder the future. Happy New Year to you as you reflect on who and what brought you here and ponder new possibilities.
Interesting. I never have thought of you as someone who takes things or people for granted. You seem very mindful, thoughtful and appreciative to me.
Thanks Mystic. thanks for reassuring me you have felt appreciated by me.
Kim, you are right. I do like to play, and do become like a child in a way as I paint and collage in my journal. And thank you for the good wishes for the new year. Same to you.
Kelly, I have just been thinking back to times I didnt respect my Mom and Dad, Brother and sister in law. and how now they are all gone and I have no chance to tell them how much I love them. Of course, I did do that when they were alive. But you know how memory works, and sometimes instances when I didnt respect them as much as I now wish I had rise up in my mind. Thanks for you "vote of confidence".!
Your work is magical!
I bought 2 of your books one is in my studio and one made a friend of mine very happy.
You shouldn't take your talent for granted.
It is a gift, which you can also enjoy yourself ;)
♥
Wise and loving comments here! You are one of the people I know who TRULY IS an Artist! You are wise, sweet, loving and have a great sense of irony and humour. As Marianne said, your work IS MAGIC!
As for the relationship between parents and children... there are always a few stormclouds...although my beloved parents are now dead for over 20 years, I sometimes remember quarrels we had....and wish we hadn't. But, it is the way of Life...and of being Human. You WERE a loving Daughter... always.
Sending you many hugs and love,
♥ Robin ♥
I agree with all the comments here concerning 'real artists' and how it is about magic and childlike fun!
Encouraging thoughts and lovely work, Suki. Thank you. Sometimes, after 35 yeas of being an artist, I go through dark periods of feeling there is no point in it, who cares. But for me, I think art process is a spiritual practice that helps me to center, to see what is sacred to me, and if I stop, I lose that center.
love the books......
your fragility is so human, suki. i am glad that you want to and are recognizing your talent and worth. i too have always felt supported and appreciated by you in every important way.
regrets. i shake my head. they plague me sometimes, but who is perfect? i've never known a single person who did and said everything right. in any case, now, your parents feel your love.
love
kj
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