Art...
I just took down my most recent art show last Saturday. None were sold... all I really got were a few kind comments in my "Comment notebook." Which is all grand. It's not that my only goal in creating art is to sell, sell, sell. However, once in a while a sale can be the kindest compliment, and the most positive reinforcement that people actually like my work, rather than just being polite. I guess I was hoping to at least sell one piece, to cover the costs I spent on framing supplies etc.
Now that I think of it, I guess there's no way to make my point without sounding really greedy.
All I'm saying is I'm getting a bit wary as to whether or not I'm supposed to be doing art. I guess this wouldn't bother me so much... except that in 8 weeks I have to put up my senior show. That means I have to crank out 7 big paintings. Which means I have to search deep and wide for some monumental inspiration (and some more monumental cash).
Oh, Lord have mercy.
I'm sure that all artists, at one time or another, get in a creative rut. But it seems that I've fallen off the creative cliff, and I don't quite know how to get myself out. It doesn't help that I'm forced to paint in an environment where I'm surrounded by 20 other students... my painting class grade depends largely on it. And for some reason that makes me tense.
Anyways, between wedding plans, filled-to-the-brim weekends, classes and sleep, I'm not sure how in the heck I can get these paintings finished. I guess I just need to remind myself: Big is God!
Please pray for me, a sinner. More than anything else, I need motivation, and I need good, pure motives.
6 comments:
The art world is rough and there are so many approaches to art itself that it is hard to know where you fit in or how to find what you need to get some paint on canvas. You can do it though...you have a lot of world around you, a lot going on. Also remember painting doesn't have to be deep or mean something profound. The painter Francis Bacon said something to the effect of, my paintings don't mean anything, i just paint. So, if any of that helps you, good.
Hang in there.
Praying for you over here in Brookline, MA.
Mom,
Thanks for your kind advice... You're right, I have a lot to explore considering the transitions I'm going through in life... Hmm.
Aaron,
You're encouragement is much appreciated as well! Thank you for the reminder that art doesn't have to be "profound." I think that too often there is an unspoken pressure to be profound, when in reality it can just be such a stumbling block. Francis Bacon... his painting of the screaming pope is coming to mind :) I'll keep y'all posted on my art working progress...
Magda,
Nice to "meet" you, thanks for reading! Even more so, thank you for your prayers! What a blessing :)
God bless you each!
Here's an idea from an artist (kind of) to another artist (for real). Close your eyes. With a blank canvas in front of you imagine the colors and shapes related to the emotions you were experiencing when Karl & Carrie were birthing Kirsten. Then paint the transformation of life in a watery dark womb to the bright light of life. A theological metaphor perhaps?
"imagine the colors and shapes related to the emotions you were experiencing when Karl & Carrie were birthing Kirsten...."
Ooohhh. I like this idea! (I might even be tempted to buy this piece!)
I fell of a creative cliff once... for over a year, I made next to no art. I did other things. I didn't know it, but I was filling my creative well, which had been drained dry. If I may be so bold as to offer a little advice: take time, like you did at the monastary. When you can, go alone. Your friends, your man and your family will understand. Turn down one dinner date or one computer hour, and seek creative healing. Drink in the work of other artists, go for a hike, see an artsy movie with just yourself. Inspiration comes when you let yourself refill.
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