Heart Your Art: The Finale

It's been a long month! I am so not used to posting this much. I need a blog-nap.

I'd like to say a big Thank You to all the artists who allowed us a peek into their journey and to all those who commented here and through email! I'd also like to thank Kim - although she wasn't available for the interview, she did create this worthy post. I think, all together, we helped the campaign accomplish its goal - helping us to Heart Our Art or at least get closer to it!

I want to leave you with some thoughts, some quotes, and some art........

Some thoughts from my journal: October 2007

I have a feeling that this self-love, this self-acceptance, this hearting of me and of what I create is a lifetime process. There will be strides made, hills climbed, mountains conquered. And there will be valleys camped in, forests lost in, deserts survived in. The fullness of it perhaps will not be reached in the here and now. And that's perfectly okay with me. But perhaps it will.

I'm gonna keep going. See what happens. I know there is so much luscious'ness to be found. And I will find it.

~~

Some quotes:

I'm more a movie/tv quoter than a book quoter, so here goes -

"You can't second guess yourself as a designer and an artist and you really just have to be 100% confident in who you are and just go for it." Blane from Project Runway (tv)

~~

"Why did you call me a loser?"

"You try too hard. Winners forget that they're in a race...they just love to run." With Honors (movie)

~~

"You value yourself only as others value you which is often the result of unmet childhood emotional needs." Big Bang Theory (tv)

~~

"There are no rules you can follow. You have to go by instinct and you have to be brave." How to Make an American Quilt (movie)

~~

"Write a first sentence. Then write a second. Kiss men if you want to. Horrify your parents!!" Evening (movie)

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"Everybody in their life is on a journey of discovering who they really can be. That's a tremendous opportunity. Every moment! People hear calls all the time! And one of the ways that you know it's a call is the first reaction is, 'not me', 'I can't do it.' That's how you know actually it's the beginning of a heroic journey. The self-doubt is essential. It's no big deal to say, 'Okay, I'm going to have dinner tonight.' But the real call, the real call is something 'I can't do', 'It's beyond me.' That is the invitation. That's the beginning of the journey." Irwin Kula from New Morning (tv)

~~

Some more thoughts:

I think that's the biggest lesson I've learned through this journey: the struggle is part of it (period). There is no WHOLE without it. There is no going around it....only through. No one can pep-talk us totally out of it, permanently. We must accept its bony grasp on our shoulder. We must give ourselves to its chilly embrace. It has wisdom to gift us with and we must thank it for our growth.

Being an artist of any kind is not easy in any sense (although some people may think so, "Oh big deal, you paint."). But it has it's great rewards, perhaps they will not be monetary, but that doesn't mean they aren't to be sought and claimed as ours.

We are deserving of our own love and affection, our own gratitude and respect. It's up to us to give it to ourselves regardless of what anyone else does or doesn't do.

We will never appreciate the beauty and magnitude of the mountain top, if we do not crawl and wander and fight and bleed our way through the thorny valley.

I accept the challenge. Will you?

~~

Some art:


I've already dissed this woman several times. I just kept forgetting to put her up here! But I did put a peek of her before. She's actually completed....can you believe it? Me, finishing a painting! :)


Back to my norm.....these are so unfinished, but beautiful! Next week, while I'm taking my blog-nappy next week, I vow to finish every painting that's not finished (except for the one I want to put a tattoo on......I still cannot find those things....go figure, you clean up your studio and then can't find stuff! :)















I'm grateful that we shared this journey.

~I wish you magick always~
Melissa

Interview 10: Zorana

When I hear the name Zorana, I think of mysterious lands and gypsy women (who wouldn't, her name just evokes it). I also think of stunning art!

Her blog, Zoranaland, is overflowing with gorgeous images that quickly inspire my hands to grab a paint brush. Oh the TEXTURE I want to crawl inside of! The Color that pleases my eyes and amazes my mind! The Beauty that feeds my soul! The Words that reflect my friends Feeling, Experience, Spirit! (Can you tell I'm in love with her art?)

Zorana may be a bit mysterious, but there is no question in my mind of the level of her talent. Check out her etsy shop, you'll see it too!


The past:

How long have you been arting?

I started painting seven years ago when I was suddenly left with a ton of free time (children that started school and no work).

Have you always hearted your art or did you struggle to do so?

I never thought that I was creative, so in the beginning I was extra happy that I could paint anything... The struggle came later. I easily go from thinking that what I painted is the best thing ever to feeling like I have no talent and nothing to offer. Most of the time I'm somewhere in between.

If you did struggle, how long did it take for you to heart your art?

I think it's an ongoing process. We all have the loud, annoying inner critic. Maybe that's what helps us strive for better, more and helps us evolve. I wonder if there are people out there that are so confident that they really, deep inside heart their art all the time...

What was the process you went through?

I understood that I don't have to heart everything I create. I love the process of creating.

Has there ever been a time when you stopped arting because of this struggle?

In the middle of 2009. I think I was overwhelmed by all the art I see on the internet. I felt like I can't compete, so I stopped.

If so, how long was it before you returned?

Two months. Not long...

How did you begin again?

Sharon (Norah's art) came for a visit, we went to two amazing workshops (Katie Kendrick and Judy Wise). That was more than enough to make me realize that art is a part of who I am and that I cannot stop creating ever again.

Family and Friends:

Is (or was) your family supportive of you and your art?

Very much. They love what I do and show it. They also know that if I don't create for a while I turn into a less pleasant person :-)

How about friends (past and present)?

I don't share my art with my real life friends. I'm much less shy over the computer.

Describe the type of support they have provided?

I love when my husband calls me "his artist". I also love that when I complain about my day job he tells me to quit and make a living with art. Very unrealistic, but extra sweet and means the world to me.

How much influence has your experiences with family and friends had on your own feelings about your art?

I know that the acceptance comes from deep inside. Sometimes all the outside support is not enough to convince me that something is good.

Outside Influence:

How much influence does ‘the outside’ have on your feelings about your art?

Not as much as it did before. I know now that I would create even if no one liked my art. I just probably wouldn't share it.

How does positive feedback affect your feelings?

It gives me wings! I create much more after a good sale or a especially positive feedback.

How do you deal with negative comments?
I don't receive negative comments because people that follow my blog or buy my art are really nice. I would not be able to deal with them...

How do you deal with your art not selling?
To be honest - most of the time I think it's not selling because it's not good enough. I try to do better.

The Now:

What is your current experience with hearting your art?

More and more I heart my art. Or elements of it... Not always.

Do you still struggle?

Sure I do.

What do you do?

Continue to paint.

How do you survive the moment and continue arting?
I don't give it too much thought. I just continue painting. Add a layer. More paint. Try to do better.

Do you compare your work with the work of other artists?
That is never fun.... but I do.

Do you have a process for your inner critic?

Not really. I just move on... There is always a new piece of paper, canvas or wood.

Do you know the ‘what’s the point’ jerk? How do you deal with him?

I hate that one the most, so I splash some gesso over him. That shuts him up.

In what ways do you feel the struggle to heart your art has manifested itself in your life?

Probably in a way that I'm working a boring computer job, not doing what I would really love to do...

Where do you believe this struggle comes from - what do you believe the root is?
Maybe way back from elementary school when I was shy about creating anything. I would draw a tiny figure on a big piece of paper and the teacher would give me a bad grade. It lasted all the way through school... Still trying to overcome that one.

What is your best tip for someone who struggles in this area?

If you feel it in your heart, take the time and do whatever it is that you love. There is a moment when you realize that it's a bigger struggle not to do it, than to continue. Create for yourself and heart the time you spend doing it.

Is there anything further that you’d like to add?

Thank you for this series. It is really great to read all the interviews and learn more about the artists behind them.

Interview 8: Sharon Tomlinson

Last month, I requested an interview with Sharon Tomlinson of All Norah's Art. I was absolutely thrilled when she said YES! My artist path changed immediately when she responded

"The one I'm laughing about is the "What's the point" jerk. That little SOB lives some where in my studio and jumps on my shoulder after EVERY painting. "

REALLY? I hadn't imagined someone whose art takes my breath away could be dealing with that little pain in the butt. I thought it was just me because I was so bad :). But knowing that someone I admire so greatly deals with the same junk I do, made me feel instantly better.

Her blog is a delightful mix of pretty'ness and phun, wisdom and whimsy with Sharon's cool personality shining through every bit. She is as beautiful as her art!

Sharon recently began offering a class (see top right side of her blog). I haven't taken it, but I've read very good reviews.


The past:

How long have you been arting?

That would be hard to say. I think I have always been creative in some way or other. I remember making doll clothes and stuff like that. I also remember my third grade teacher made comments on my report cards about me "day dreaming out the window". I still do that especially when inspiration is churning inside of me. Having said all of that, I remember specifically when my son was about one year old in 1969, I started tole painting and making ceramics. I would say that was the beginning of my obsession of having to have a brush in my hand.

Have you always hearted your art or did you struggle to do so?

I surely must have struggled but I don't have a memory of that. I do remember looking back at my art from time to time and being surprised. Surprised that when I first made the art I thought it was good only to discover "in the moment" that it was not. I still do that; however, now I recognize it as growth and learning.

Has there ever been a time when you stopped arting?

Yes, in the mid 80s, when my children were teenagers, I pretty much stopped my art passion. But my creativity still came out in things I did with them. For example, my son was interested in photography and so we had a darkroom and enjoyed that type of creativity. Also, my daughter was a high school cheerleader and I enjoyed designing and making cheer leading outfits....12 at a time. I also participated in the local theatre for many years. I did everything from acting, directing to painting huge sets and backdrops. Talk about a paint brush in your hand! I used four inch foam brushes and house paint to paint 24 feet by 20 feet backdrop scenes sometimes perched on a 20 foot step ladder. It was very exciting and rewarding to paint on that grand scale.

If so, how long was it before you returned?

I started art as I know it today in the spring of 2006.

How did you begin again?

I was reading blogs. It started with garden blogs and then some of them also told about their quilting. Then one day I landed on a mixed media blog and started hopping from link to link. I was amazed with my discovery. I had a lifetime of various art passions but I had never done anything considered mixed media. A new passion was born.

Family and Friends:

Is (or was) your family supportive of you and your art?

I would say that my confidence in my art was instilled by my Father. I don't remember the words or how he taught me, but I learned from him that I could do anything that I wanted to do. My husband is supportive but not in a verbal way. He being a man of few words. My children are proud.

How about friends (past and present)?

I have had many friends who were very supportive. One in particular during the time before I stopped in the mid 80s was also an artist and she and I enjoyed painting together and learning from each other. Another friend who fits the past and present category thinks I can do anything. When we first met in the 80s, I impressed her with my own tool box. She still remembers that and is a great supportive friend. There are many others.

How much influence has your experiences with family and friends had on your own feelings about your art?

No doubt, there support and encouragement has an effect. I'm sure I have tried and accomplished many things just because my father thought I could.

Outside Influence:

How much influence does ‘the outside’ have on your feelings about your art?

I don't think I am influenced by the outside. Of course positive feedback fuels me. However, I don't seem to hear negative comments or feedback. Now I can't say, there is none. I'm just saying I don't hear it.

How do you deal with your art not selling?

When I have a piece of art that does not sale, I think the right person hasn't seen it yet. For example one of my Sister Reunion paintings about stringing dreams and memories together sat in my Etsy shop for a couple of months. Then one day, the right person saw it and after she purchased it, she sent me an email to tell me why that particular painting meant so much to her. It was as though, the painting was her story and meant only for her. And when she saw it she knew it was meant for her.

The Now:

What is your current experience with hearting your art?

I currently heart everything that I paint. And I heart the feeling after each grand painting that "this one's the best".

Do you still struggle and what do you do?

Sure, there is a point of "struggle" to work through with each piece. But I've learned that you have to keep going and work through it.

How do you survive the moment and continue arting?

For me, if there is a struggle, it is while painting a particular piece. I have learned to expect the conflict and be ready to work through it. I would say that many times the conflict is when I had expectations about the piece. I have learned to start without "expectations" and let the painting speak to me as I enjoy to creative moment.

Do you have a process for your inner critic?

I'm not sure but I surely must. I can tell you that I have a process for "your" inner critic should we be in a teacher/student situation. Me being the teacher and you being the student with that little critic sitting there telling you stuff. I run to the nearest door or window shouting for her to GET OUT and leave you alone. I go on and on, it's obscene, but it works. The whole group learns quickly that those little naysayers are not welcome.

Do you know the ‘what’s the point’ jerk? How do you deal with him?

This question made me laugh. I had no idea that little jerk was known by anyone except me. He is not to be confused with that 'inner critic jerk'. The 'what's the point jerk' visits me often. When I'm all done and so very pleased with myself and my painting and think once again it is the best one yet, he jumps up in my face. I don't have an answer as to how I deal with him, I just find it confusing and have spent many hours pondering the question, what's the point. I could give you a whole list of answers to his question; however, I think I have narrowed down to one answer. The point is to please me. To give me enjoyment. To make me happy. That's all.

Heart Your Art - part 6: Take you out of it

From my journal - March 2009

I was looking around at my studio - just different sections and imagining it as a photograph. A thought popped in my head:

"If someone else put that picture on their blog (or in a book) I would wish mine looked so good."

That's when I realized how beautiful my studio is and how it so reflects my taste. I never/rarely ever give myself enough credit! That's part of the problem!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's a simple trick of the mind: Take yourself out of the question. When it's done with full commitment, it provides instant gratification!

Honestly, that's what's helped me the most. When I finish a piece of art (or semi-finish), the first thing I do is say these exact words to myself: "If someone else posted a picture of this on their blog, what would I think?" My answer is always something like, "I'd think it was beautiful. I'd love it. I'd wish I'd done it." When "me" isn't in it, I can look at something more honestly, more compassionately, more openly. My inner critic doesn't tear down other people's work. It isn't even present in the situation. So, all that's left is my appreciation for beautiful art! It just so happens that it's my art that I'm appreciating! YAY!

I've been doing this for about a year. Each time I asked myself that question and received the positive feedback, I was able to continue making more art. With each painting, I logged more practice time which in turn helped me to learn and grow. I suppose what it really gave me is what all beginning artists need: SPACE and TIME. (or as my friend, Angelique would say, Grace and Space ;) )

The Space of creating without an inner critic on your back allows you to:

~ create without

- useless negative judgment
- perfectionism ruining your chances of progress
- old tapes running in your head
- the fear of it not being 'right' or, worse, of it being plain old WRONG!

~ create with

- a gentle heart, mind, body, soul
- a kind attitude toward yourself, which we often reserve for others
- GLEE!

Here's the catch 22: If I wasn't happy with something I created, I may give up instead of pressing through (hi Sandy ;) ). If I don't press through and practice, I cannot get any better.

Space and Time are friends of practicing, learning, growing.

As time passed and I kept up with this 'mind-game', my confidence has grown and I don't have to 'trick' myself as often. I am getting better, confidence wise and art wise, because I've given myself the gift of acknowledging what I've done as worthy which helps me to keep going. If I've created something beautiful once, I can do it again and again and again and again and again........

So can you!

~magick~
Melissa