Authenticity

The washi tape on the bottom of this piece refers to Chopin's Authenticity of One in G flat major, but I'm using the title to refer to a conversation we had at my last workshop where I did this piece as a demo. The conversation was about workshop participants and the work they create in that workshop- whether it is theirs or not. My philosophy in teaching is about showing and explaining new techniques and helping people foster their own voice with what they've learned. Classes where the students copy their teacher's work may have its place, but not with me.  I want to shake loose new ideas from people's minds but in their style and their own time frame.  I think I do that. I want you to create your own work, to show, share and sell. I love getting emails from you showing me your latest creations! Keep the authenticity coming!

Authenticity, 12" x 12"

An Apple A Day

Ever since I've had my own studio, I've said that any day in the studio is a good day. My first studio was in the basement when I was 9. I took old curtains and rods, hung them from the ceiling and created spaces for myself and my sister that we could call our own. My parents let me use and paint a huge (over engineered) drafting table that my great-grandfather made. We played. We made stuff. We gave the stuff away to the people we loved. 

Gratefully, not much has changed. Tuesday I spent time taking apart and redoing a 16 year old painting of an apple that I had given to my grandparents. I got it back after they both passed and I've known for a while that I would find the right new home for this little symbol of healthy eating. I just hadn't realized it would be mine! It's a little gift for my apple loving, health conscious husband as he embarks on training for his next marathon; maps included. 

I've always known that art and creating things (in all its forms including motherhood) is what I'm meant to do. Paulo Coelho calls this your 'personal legend;' Joseph Campbell, 'your bliss;' Eckhart Tolle, 'your purpose.'  I agree with these writers that all people in their hearts really know their personal legend, and that suffering comes when we ignore the signs and choose not to live that purpose. So don't listen to the voices that say it can't be done. Do what fills your heart full with joy. Then share it with people. And when that love comes back, give it again. I guarantee that it will bring you bliss. 

30x30x30 Challenge: Days 16 thru 18

Artismovingnow.com is having a 30for30equals30 Challenge. And I'm doing it! Join me and post your work. I want to see it! #30for30equals30 Have fun and show me what you make! Post it on my facebook page. See blog posts Day 1 and 2 for the details about the challenge!