“We are not just executors of our work; we live our work.” Pablo Picasso
The Holidays are upon us and each day brings a new “To Do” list. But I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. It has been 9 days since I taught my last class for this year and did any art work. It has been since right after my last “Blog” that I was able to be in my Studio for art making purposes.
Peace on Earth (Last class demo.)
Some of us are addicted to the creative process and need that fix, and although I am very good about scheduling my studio time, and don’t give it up often, so much has been going on, I have not had time. There was the holiday decorating, gift buying and wrapping, the dreaded trip to the Post Office to stand in line, a quick trip up north to visit family, which included a 7-mile hike around NYC to see all the sights, the excitement of their first snow, cookie baking, holiday gatherings, and now, the celebration itself. As much fun as this holiday season has been, I need to paint!
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I have a lot of new supplies pilled in my studio just waiting to be used. There has been a lot of stimuli, with all that has happened, which has sparked new ideas that I am bursting to try. I am having art withdrawal! And, although I have put creative energy in other areas of my life, it is not like painting in the studio.
I have looked at that “To Do list, checked it twice, and I have scheduled myself studio time. I am counting the days…On Thursday December 28th you will find me in my studio. No “To Do’s” on that day! The company will be gone, and the “business of art” for this month will be taken care of. It’s in BIG red letters, on the calendar. PAINT!
The business of art is unfortunately an important part of being connected to the creative arts. You need to get those creative works out there, and get people interested in viewing them and purchasing them. I know all the right things to do, but getting that part done is a challenge for me. it takes time away from painting. Some days I think…let my kids deal with all these paintings when I am gone. But, that does not pay the supply bills. Nor, does it get a dialogue going with the public. We create to have that dialogue, so attending to the business of art is really important.
Making art keeps me grounded. It is at my center…whether the product turns out to be good, bad, or indifferent, the process keeps me centered in my world. It is part of who I am.
“There are moments in our lives, there are moments in a day, when we seem to see beyond the usual. Such are the moments of our greatest happiness. Such are the moments of our greatest wisdom. If one could recall his vision by some sort of sign. It was in this hope that the arts were invented. Sign-posts on the way to what may be. Sign-posts to greater knowledge.” Robert Henri
No matter which holiday you are celebrating, or how you are doing it, I hope it brings you joy, love, and peace. May each of you have a very “Creative New Year”. Happy Holidays!
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