AHA: Fifty by Fifty

FIFTY BY FIFTY

I decided on the way I will meet my goal of 50 x 50 -which is to do fifty similarly sized pieces of art by the time I am fifty years old with a portion of the profits going to charity. My grand concepts are just not feasible in the time left before my birthday (about 6 or so weeks) but I do have a good start on the amount of Literary Ladies I would need to complete in order to meet the goal and I love creating them. Also I think seeing 50 all together could be really cool. You know how when you people watch and are amazed at the variety -so many sizes, colors, and shapes. Quite exciting!

I just need a little more diversity in my sacrificial paperbacks so it calls for a quick trip to Goodwill. Pete and I picked up my Dad this afternoon so he could come along for the ride. Goodwill is my father's favorite store and since he has been so sick other than going to doctor's visits and two outings to the big pier, Dad pretty much hasn't gotten out of the house in months. This made a nice change of scenery for him.

I was hoping to find something by Walt Whitman, Ralph Waldo Emerson, or Henry David Thoreau but that was a long shot and didn't pan out so instead I got the Secret Garden and Pride and Prejudice. Two of my favorites. If only I hadn't sold most of my old paperback classics in a yard sale several years ago (for a quarter no less) but alas if I kept everything I might one day want, it wouldn't take long and I'd be a certified hoarder. If I'm not using it now then I should give it away so someone else who can. Besides between thrift stores and Amazon, it is often less expensive to purchase something when you actually need it than to store it. (Of course there is an exceptions for anything holding special memories or that I am certain I will need within the immediate future)

Sharing a few selfies with my ladies. The top pic shows the two I did today with my new paperbacks!

My Happy Place

I am trying to get everything together for the Peter Anderson Arts and Crafts Festival in Ocean Springs first part of November. I still have lots to do and with Dad in the hospital, jury duty, work ...ie life, it is a bit overwhelming. The biggest item I have left is to purchase a tent. I’ve been waiting on payday but I’m a touch nervous on timing. I could just let it all go (except obviously the tent) as I have lots of paintings to offer but I really want it to feel abundant and cohesive with something to purchase at lots of price points. I want it to grab your attention then entice you to come in and fall in love with a special piece.

I am wrestling with insecurities when it comes to being an artist but you know right now I really like my art. Sometimes I get too much inside my own head - Is it too kitschy and crafty? Is it ok to sell fun little ornaments and cards as well as more serious canvases?

I want to evolve and experiment but to also have my own style which is uniquely me. Individual and distinctive. I want it to come organically and not be contrived or forced. I want painting to be fun and joyful because if it isn’t then why bother. Really. There are so many useful things I should be doing. It is my guilty pleasure. Yes, sometimes I do at times feel guilty about the time I spend in my studio. But it is my escape... my dream world... my playground. The outside world with all its pressures and expectations just disappear. I am happy. My art is my happy place.

There is this strange paradox. I create for myself but desire the validation of others wanting my work. I feel like a mom taking her daughter to kindergarten (or maybe Jr. High -even scarier) for the first time. So hoping the other children will like her and befriend her. So hoping she’ll find her niche and be accepted.

Well, we will see. Go little artwork, get out there. Have wings. You can do it.

So with fingers crossed and paint in my hair, I say Farewell for now :)

(Prayers for my beloved Dad, Carey would be greatly appreciated: Pray that the doctors would figure out what is the root to his problems, that is would be treatable/curable, that the doctors would come up with a plan for treatment, and that he would be healed. Thanks)