My Fave Monday...I'm an artist
It's Monday already? How did that happen? (okay, that's called a rhetorical question, please keep reading) I swear lately, the weeks go by so fast I'm forgetting what day it was yesterday after realizing what day it is today.
I just got back from a fantastic weekend spent with family and I'm slowly coming down from the happiness high that lingers when you surround yourself with the comfort of familiarity and the people you love unconditionally. It really is the best to be with those you love the most.
I think out of everything that goes with seeing those you care so much about, it's the catching up that catches me off guard. Outside of my home I don't work. I don't have that nine to five I can articulate into a scheduled conversation. It's a difficult dynamic for me. I don't know about you but when someone asks me what I do and I tell them "I make stuff" their first response is usually "well, you must have too much time on you hands". Instead of a light bulb, it's more like a question mark over their head and they don't get it. And I don't know how to explain it any better than I already have.
I can't speak for anyone else but to me, the things I make are art. I am an artist. I am a writer. I write about the the things I make and a whole lot of other stuff that maybe no one other than another artist can understand. It's a bit frustrating at times.
I don't know how else to explain it and wonder often how everyone else does, or even if it's an issue. So, this Monday's post goes out to the artist in all of you! It would be nice to know how it is you feel you're perceived and what it is you tell those around you of your art. I'm curious. Enlighten me!
Oh, and want to see the card I made for a challenge? It's this one:
Pretty and simple spring like :)
I just got back from a fantastic weekend spent with family and I'm slowly coming down from the happiness high that lingers when you surround yourself with the comfort of familiarity and the people you love unconditionally. It really is the best to be with those you love the most.
I think out of everything that goes with seeing those you care so much about, it's the catching up that catches me off guard. Outside of my home I don't work. I don't have that nine to five I can articulate into a scheduled conversation. It's a difficult dynamic for me. I don't know about you but when someone asks me what I do and I tell them "I make stuff" their first response is usually "well, you must have too much time on you hands". Instead of a light bulb, it's more like a question mark over their head and they don't get it. And I don't know how to explain it any better than I already have.
I can't speak for anyone else but to me, the things I make are art. I am an artist. I am a writer. I write about the the things I make and a whole lot of other stuff that maybe no one other than another artist can understand. It's a bit frustrating at times.
I don't know how else to explain it and wonder often how everyone else does, or even if it's an issue. So, this Monday's post goes out to the artist in all of you! It would be nice to know how it is you feel you're perceived and what it is you tell those around you of your art. I'm curious. Enlighten me!
Oh, and want to see the card I made for a challenge? It's this one:
Pretty and simple spring like :)
So the next time someone asks you what you do, tell them you are an artist and a writer. I really hate it when people belittle like that... "you have too much time on your hands.." Really? Give me a break. People will marginalize what they don't understand. I love the things you make and your writing - keep going!
ReplyDeleteI hear you! I also don't work outside of the home. We do have a home based business however i no longer have much to do with it. I heard it said by someone very cleverly at a scrapbooking convention that she calls herself a LIFE ARTIST. And i thought hmmmm I like that and it's so true. We take the memories of our family life and life around us and preserve it for generations. We share that gift (as art in any form is a gift)with our loved ones, our friends, and with many people in the world some of whom we may never meet but have touched thru this artform. So Adelle that's what I am - a LIFE ARTIST and a Domestic Engineer (an at home wife lol).
DeleteI'm a writer. Plain and simple. If they ask further questions, I tell them: I write books, blogs, and book reviews. Make up what you will say before you say it, so that it doesn't take you by surprise.
ReplyDeleteGreat Feedback! Thanks for the comments :)
ReplyDeleteWell Adelle, as they say great minds think alike :) the very thing you mention about being an artist has been on my mind too and I am just about convinced that being an artist is like being happy, it's an inside job. For some strange reason the words "I am an artist" do not fall easily out of my mouth. I don't know why. People tell me often enough that I am good at the things I paint and create but I just haven't been convinced until recently. I guess I was hung up on thinking that artists have to produce totally original creations or ideas. I am terrific at copying but sometimes lack in originality. But I ramble, I am glad to know other artists :) think about this.
ReplyDeleteHave a very blessed day!
Jana
www.janabailey.blogspot.com
Thanks for your perspective Jana! I really appreciate it. I couldn't agree with you more about "being happy". Love that way of thinking! :)
ReplyDeleteLove your thoughts. I remember last year looking up 'artist' in the dictionary to see if I fit the meaning. I didn't. Then I did a Christy Tomlinson class (can't remember which one). She said if you create you are an artist. I decided then and there that I create. Sometimes I create things with paint, paper, fabric, ink, etc and other times I create with flowers (I pick some from my garden and put into a vase), I light candles all around the living room, I bake a birthday cake for my chidlren in whatever design they ask for. All this is creating so I now call myself an artist. I find it hard to say to others but inside my heart I know I am an artist and I guess that is what is important. Thanks for posing this question on your blog and facebook. It is wonderful to hear others perspective on this.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your comment. What is inside our hearts is what matters, I appreciate you reminding me of that! :)
ReplyDelete