Fear. Is there such a thing as the fear of success? Yes and no. As I have been pondering what I consider a big decision in my life I have come face to face with fear. It is not a brand new thing. I have faced that particular darkness more times than I care to examine. From infancy on there have been multiple reasons to have fear. Most have been very warranted. Other times my mind just ran with it and made it feel insurmountable and very confusing. Confusion and indecision often go hand in hand with fear. One would think that intellect alone can combat fear. It sure does help. So does fresh perspective and knowledge. But we also need wisdom. In the case of Artists and success in it you first have to determine what your definition of artistic success is. Is it having time,resources,ability to create? Is success being recognized by some or many as an artist? Is success selling art on a regular basis? Is it making enough money at it to be a side hustle or an actual living? What about being stinking rich,selling your pieces for exorbitant amounts of money….never wanting for anything again?. What is possible? What is realistic? Where do you start? Setting goals is a great idea as long as you don’t become too rigid or lax. Gaining knowledge in your field is important. Peer interaction is essential. Taking steps each day,re- assessing motives,circumstances and goals is very important. When the “what-ifs” hits you must quiet yourself . Becoming centered on your goals and the steps that you need to accomplish those goals is vital. Complacency and laziness must not be allowed to fester. Will it be easy? Probably not. But then again it may become easier as you learn and progress in your journey. It is a journey after all. It is the traveling that must be enjoyed . Take the time to learn,grow,change. Small things added together make the difference for good or for bad. Choose to be proactive. That in itself is a worthy endeavor. Let’s take this walk together,shall we?
How to enjoy the little things
This morning I’ve been pattering around the kitchen doing little things for our Thanksgiving Dinner. Last night my partner came home after work with a grin on his face. “I found you your chestnuts!!” he exclaimed ashe handed them to me… I looked at him and told him ” this is the best thing you’ve ever brought home for me! Thankyou!” You see for years I’ve recalled warm chestnuts and making chestnut dressing for the holidays…such heart warming memories of My amazing Children and my Dear Husband who’s passed on to be with the Lord, memories of my precious Mother, my childhood, my Grand Parents… My Grandcildren. So roasting chestnuts and setting down to peel and savor a few of these sweet meats and adding some to the dressing just made me feel as happy as a clam. The smell ,the taste,the feel of them…my mind wandered over both happy and hard times. All of which as life does mingled together. My heart melted. I became very grateful for the totality of my life thus far. For me it’s always been “The little things” a set table,candles lit,a blooming Christmas cactus, chestnuts family both near and far. Details in life as in art are important.. the background often fades as the focal point comes into view.. we try to lead our viewers to see and interpret what our subject truly is. Many times our art is not seen or understood the way we had imagined. Thats why it is art.. it is open to interpretations. They say “the devil is in the details” . Well I say that God is in the details. I suppose it’s simply perspective. Yet I am not unaware that although my life has often not only been difficult but sometimes almost unbearable…it has also “worked together for good” .( Roman’s 8:28 ). I choose to focus on the good. The battles won. The things I’m grateful for are both great and small. I’d like you to pause today as you read this. Find your joy in the little things you have enjoyed. Think on those things. And have a brighter day.
Wasting Time
Here I sit at a medical center waiting for an appointment. It seems to me that this kind of waiting can be excruciatingly slow and monotonous. So what do you do with this time? Fidget? Check Facebook or messages?…. its not a set amount of time that can easily be scheduled for. I could have brought a book. Meh. I don’t have ” pick up work” with me. I should start a couple different ” pick up work” bags to carry with me…like embroidery, a small sketchbook, a bit of the quilt blocks I’m ever so slowly working on. Not having pre-planned something for an unexpected wait I decided to write a blog about the subject of time itself. We all have only a finite amount of time here in this life. A plan of action should really be made and implemented. Let’s see… I’m this old. How long do I reasonably expect to have the physical and mental capacities to create? What is my legacy as far as my Art goes? What is imperative to work on first? What are my daily blocks of time available for Art? For daily chores? For writing, working on my website, studio time? What if I get the flu or a cold? Will I be able to meet my seasonal deadli es? How often can I video chat or otherwise communicate, spend time with both my family and my friends? I enjoy so many things. I want to do so many things. And then there’s social media for my Art, my family and friends, just plain “down time. Oh my goodness. And research and reference material… cooking new recipies, baking, planning Christmas? What about “devotions/ meditation? How about you? Do you live with a disability? Depression, anxiety, pain etc? Can you forsee a time when these could seriously impact your quality of life? How about your ability to create? I think I personally need to address these things in detail. Consider joining me on this? Let’s get moving people! 🙂 May you have a brighter Day.
Being Thankful
It’s a few days before Thanksgiving here in the United States. My mind has been prioritizing the food and chore preparations. I’m making two pies. One pumpkin. The other half cherry,half blueberry. Also I’m making stuffing with sautéed onions and celery, boiling potatoes for real mashed potatoes . It will be just the two of us as our family is in another state for the most part. ( I never thought that would occur! ) I always set the table with the “good China and silverware, grammas cut glass accessories, candles, cloth napkins. What I consider ” a proper table” as taught to me by my Grandmother and Dear Mother. Our parents and grand parents are passed on. We have fond childhood memories of each. Both of our spouses are also with the Lord. We are exceedingly grateful for them being a part of our lives even now in our hearts and memories. We are here for eachother in our mourning and in our learning to live without them present in this world. Each of us has children and grandchildren whom we adore. Keeping in touch with them ( as they can tolerate…hehe ) is a priority. Maybe we will only receive a text this Thanksgiving. That’s OK. It means they are alive, busy, healthy, living their own lives as we raised them to do. We must have done something right :). Present in our home with us are two wonderful canines. Constant companions 24×7 even on vacations. We are already planning and saving for our trip next year to visit most of the family. We have a warm safe home , food to eat, clothes to wear. We do things we enjoy. This morning we were starting to plan our garden for next year… My studio and art supplies are waiting for me. My plans are to make ornaments and handmade cards for the children and grandchildren to mail out soon. I may do baking today as tomorrow will be interrupted by a medical appointment. I wonder what plans you may have and what you are thankful for. You don’t have to be in a certain religion, or specific region , or have perfect circumstances to feel grateful. Just recognizing that your heart is beating and you are breathing means you have a new day. This moment is precious. Even if filled with unpleasant things, problems, challenges…it can be a pivotal moment of attitude, change, decision making, planning, experiencing. Please recognize your opportunities. Have a beautiful Day. Happy Thanksgiving! May your life be blessed.
Face painting is so rewarding
Motivation
Sometimes….you just don’t “feel” it. There is no spark. No ideas meandering around your brain. Burn out. So what do you do to encourage that flare of desire to create? Hmmm….? Input I find is very important . Try watching diy art videos…either in your preferred media or something out of your comfort zone. Also… peruse other artists work. Google,even the search on Facebook. Definitely YouTube can offer ideas for subject matter or insightful color combinations.. using your smart phones screen image can save these for future reference. Constructive descriptions of a work of art can also -even if not actually commented- can spurr on your minds artistic voice thereby stimulating your creative ideas. I often search for art contests to get ideas on subject matter. When all else fails simply pick a subject that makes you happy or that you excel in and simply sit down at your table and start. Even a straightforward preparation of materials,size,and composition can motivate you as you consider the next steps in producing a finished work. How about taking a day and concentrating on cleaning and organizing your work area and supplies? Make a mental note of locations. Make a list of needed or desired supplies. And give yourself time. Permission to take a hiatus, a subatical whether this is for a day,week or months if you will. Relax. Do some self care. “Just do it” really does apply in this situation. I hope this helps you to contue creating beautiful works.. Let’s get creative .Have a beautiful day!
Julia Baker-Waite Art 