Up until recently I've felt really uncomfortable calling myself an artist.
In my mind the term was reserved for a very small group of people. These people had beautiful studios in old warehouses with soaring windows and exposed pipes and beams. They dressed a certain way, ate certain foods, read certain books, watched certain movies, and only associated with other artists. They were tortured souls who could only express themselves through their work. So passionate about their craft that they were willing to live a life of poverty to devote their life to doing what they love. They were a brooding bunch, bordering on anti-social. They were eccentric and delighted in shocking others. I have clearly watched too many movies that romanticize the tortured artist. I chuckle now, reflecting on my silly notion of what I thought an artist was. Over the last two years I have significantly shifted my perceptions. I have taken painting and drawing courses from wonderful, beautiful people who are anything but tortured. They are joyful and lovely and so willing to share their knowledge with others. Many working artists I've met have day jobs. They work in law firms and factories and offices to earn their primary income, working on their art in the evenings or on the weekends. There are no special artist foods or artist clothing. There isn't a reading list and you don't have to limit your movie watching to indie or foreign films. Many use their art as an outlet to express their emotions, including joy and sadness, excitement and boredom. And yes, there are a few tortured souls who pour their angst and anger into their work. I've also come to realize you don't have to earn your living from making art to be an artist. My friend who makes baked goodies, decorated in the most amazing ways is an artist. An acquaintance who makes super cool metal sculptures by welding and pouring molten metal is an artist. A friend who does intricate collage, sometimes using the work of other artists, is an artist. People who dabble on the weekend because they love the messy joy of painting in a personal art journal are also artists. My point is, I was using a silly, narrow description of what it meant to be an artist. An artist is more than an occupation. Its a state of mind. Anyone who is passionate about creating something is an artist. I am an artist.
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I dropped off my work Friday for the Emergence show at Chartreuse Muse in Modesto. There were some really cool pieces submitted by other local artists and I'm excited to see how they choose to display all of the pieces together.
It's also a bit unnerving. Will people like my work? Will someone like a piece enough to buy it? Did I price my art too high? Too low? How will I compare against the other artists? Will I be a one hit art show wonder? Prime material for my inner critic to work with. Thankfully I don't depend on selling my art to pay the bills so the situation is low risk. On the positive side, how many people are invited to participate in a gallery show!?! That's a pretty cool deal. I was thrilled to be asked to participate in the show, and will be over the moon if a piece sells so I can feed my art supply habit. At worst I will experience a slight blow to my ego, but nothing I can't eventually get over. If you're in the Modesto area, please visit Chartreuse Muse to support local emerging artists. For those of you too far away to make it to the show in person, you can be sure I'll post lots of updates and pictures over the next six weeks. Cheers, Adele |
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About the ArtistI am a self-taught mixed media artist with a passion for vibrant color and lots of texture. My hope is that my paintings will inspire joy, and encourage others to connect with their inner artist. Archives
March 2020
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