When faced with the proposal to contribute to the Daily Art blog for 2012 my inital reaction was overwhelm ("How will I fit in one more commitment?"), self-doubt ("My co-contributers are so artistically talented, and across a spectrum of mediums, what can I really contribute?"), and the weighty pull of inertia ("I haven't taken pictures for artistic sake in so long, I probably won't do it now: Drink the kool-aid, shelter in place, continue to play on FB."). These were my reasons NOT to participate, but it dawned on me that these should be the very reasons TO participate. I've been in an artistic rut, I have never considered myself artistic and it is easy to dismiss my photographic exploits as a hobby that anyone with sufficient equipment could replicate.I sell myself short, I know, and I am not looking for validation or reassurances, I'm simply wrestling with those pieces of myself that seek to minimize; my natural tendancies to dismiss my efforts as common and undistinguished. I hold myself up against great talents and say "yeah, I'm okay, but no great shakes". What I realize is that it is OKAY to simply be, to create what I create and if I'm the only person who enjoys it, great, because I enjoy it.
So, here's my first contribution of the year, a serenade of sunset colors: Painted by nature, but for such a fleeting time that the painting now only exists as my photo.
Gorgeous Rachel. We sure have been treated to amazing skies during this strange and wondrous "winter". This is a really lovely capture.
ReplyDeleteEven if we don't do this every day, we can still use it as an impetus to making art. I haven't been making that time in my life lately either. Glad you're here muddling through with me!
Rachel, sweet lady, your work has always been fascinating to me. I completely understand where you are coming from with all of your comments. But we as artists, no matter what medium we like to play with are still at our very core, artists. Our love of what we do comes through always. Be true to yourself. And remember, you are a great talent! (regardless of what you think, cause I said so lol!!!)
ReplyDeleteThank you ladies! It's good to be here with you.
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