This year, I've decided to live my artistic life out loud. I'm practicing out loud, dressing the part- out loud, sharing my failure- out loud, and celebrating my wins- out loud. And wow, it can be hard to do.
There are so many times, artists are seen as some mysterious beings, hiding away from the public eye until everything is perfect. Instagram worthy. Epic. Amazing. It's a bit unnerving to never see the reality or the process that goes into the work. I think this cloak of secrecy isn't healthy for the artist or the general public. Many in the profession concur with me on this and when I'm talking to friends not involved in artistic endeavors, I see agreement there too.
So for me? I'm taking steps to tear down these walls. I've taken to posting daily works on Facebook or works in progress. I generally advertise to everyone I can that I'm an artist even before introducing myself with a title of my day job. Anyone that knows me can probably tell you what shows I've entered this year and which I got into or which ones I didn't. I think transparency is the key to success. My friends and acquaintances know who I am. When I show up, even as "Mom" to my daughters' events, I wear my art on my sleeve. Heck, I decided yesterday when getting tested for COVID to wear a cape and top hat. (indeed I did.) There is honestly no reason to NOT be who you really are and live it out loud.
When I decided to paint "Chores", I was hesitant to share. It's a personal piece for me. What if no one gets it? What is that weird thing? Who is that guy? Snow isn't really green and trees aren't purple. How could I put this out for the world to pick at if they don't know what it is? I shared it anyway. People got it. Many knew what it was. Some shared memories surrounding a gravity box. Others told me they loved the corn. No one mentioned green snow. It was still unnerving. I've entered this into a show in Adrian, MI. Hope I get in. I might not. You just never know.
I think my efforts to share everything are paying off. No, I'm not selling every sketch or getting into every show but I do believe I am inspiring others. That matters. Recently, a woman contacted me, telling me because she was seeing my art regularly on social media, she decided to give it a go. She's been painting AND posting now for over a month and there is so much joy she is able to share. Family from afar tells me how much they look forward to my next piece. Even strangers across the country have reached out to thank me for my work, explaining how this piece or that piece touched them in some way.
I am continually inspired by others. One of my artist friends- Jim Zalewski (of Artist Touch Gift Shop and Jim Zalewski Artist Studio Gallery) can be found on any given day with paint and brushes out in local establishments painting out loud. I envision more of us getting out there and living a bit closer to our true selves. Ripping off the shroud of secrecy. Living out loud. Putting it all out there.
Upcoming Events:
"All Things Bright and Growing" at Schedel Arboretum & Gardens
April 1- May 29
-Reception April 10th 2p (free)
"Water Wonderland of Michigan" at River Raisin National Battlefield Park in Monroe, MI
April 2- May 8
-Grand Opening Gala April 1 6p $25 pre-purchase/$30 at the door
Ford House Paint Out at Ford House Grosse Pointe Shores
May 14 starting at 8a with a garden reception in the evening (so fancy!)
I really hope to see you there. If anyone needs additional info, holler.
Les.
