Art.. Who needs it?

..You and I !

After returning this week from the UK after visiting my daughter and her husband I have contemplated what has been essential to my lifeblood.

I was reminded while away what was important -despite ever unravelling unsettling world news ..

Spending time with loved ones, paying attention to the greenery and birdsong greeting me each morning . Long walks seemed to smooth over aches and pains and activate my “winter body” once more. An escape from my Canadian snowy grey landscape for a short spell and the ability to leave those extra layers of clothing; hats and mittens behind. Offering my mind a workout of stimuli and navigational problem solving..

Practising my observational skills and taking time to sketch.

As my daughter and partner worked most days it afforded me opportunities to walk their sweet dog and enjoy loosely scheduled days in their environment. Roaming through their lovely historical town I appreciated moments to sit and watch people around me, listen in to their conversations and sketch and make notes.

I also enjoy exploring the wonderful charity shops - but remained mindful of my need to make art as part of my days.

sketching in Hitchin Uk and airport people

Three years into this thing called retirement I have had more time to ponder and examine my motivation for making/selling art. I have worked consistently over 20 years or so to make mixed media art that I enjoyed making -and have been fortunate to have others respond to positively as well. Not everyone of course. (I could recognise that glazed over look when people passed my work by at an art show or live selling opportunity! )When my art was hanging in a gallery -it was another matter. Sometimes it has been legitimized merely by the status of hanging there. Curated and instantly accepted . “It must be great art if it is hung in a gallery” seems to be a common reaction. I have been grateful for these experiences-and I can also understand the public response. I am also highly appreciative of customers who have purchased my art and followed me over the years from my online presence. I feel both paths are equally of value !

Art is so subjective -and fortunately there are endless techniques and styles and subjects of art to suit every taste. It often is a mystery how some art is priced so very high -and others not.

sketching on the go (with a couple of bird sketches from reference )

When I talk to other artists, particularly of “my vintage”I learn how much we have been influenced over the years to stick to the program. ..That the summit to be reached for success and fulfilment as an artist is to :

• have a solo exhibit in a gallery

• sell lots of your art $

• be published in a magazine or art review

• accomplish or cultivate authority through fame and demand.

  Somewhere between the notion of a starving artist and the concept of the so called Successful artist- most of us lie somewhere in between . :-)

  So many of the above aspirations involve being at the mercy and folly of others judgement. That gold seal of approval.

  Are we only successful when our art is sold? Can that possibly be the only measuring stick to personal success? Does someone with status or notoriety have to say that our art is of merit for it to get the audience it deserves?

  (I call this The Emperor’s new Clothes factor!)

What often stifles our creativity can be the judgement and or the opinion of others.

In a consumer oriented society some may have difficulty seeing the value of art.

So Why even bother ..you might say if you experience that feeling of working in isolation - yet nervous about getting out there with your art. Or perhaps you participate in a show and you don’t sell anything- your expectations may be potentially crushed enough to stop making. ..Or a well meaning friend or family member says something about your art that is hurtful . If you are further along in life you may wonder if your art or your own artist persona is a fit for the changing world.

Envy of other artist’s path can also inhibit. As lovely as it is to follow other artists you admire -does their style of art and evidence of “success’ also hold you back. (Or do you find yourself consuming your time scrolling..)

Then there are the questions about who has the talent? Are you born with “talent”?

I enjoyed this newsletter from artist …

Lisa Burda

On Talent

and artist

Amy Stewart

There's No Such Thing as Talent

I believe now that making art is about putting the time in. I think we need to make up our own rules for ourselves.and how we put our art out into the world!

Finding a medium you like to work in -and doing more of it..and or experimenting with different styles and mediums until you find one that fits.

Make art as often as you possibly can .

Learning can and should be continuous.

Reaching out to your artist peers for support, acknowledgement and kinship

Feel the joy.

Your joy shines through your work -and acts like a beam to connect with those who “get’ what you do and respond to it. Your art is also about you.

We all walk our own paths. If you are like me and find the time you devote to your craft- whatever you make is important for your well being.

If you are dedicated and have patience then the rest can happen -Whether you decide to sell your art, show your art , or make it to keep that side of yourself calm and content -and fulfilled.

So for 2025.. My wish for you is not a goal or resolution -rather to cultivate and maintain a deep appreciation for yourself as a creative being . You enrich the world with your art!

Keep on keeping on !

Thank you for reading Ageless Artist

Heather

If you would like to take a look at my shop ..(Our postal service is in action again !)

this way to my art

Also if you are interested in group meetups with other ageless artists, art challenges ,cbusiness chats and more you might consider joining our jetpack club ..

https://open.substack.com/pub/artistjetpack/p/now-is-the-time?r=1wftbk&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false