Thursday, October 28, 2010

Thursday Thoughts...

To create one's own world in any of the arts takes courage
Georgia O'Keeffe


I don't know much about Georgia O'Keeffe but my brief investigations indicate she was a talented and bold artist, with a beautiful sense of style, colour and lines.


This quote seems very real to me. The more I do, the more I realise that I need to be sure that I am doing my work, telling my story and reflecting my view of the world.

It is sometimes hard not to look around and be in awe of somebody else's work and think 'I wish I could do that' or 'I might try that'. Whilst it is wonderful to be inspired by someone, or relate to their work; in the end, I am responding to their work; not creating my own.

I have come to accept that the folk who really 'get' my work are a niche within a niche and that feels fine. I still need to do what I need to do to create my own world; I can't go creating anybody else's simply because it might have broader appeal.

It's a good place to have arrived at; and does take a  modicum of courage to accept this is who I am and what I do!


9 comments:

  1. I could not agree more! Especially the courage part. And it does seem, not something you arrive at, but a process that needs renewing from time to time! It helps to reaffirm these simple yet essential truths among ourselves, even in the smallest of niches! Best to you.

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  2. Very wise observations, and so true. The best thing I've found about fellow artists of all kinds is that there seems to be a sense of
    "we're-all-in-this together". As for your work:
    I find it beautiful, unique, very well thought out and professional. Keep shining my friend!

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  3. Fiona...the lesson we learn over and over again! I remind myself and others from time to time, as I come to reaccept my own way of working rather than wishing for something else, that there is no one else to make the work that each of us must make...it is ours alone to create! And thankfully for the rest of us, you are taking the time to make the work that is yours to make...we appreciate you and your work!

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  4. ~who you are and what you create is beautiful and unique to yourself...to you as an artist...i honor you and the way you view such about your life and those around you...

    "The more I do, the more I realise that I need to be sure that I am doing my work, telling my story and reflecting my view of the world."

    i don't think that could have been said more eloquently than so...wonderful words to ponder this day...i hope you are feeling better...much l♥ve and light upon you always~

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  5. Beautifully put, Fiona, as always. You put into words the thoughts that just go around in my head and never find voice, so thank you. Shine is just lovely.

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  6. This is such a truth, and I find it interesting that people feel it is something you return to repeatedly. I'm struggling with this at the moment and I really appreciate your honesty. If you have more to say about how you achieve it, I'd be interested. Best Wishes!

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  7. Thank you - for taking the time to comment and respond, and for being so considered...

    TT- I agree its about renewal and reminding; often you know you have it worked out; then you get stuck or head off down another path and start to doubt all over again
    Jane - so true; 'we are all in this together' it often feels like kinship amongst artists rather than competition
    Patti - I love the idea "there is no else to make the work that each of us must make" - it gives me a whole sense of purpose and add meaning to my making; and almost a sense of urgency to get out there and make!
    FW- thank you ; sometimes I manage to express what I am trying to say!
    Carol - it's a nice feeling to share thoughts and have them echo back as truths for others, so thank you
    Amanda - the struggle continues. Two things I think; I am lucky not to have to make a living from my art so don't face the daily pressure of make to sell to eat; which helps me feel better about my 'nicheness'. Secondly, I find myself creating with joy when I am making my own; as opposed to when I am trying something that isn't me. There's a sense of pure delight or wholeness or lightness when I am doing my stuff that I have come to recognise.

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  8. ~good morning...i hope you are well this day adn feeling only the wonderful joys of life sprinkling about...i am not sure if you do such but if so there is someting waiting for you on my little place here...you have been a great inspiration to me with your words of wisdom, gentle kind manner and the beautiful pieces of art you create...i wish you well and blessings brightly shining upon you always~

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  9. ~ooppss...i think i forgot to put the link for you...hehehe...

    http://tofallorstumbleupon.blogspot.com/2010/10/bad-blogger-i-have-been.html

    btw...guess what my word verification just was

    BLESS

    usually it is some crazy jumbled word...may you be BLESSED forever and always~

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I appreciate your thoughts and comments; thanks for taking the time.