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Thursday, June 2, 2016

Thursday Thoughts...

“I take great care of myself by carefully shutting myself away.” 

 Vincent Van Gogh, a letter to his brother, Theo.

This Thursday Thoughts has cycled back to art, and I think this quote is about art and the making thereof, but it is possibly also a bit about life! Or at least how I tend to live my life - tucked away a bit.

The words resonate with me and I think "of course that's how we have to do it". We have to cloister ourselves away, let our minds go a wandering, not be distracted by chatter or engaging in details with others.

And then we can create.

But then  I wonder if there are artists, makers and creators who actually thrive more on the busy-ness and engagement of shared social art spaces, whose ideas bounce off others' ideas and then get made?

For me; I am a bit like little Vincent (but not completely like Vincent, don't worry). I need to take care of myself by shutting myself away.

But I also know I need to come out of hermit-hood and engage and share and be with people who inspire me, encourage me, make me laugh. And then afterwards,  I go away quietly and just try to make.


We have been down south in two cities this week - being inspired and enthused at a Conference about social justice; and then catching up with some of our best ever friends and sharing time and food and love of life together. All so special and all so wonderful. But busy. And cities.

And I come home to this quiet quiet space to create...

It certainly takes great care of me.






4 comments:

  1. At first glance, the photo seemed to be of the ocean with a stone cropping visible. Then I looked closer and realized that it must be your view up on that glorious mountain of yours. Stunning!

    As for your quote and wonder if there are artists who thrive from the "busy-ness and engagement of shared social art spaces, whose ideas bounce off others' ideas and then get made", well, I tend to work both ways. There's nothing quite like the quiet, focused day alone in the studio with no interruptions. Lots gets done, made, thought thru.

    But then, there's nothing better than the time I spend with Pam in her studio, in Santa Fe or even in when we set the computers to skype all day while we both work away in our studios. The give and take, the sharing of ideas, the energy that flows between us and around us...even via cyber space...is electric and precious and fuels us both.

    There's a good balance there. I suspect you've experienced the same with Barry and Susan. Enjoy!

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    1. Such wisdom there - J thank you. You re so right. I think my thoughts were influenced by too much travel and time in cities! I know the benefits of working with small groups in pairs and the support, inspiration and exploration that it brings. Not sure I would be great in a noisy bright loud studio nonetheless! Thanks for the reminder and go well.

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  2. John Lennon sang
    "Imagine"
    and gave us all hope
    & also
    "Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans."
    he died way too young, we all need to make each day as if were our last

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