The first thing I thought of after reading this is that is gives EVERYONE permission to make art. I have seen so many people hold back or even refuse to sing, dance, paint, write because they only see art as the box that we have put it in with may requirements of skill or talent. So many of us have missed out on the creative experience due to fear we won't measure up. It took me decades to figure this out!!! Thanks for helping to guide the way.
I’m really glad. I’m not sure why art is one of those things that people are so so afraid to try. No one of afraid to try a game of golf, right? Even though we have masters of the game. But if I had a dollar for every person I’ve met who afraid to draw something…so so many people.
As I read this I thought of the ancient cave drawings done at a time when there were no galleries, the art and book writings under the pyramids, pottery chards and ancient tools that were not only functional, but beautiful for the sake of beauty. I think the experience of creating images is a highly individual experience and done for a variety of reasons, but the desire to express ourselves in this way is universal. It is part of being human. I think that’s why selling or creating art specifically for the public can be a little blurry. Our spirit is infused in our work-wonderful to share-tricky to sell. I love that Emily kept some writing to herself in a dresser drawer. I imagine the old cave dwellers, totally present, escaping the heat of the day, and drawing on the walls simply for the pleasure of engaging with the muse-praising life. That’s enough.
Oh I love this. Thank you. When I share my thoughts ab out these things, they are only my own thoughts about my own experience, and what feels right for me. It will and should be different for each of us. But I think the overarching issues with the arts in our society need to be openly talked about. I feel like the person who would never consider making art on a regular basis is not considering it for reasons that might be conditioned in us. Did all cave dwellers create? or was it only a chosen few? I guess we will never know. But you know it's my mission in the time I have to make the creative practice something that feels good for us all. xo
I love your mission. It is a much needed one. It is teachers like you that inspired me to pick up a brush in my 50s. Most of us stop playing this way after elementary school. It changed my life in unimaginable ways. Societal conditions is a big thing and I continue to struggle with them. Maybe in the cave dweller’s time, there were not so many voices speaking about their worth or dictating how they should spend their time. Maybe then drawing was simply about discovery- an exploration of how to be a human being in the world. I hope it was like that for them. That’s what I hope for in my life. The quote you mentioned in your article says it all. No definitions…
I completely agree with the sentiment of print art into the works without an explanation. I think it’s interesting to hear what an artist was thinking, feeling and experiencing while creating, but I want my moment with a piece before it’s explained.
Me, too. And my experience can change over time, also. Maybe I am too impressionable in that way, and if too much is explained, I can’t unlearn it. Sort of like seeing the movie before you read the book.
Agreed. I write poetry, and i always publish the poem without an explanation. I’ll do a reflection on it weeks later, but it’s separate for those that don’t need my opinion about the piece 🙂
I loved this! On Memorial Day I was carrying a large plant out of my basement to the yard. I tripped and fell forward up the steps. When I righted myself I noticed that a bone was sticking out of my pinky finger of my right hand, cut by the glass plate under the plant. I paniced and ran up the stairs to wrap paper towels around the wound. The first thing I thought was that I wouldn't be able to draw anymore and I was beside myself. After a day at the Mac Center and X-rays and several stitches and some pain, I have been worried for a while. Yesterday I went to Excelsior Orthopedic and learned that no tendons were damaged. The doctor happily told me that it would take time, but it will heal and I'll be able to use all my fingers. I'll be able to draw! I cried. I'm starting physical therapy on my pinky finger Tuesday morning. I suddenly realized how important drawing was to me. Thank you for teaching me how important this is to me...
Oh my gosh, I can’t believe that happened. Rick didn’t tell me. He only said you wrote a beautiful piece about your son. I am so sorry, but so glad it’s all going to be okay. Your description put my heart in my throat! You will draw. You should draw with your other hand for now :) so so glad all will be okay. ♥️
If someone creates works for a theme or juried show, a backdrop for a theater production, a commissioned work (such as for the church as was often done for the great works of years ago) does that necessarily preclude that they are not "soul works"? I agree much work done for these reasons might be begun with the aim to please the customer, courting the highest bidder or the most "likes"...but it could be that it was the starting point but not where the artist took it. When I look at photorealistic works, I often see the skill of the creator but not usually the interpretation of what they are seeing so that often means the work has less depth for myself, the observer....does that make them not an artist though? If we are to be democratic, can we allow these, too, to be seen as art even if they did not reach one's own concept of what "proper artistic expression" means? Won't each of us, because of our background and experiences with our own art or art we appreciate, have a different idea of what is good or not...does anyone get to decide for everyone else or is it a very individual interpretation?
As for it becoming a career, for many that might be what takes the soul out of it because if your eye is on the payout, it is also likely on what the other wants rather than what the artist is feeling. As I said, sometimes the artist can make it more but that is not often true. And maybe its not an all or nothing thing... one can reach deeper on one work (writing, painting, music) but be a little less stellar in many others. I wasn't sure of your position on the art as career thing...it seems like you want it to be possible but then feel art should be more intimate, less commercial? I think art can include many more levels than just the top of the mountain.
So many good and important questions and thoughts here. I think the main thread of the state of art in our culture is that it doesn’t include the whole spectrum in the circle. I think I hope for it to be more all
Inclusive. I hope for it to be a part of the daily lives of so many more people, but in ordinary ways. It doesn’t need to be thought of as a product. It can be, of course, but it doesn’t need to be. That deters so many.
I don’t want to keep seeing people say “I’m not an artist and therefore I’m not going make creating (paints, music, poems…) a part of my life because I won’t be good enough.” I hear that a lot. I totally understand the need to commercialise, and I believe there are many artists who sell who create from a pure place. But most can’t make a living unless they create what sells. So what could we change about that? How could we reimagine it? Like I said, big question. But it’s an important one. The arts are more important than ever, and I have this hope that they can be brought more down to the everyday and not just something that is for “artists.” I want there to be more room and more possibilities for the everydayness of it. I see how it changes lives. Truly changes lives. :)
i enjoyed your latest thoughts - on the singular topic of art - and can see that, although it is a recent edition to your essay production, it is nonetheless a subject which you have passionate feelings about. This particular Kateri primer holds universal truths which need no explanation; they are humbling sets of observations about what constitutes art, and they are written in a more abbreviated form than many of your other writings. keep on creatin' young renaissance lady!
I loved reading this. You echo so many of my own thoughts. I imagine a world where art is valued and accessible to everyone, where artists are paid a living wage without having to pander to trends or societal whims and preferences. (It’s a beautiful world in my head 😆😎).
I’m deeply worried at how capitalism has usurped everything creative, where everything should be monetized, nothing done for joy.
My eldest kid moves in younger art circles online and it’s frightening to see how these kids feel they have to churn out “content” that looks like everyone elses rather than following their natural curiosity and creative impulses.
It’s a hard road to walk, to maintain one’s integrity amid all the shouting and the Shoulds. Perhaps that’s why the call of the hermit appeals to me! 😆🦄. Thank you for this conversation, I feel like it’s something that needs to be ongoing.❤️
The first thing I thought of after reading this is that is gives EVERYONE permission to make art. I have seen so many people hold back or even refuse to sing, dance, paint, write because they only see art as the box that we have put it in with may requirements of skill or talent. So many of us have missed out on the creative experience due to fear we won't measure up. It took me decades to figure this out!!! Thanks for helping to guide the way.
I’m really glad. I’m not sure why art is one of those things that people are so so afraid to try. No one of afraid to try a game of golf, right? Even though we have masters of the game. But if I had a dollar for every person I’ve met who afraid to draw something…so so many people.
As I read this I thought of the ancient cave drawings done at a time when there were no galleries, the art and book writings under the pyramids, pottery chards and ancient tools that were not only functional, but beautiful for the sake of beauty. I think the experience of creating images is a highly individual experience and done for a variety of reasons, but the desire to express ourselves in this way is universal. It is part of being human. I think that’s why selling or creating art specifically for the public can be a little blurry. Our spirit is infused in our work-wonderful to share-tricky to sell. I love that Emily kept some writing to herself in a dresser drawer. I imagine the old cave dwellers, totally present, escaping the heat of the day, and drawing on the walls simply for the pleasure of engaging with the muse-praising life. That’s enough.
Oh I love this. Thank you. When I share my thoughts ab out these things, they are only my own thoughts about my own experience, and what feels right for me. It will and should be different for each of us. But I think the overarching issues with the arts in our society need to be openly talked about. I feel like the person who would never consider making art on a regular basis is not considering it for reasons that might be conditioned in us. Did all cave dwellers create? or was it only a chosen few? I guess we will never know. But you know it's my mission in the time I have to make the creative practice something that feels good for us all. xo
I love your mission. It is a much needed one. It is teachers like you that inspired me to pick up a brush in my 50s. Most of us stop playing this way after elementary school. It changed my life in unimaginable ways. Societal conditions is a big thing and I continue to struggle with them. Maybe in the cave dweller’s time, there were not so many voices speaking about their worth or dictating how they should spend their time. Maybe then drawing was simply about discovery- an exploration of how to be a human being in the world. I hope it was like that for them. That’s what I hope for in my life. The quote you mentioned in your article says it all. No definitions…
Thought provoking, lovely and true. Well said!
TH\hank you, Robyne. xo
I completely agree with the sentiment of print art into the works without an explanation. I think it’s interesting to hear what an artist was thinking, feeling and experiencing while creating, but I want my moment with a piece before it’s explained.
Me, too. And my experience can change over time, also. Maybe I am too impressionable in that way, and if too much is explained, I can’t unlearn it. Sort of like seeing the movie before you read the book.
Agreed. I write poetry, and i always publish the poem without an explanation. I’ll do a reflection on it weeks later, but it’s separate for those that don’t need my opinion about the piece 🙂
That is a great way to go about it :)
I loved this! On Memorial Day I was carrying a large plant out of my basement to the yard. I tripped and fell forward up the steps. When I righted myself I noticed that a bone was sticking out of my pinky finger of my right hand, cut by the glass plate under the plant. I paniced and ran up the stairs to wrap paper towels around the wound. The first thing I thought was that I wouldn't be able to draw anymore and I was beside myself. After a day at the Mac Center and X-rays and several stitches and some pain, I have been worried for a while. Yesterday I went to Excelsior Orthopedic and learned that no tendons were damaged. The doctor happily told me that it would take time, but it will heal and I'll be able to use all my fingers. I'll be able to draw! I cried. I'm starting physical therapy on my pinky finger Tuesday morning. I suddenly realized how important drawing was to me. Thank you for teaching me how important this is to me...
Oh my gosh, I can’t believe that happened. Rick didn’t tell me. He only said you wrote a beautiful piece about your son. I am so sorry, but so glad it’s all going to be okay. Your description put my heart in my throat! You will draw. You should draw with your other hand for now :) so so glad all will be okay. ♥️
If someone creates works for a theme or juried show, a backdrop for a theater production, a commissioned work (such as for the church as was often done for the great works of years ago) does that necessarily preclude that they are not "soul works"? I agree much work done for these reasons might be begun with the aim to please the customer, courting the highest bidder or the most "likes"...but it could be that it was the starting point but not where the artist took it. When I look at photorealistic works, I often see the skill of the creator but not usually the interpretation of what they are seeing so that often means the work has less depth for myself, the observer....does that make them not an artist though? If we are to be democratic, can we allow these, too, to be seen as art even if they did not reach one's own concept of what "proper artistic expression" means? Won't each of us, because of our background and experiences with our own art or art we appreciate, have a different idea of what is good or not...does anyone get to decide for everyone else or is it a very individual interpretation?
As for it becoming a career, for many that might be what takes the soul out of it because if your eye is on the payout, it is also likely on what the other wants rather than what the artist is feeling. As I said, sometimes the artist can make it more but that is not often true. And maybe its not an all or nothing thing... one can reach deeper on one work (writing, painting, music) but be a little less stellar in many others. I wasn't sure of your position on the art as career thing...it seems like you want it to be possible but then feel art should be more intimate, less commercial? I think art can include many more levels than just the top of the mountain.
So many good and important questions and thoughts here. I think the main thread of the state of art in our culture is that it doesn’t include the whole spectrum in the circle. I think I hope for it to be more all
Inclusive. I hope for it to be a part of the daily lives of so many more people, but in ordinary ways. It doesn’t need to be thought of as a product. It can be, of course, but it doesn’t need to be. That deters so many.
I don’t want to keep seeing people say “I’m not an artist and therefore I’m not going make creating (paints, music, poems…) a part of my life because I won’t be good enough.” I hear that a lot. I totally understand the need to commercialise, and I believe there are many artists who sell who create from a pure place. But most can’t make a living unless they create what sells. So what could we change about that? How could we reimagine it? Like I said, big question. But it’s an important one. The arts are more important than ever, and I have this hope that they can be brought more down to the everyday and not just something that is for “artists.” I want there to be more room and more possibilities for the everydayness of it. I see how it changes lives. Truly changes lives. :)
i enjoyed your latest thoughts - on the singular topic of art - and can see that, although it is a recent edition to your essay production, it is nonetheless a subject which you have passionate feelings about. This particular Kateri primer holds universal truths which need no explanation; they are humbling sets of observations about what constitutes art, and they are written in a more abbreviated form than many of your other writings. keep on creatin' young renaissance lady!
I loved reading this. You echo so many of my own thoughts. I imagine a world where art is valued and accessible to everyone, where artists are paid a living wage without having to pander to trends or societal whims and preferences. (It’s a beautiful world in my head 😆😎).
I’m deeply worried at how capitalism has usurped everything creative, where everything should be monetized, nothing done for joy.
My eldest kid moves in younger art circles online and it’s frightening to see how these kids feel they have to churn out “content” that looks like everyone elses rather than following their natural curiosity and creative impulses.
It’s a hard road to walk, to maintain one’s integrity amid all the shouting and the Shoulds. Perhaps that’s why the call of the hermit appeals to me! 😆🦄. Thank you for this conversation, I feel like it’s something that needs to be ongoing.❤️