I have been having a rough couple of weeks. I guess the worries of what people think of me are starting to hurt. The questions keep spinning around in my head that I have heard in the past. Why didn't you go to college with a more practical career path in mind? Why do you spend so much time creating art when you make very little money? Why don't I have a REAL job? AND a family member left a nice comment on one of my face book pictures and asked, "Did Ethan(our two year old) get out the crayons?" I guess the decisions I made to some aren't the best and sometimes in some weird way, I bury my feelings into my art. It doesn't talk back. It doesn't care if i'm not perfect and is helps me "heal". I don't know what I would do if I couldn't create. I am wondering if any one out there feels like this at times?
I had been working on a technique using repurposed paper and magazines awhile back. I made the first little doll in the top picture and put her up on Etsy when Ethan was still little. Well, she didn't sell and she got tossed in the reject bin with many others, waiting to be reworked or painted over. As I was visiting my bin, I rescued this little piece and decided that I really like her for more than just visual reasons. I like that I am recycling my materials and using up what I have on hand. I like that this style is more intuitive and as I create, the creation seems to "talk" to me. I like that as I am working I feel "good" about what I am doing. I like that I can be at my kitchen counter working on a piece while I am cooking or while I am watching and playing with my little guy. I like that I feel more "spiritual" and connected to my Creator. For me, the finished product is more that just a "picture". I would call it a form a prayer for me. I feel the same way when I am stitching up one of my paper dolls. As it turns out, in this really dark time, I feel a little "lighter" and a little more hopeful.
More posts coming soon from the recycle bin. AND I promise not to be so "boo hoo me".:) xxooo
15 comments:
oh you! I soooo understand these feelings and went through this when I went back to college to study art. People saying what about my kids and doing something sensible etc etc and I am SOOOOOO glad I did not listen. I feel like you, without my art I would go insane and it's more than the money, it's about having well-being in life through doing art, which money can never, ever buy!
I just posted an artists manifesto on my blog - do pop over and check it out. Also, lots of people who are currently doing the spring experimental art e-course with me I think may have felt similar things at times yet we are all together as a group doing art and sharing ideas and you simply can't beat that!
Carry on, you are doing the RIGHT THING! don't doubt it, your intuition knows. I really like your work - it has such distinctive style and personality :)
Good luck,
Amelia.x
Oh my gosh it's like you stepped into my head and took out my thoughts!!
I'm going through some major stuff at the moment to do with my art and the world that surrounds it all, but I am getting there and coming to a happier conclusion.
I want to give you a big hug right now for so many reasons, the first one being that I really sincerely LOVE your artwork and if I had any money at all I would be purchasing some from you.
The second being that we both have boys called Ethan...now thats just fab ;)
there are so many reasons to hug you and that was just 2, I hope that will do for now :)
I'm sending a lot of love and reassuring thoughts your way, you are special, you have talent and you make gorgeous, unique pieces of art that I personally Love to bits!!
Micki x
Well you know that I will never ever have a bad thing to say about you!! I am in awe of your talent and how you use it to create the most magical pieces. Everyday I look at my dollies of yours that I have and my other pieces of art. They have prominent places in my home as they are so very special to my heart as you are.
I too get the same reaction from people, so many times I hear 'well I know you create "art" but isn't there a job you really want' or 'what will you do when the kids move out and you have no experience doing anything". I have long ago given up trying to explain the joy and release that being able to create brings to me and I think we as artist have to develop a little bit of a thick skin and just brush off what those who don't understand say and take in what those that appreciate us say.
So don't go changing or letting things get you down because you will have a fan for life with me and I hope a friend for life too!!
I look forward to seeing what else comes out of the recycle bin and that beautiful, creative and wonderful mind of yours!...big hugs from one misunderstood mom and creator to another...lol..and of course from the big Creator above!
oh hooey with those comments...!!! your art is sooooo unique and so distinctly your own...i adore it to pieces!!! i know they can sometimes get you down but know that we are behind you and support you. art has a way of healing i think and i totally agree with you about being spiritual. i think the people that feel that way about their art it means they are doing exactly what they are put on this earth to do. know that! i admire you for putting it all out there. very brave! thank you for being you. hugs to the nth degree!!!
Hello Amy,
it saddens me greatly to think you have these worries. To my mind Amy you have a special gift, a genuine talent and you are a very lovely, kind, generous person too. Many beautiful qualities...please keep doing what you are doing as you bring pleasure to so many people with your stunning art and of course, yourself. x
hello i know what you are going through most artists feel like this at some stage but the people who ask these questions do not understand that its not a choice to create our art but a must and if you have a gift you should use it as much as possible even if it sometimes does not bring in lots of money i would be so unhappy if i did not make art carnt bare to imagine a life without it chin up and carry on best wishes claire xx
I think that the work I've seen stands out from the crowd - I can't put my finger on it but there's something very special there. You only have one life, make the most of it and be "you"!
I totally can relate to what you are experiencing! I get those comments all the time. There are so many people that don't get what we do or take it seriously. It's really hard not to take it personally or let it get to you...but all I can say is that your work is wonderful and don't stop because of other people!
hi amy,
I wanted to email but couldn't find your email address!!! So here I am (again!). Thanks for visiting and thank you for putting me on your blog roll :)
I just wanted to say also that I have just put together the dates for the next experimental art e-course (Summer) and I wish you could see what some of the people are saying already (I am going to ask their permission to share) and if you would like to do the course then there is a place there that's yours!!! I would love to have you join in if you can! I think you would bring so much to the class too!!!!
You can link here: http://www.ameliacritchlow.co.uk/section354449.html
you have so much lovely support here and I too look forward to what you create next :)
Big hug
Amelia.x
Ps I hope you don't mind me putting this here and if you want to email me please do: ameliacritchlow@hotmail.com
I love what you make !!! -- and I'm always looking at your blog to see what you come up with next :) I have one of your paintings in my kitchen and a doll very front and centre on a shelf in my living room! Do what you love and what makes you feel good -- no one can take that away from you!
Amy,
I love your art. Please ignor the Negativity of others. Write a letter and Fire your Critic. Please, have faith in your Fabulous Gift and know that other artists, I for one, have alot of the same feelings.
I too would loose what is left of my mind if I could not create and write.
hang in there Girl. I am here if you need me. We can Skype if you like. HUGs, Robin
Oh Amy! I think your art goes beyond crafting. It's an extension of you. It allows you to do things that many just wish they could do. And one of those is being a stay-at-home Mom.
For the times that I long to go back to my professional job, I know that it's more important to be at home right now....and it gives me the freedom to craft. And for those times when I sell some of my work or get to teach, I'm thrilled.
Keep at it. Those who don't create, don't understand. Your art is wonderful...and so are you.
Don't listen to people who try to bring you down. I love what you do, your pieces are so unique, don't ever stop creating!
Happy Mothers Day Amy. Love to you. Robin
Estou aqui do outro lado do mundo no Brasil, sou psicóloga, mas adora fazer arte e me identifico com muitas coisas quando entro nesta área na internet, imagino que viver de arte não é nada fácil, pois é demorada e não teem condição e valorizar o tempo que ficamos para criar alguma coisa, mas tenho certeza que vem de sua alma, pois é assim que também me sinto. Não desista, abraços Rosane
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