Thursday, May 07, 2009

Why?

Why don't I post more often???  That is the question.  Some of us are very prolific and others not so much.  I've given it a lot of thought, and for me I've decided it's because I think I must wait until I have something "worthy" of posting.  What determines "worthy".  Is it because I'm concerned about how others will view and respond?  I mean I like my share of comments as well as the next person.  But when I think about it, it's really more important that I make marks on the page, so to speak, for myself -- not so much for others or for the praise or criticism I'll get from peers.  There are so many days that I get involved and don't make my art.  And why is that?  Because, truly, I love doing it.  I used to think I would do so much more art after I retired and I had lots of free time.  This is not true.  I just have more things to fill up my time, and art gets put on the back burner more than I'd like.  
I sincerely like trying all the new techniques and I devour tutorials on other blogs.  But what is my style?  After 10 years of doing this, I still don't think I have a style.  Do I need a style?  Why can't I just do what I see and like in the various publications and on others' blogs?    Can you tell I've had a couple glasses of wine??     Yep, DH and I had appetizers and wine at one of our favorite restaurants.  I don't want to sermonize on this subject, I just question my motivation.  I remember when I started going to the gym some years ago.  I told my son that I just didn't have the time to go to the gym every day or every other day.  He told me, "Mom, it's a lifestyle -- you have to make it a part of your day".  I think the same might apply to my art.
Okay, I'm off my soapbox now.  I need to commit to make it a lifestyle.  And, I need to post what I do, whether or not I think others will like it.  It's 8pm, do you know where your style is? 

3 comments:

Sherry Goodloe said...

LOL! I don't have "a style" either. I just do whatever I like. And I always have way too many things going on at the same time. Sometimes I get obsessed with making something and make a million of them (ticket bowls, watercolored coffee filter roses, faux rust stuff, and on and on and on.

It's 8:26pm and my style right now is going to bed! Ha!

And by the way . . . wine goes good with art! *smiles*

marianne said...

i am trying to put together a body of work to be juried in to a group and trying to decide between painting, mixed media & photography. the only requirement is that it "hang together" and i do think that my work looks similar, but a style? not so much... so you are not alone.

on the blog subject- i started my blog to focus on making art- at least thinking about it if i didn't get my hands dirty- every day. i am not quite as religious about posting daily as i was at the beginning, but i do see where making that commitment to myself has helped with focus and with keeping art in the front of my mind.

keep playing! i love coming by to see what tutorials you've been checking out- you've given me some good ideas!

Sharon said...

Oh boy is this a familiar refrain! I've ben making art for many more than 10 years and it seems I always work in fits and starts.

Style? I find that there are certain types of marks / colors / images that seem to repeat themselves in my work but I'm not sure I'd call it a style.

So work when you want / can enjoy what you do and try not to worry about anything else. I am loving doing my blog because it has put me touch with so many interesting and creative people, YOU included!

Send me your email I want to talk to you about adopt not shop-

Cesar Millan just did a show about puppy mills.

I'm at sgorberg@yahoo.com
hugs,
Sharon