For my partner and I, the holiday season started at least two weeks ago and it’s been non-stop since. Between work, classes, family, visitors, cleaning, decorating and the usual stuff that always pops up when you least want it to—I’ve had little time to devote to my artwork or my website. I’m not complaining, mind you. However, I need my moments of quiet time and I haven’t had much lately. I’m setting aside the seasonal rush to write about a subject that’s been on my mind for a while now. Autumn/winter brings about a time of reflection for me. Perhaps it’s the desolate beauty of the trees with only berries and few leaves or the refreshing crispness of the air. Whatever it may be, I’ve had time to contemplate why I stopped painting scarves almost a decade ago and what made me begin again.
My intro page refers to Sandy, a friend of mine, who kept at me for months to start painting again. Someone other than my mother (who thought everything I did was wonderful) loved my work and encouraged me to continue. Artists can go through dry spells or even have such a lack of confidence that they will stop working. Mine was a combination of both. Deep in the crevices, I believed that I would create works that no one would want and would end up with a stockpile. This can be devastating to an artist. When someone doesn’t like our work, some of us take it personally. It took someone else’s persistence, self-reflection, and perhaps a bit of maturity to make me see that this was a ridiculous assumption. I have no scarves left from years ago—because all of them sold! I also realized that if I like something, someone else out there will too. I felt the need to create. The Internet played a major role as well. Being able to view others works, read their viewpoints and see artist’s studios from all over the world is inspiring.
I love what I do. I’m in a serene state of mind while I’m working. Perhaps best of all, the people who have received my scarves enjoy them. There’s a certain sense of accomplishment and pleasure that comes with someone wanting to wear something you made or to think enough of your work as to buy it as a gift for someone else.
Cheers,
Diane