Tuesday, August 27, 2013

That Guy in the Art Supply Store

Wow.  I have been so neglectful of my poor blog!  The fact is, FaceBook is so much easier for me and I tend to post everything over there.  But sometimes you need a bit more than a "status update" to say what's on your mind.  Recently I was in the local art supply store and became engaged in a conversation with another artist and the guy who worked at the store (this was an actual art supply store...not Michaels or Hobby Lobby!).  The guy, who I shall call Ferdinand (Ferd for short, since I have no idea what his name was!), was talking about different products and their longevity.  I don't even know how I was drawn into the conversation, but at some point Ferd asked, "how do I know this paint will last for hundreds of years?".  I was astonished at that question.  I suddenly wondered, "oh, boy...I need to worry about my art being around for hundreds of years!!!!!".  I came home and mulled over everything.  The products I am using, my ideas, my own confidence in my art, the people who buy my art and their expectations, and then I had an epiphany: my art may not be around in 2113.  People may not know who I was or think my art was anything special. My work could go to the dump as bits of trash that the next generation just gets rid of.  2nd epiphany:  I don't care.  The reality is that I know I am never going to be a Van Gogh or a Picaso, and I am fine with that.  I make the work that I want to make and I live a wonderful, happy life making the odd creatures that I make.  I am beyond grateful that anyone else is interested, and that makes everything flow.  I feel that I am doing what I am meant to do and I am SO thrilled when others want the things that I make.  THANK YOU ALL.  That is precious to me.  I think we all may spend too much time trying to make art that we will see as pleasing or acceptable to others and not enough time pleasing ourselves.  The more you work at something, the better you get.  So begin by pleasing yourself.  If you are interested in owls, paint owls. Paint/sculpt/MAKE the things that you love.  The harder you work to that end, the more your work will please others.  If you made it to this sentence...you are in the lead!!!  LOL  Most people don't read this far! Hahaaa!  I appreciate you all so much.
A few things I have worked on this summer:




That's all I got to say about that...!  Hahahaaa (A little Forrest Gump reference!).  Thank you all for the constant encouragement, love, comments and support.  I appreciate you all so much.  xoxo  (P.S.  I will TRY to do better in the blog posting!).

18 comments:

HeARTworks said...

Wow! everything is so enchanting! I especially like the one with the feet hanging out of the frame! :^) patsy

Sunny Carvalho said...

Thank you, Patsy!!!

Deb Harvey said...

Great post!!! I've been thinking about some of the same things lately...and you are so right! As soon as I decided to do what I love, and not worry...everything has been going great!

Thank you for sharing, and I love your Art!!!
Deb

Unknown said...

You are so right! I sent myself into a whirl not so long ago worrying that no-one was liking my art. And, I came to the conclusion that if it made me smile then that was great and maybe it would make someone else smile along the way xx

Micki Wilde said...

Perfectly written and gorgeous, happy fun artwork that makes a whole bunch of people smile!!!!

Unknown said...

Funny to think that in a hundred years our artwork maybe on dumps or gathering dust in lofts and old boxes or being exhibited in grand galleries as amazing pieces of artwork done by crafty women all over the world... for now, I'm just chuffed to bits when someone says they like what I do...and what I do makes me very very happy... :)

Sunny Carvalho said...

I am so glad to know my post connected with some of my favorite artists! I love you all!

Lisa said...

Loved your blog. So well said and I did read it to the end! I so enjoy your art posts on blogger and facebook.....so original. I appreciate you taking the time to share it with us.

Diane Duda said...

Yup. You are exactly right. :)
xo

Jess said...

Such wise words I'm so glad I found your blog! (Through Micki Wilde)
Your art's adorable!xx

Leanne E said...

Thanks for the perspective and the great pics :)

Tammie Lee said...

hello Sunny,

so lovely to read your thoughts. I so agree, do what makes you happy, enjoy this life, or explore what interests you.

so wonderful to see your summer art and where you are published. So happy for all your artful successes.

lovely Sunday and beyond to you.

Julie Panusis said...

Well said, Sunny! It is all about pleasing ourselves and being happy.
Hugs,
Julie

Anonymous said...

what a great post! and - i love the creatures you create. :)

Chassidy said...

Gorgeous!

nwilliams6 said...

Your work is wonderful! So fun and so positive. Glad I stopped by for a visit.

Tricia said...

Ok, I rarely leave blog comments, I have anxiety that spills over to the Internet, but this is 2nd comment in 15 minutes, lol. Loved this post, and I so want to come up with my own doodle girls. I don't do them much because they're just harder for me, but I'm going to start doing them more. I'll never learn if I never try! Thank you ♥

Sunny Carvalho said...

Again, thank you Tricia!!! No nice to "meet" you and you are welcome to friend me on FaceBook if you so desire!