One of my friends, an extremely talented visual artist, once told me that she has no one else's work up in her house but her own. Why would she want to, she questioned. I had my reasons but her confidence rubbed off on me a little and made me think. When I visit her home, I feel her presence everywhere. All the paintings are her own. The statement is powerful and empowering. Another visual artist friend has a mixture of her own pieces, more prominently displayed, and the work of other artists on her walls. I admire this confidence. In my studio (a loose term!) I do have some of my favourite pieces surrounding me, propped up here and there, pegged to cabinet doors and files. And I keep promising myself to frame and hang one or two of my most empowering pieces throughout my house but have yet to do so. Always something else more pressing to do. That's not really important after all is it, I tell myself even though I gaze at the vacant spots often and envision my work hanging there. But what I have started to do is use my art as wallpaper on my phone. And it delights me no end. I carry it with me everywhere and the messages behind the paintings and the paintings themselves give me a little boost each time I see them. This particular piece is inspired by Effy Wild's contribution to Life Book's Creativity and Wellness at the end of last year. Effy also used a powerful, magical technique called crossing 'behind the scenes' as it were to form the foundation of the painting, to help make changes in our lives, to let go of fear and negativity around a particular area. So there is that reminder as well behind it. Like having a talisman on my phone. I love it!
What are you putting off in your life? How are you hiding your light and what can you do, what small step can you take today, to shine brighter in this world?
6 Comments
4/7/2019 05:08:22 pm
You have given me something to think about. Do I dare let something so deeply personal be seen?
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4/7/2019 06:43:33 pm
I too am that same way. I only have my art up on my walls. I know I should support other artists but, it's my house. Why not put my hard work up. In any case people have come by and said they want another painting just like that. No questions of where did I buy it. They just know I am the artist ♡
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4/7/2019 06:38:38 pm
I have mostly my own work on my walls with the exception of just two other artists' work - both in styles that I don't work in. I never really thought about it. I make what I like; so of course I'd want to be surrounded by it.
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4/8/2019 01:07:04 am
I don't have any of my own art hanging in my home. I plan to, it just hasn't happened yet. I've been using my art as wallpapers on my phone for a bit now. I love looking at my phone and seeing my handiwork. I love your heart in your picture. I would love to see the whole picture.
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I have a couple of my pieces hanging up next to my computer desk. One small piece by my art desk and one BIG piece behind my bedroom door. I was encouraged by my S.O. mom to hang my pieces next to my desk. And still I am self conscious about them hanging for others to see.
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Rachel
4/8/2019 02:39:16 pm
I have pretty much my art and some canvases of the kids up in my house; partly because I can't afford originals of other artists and partly because it feels good to have it up on the walls. I used to think about what people thought of it now, not so much. It just is. Have little pieces of art from swaps that I take out and put on tiny easels too.
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AuthorWelcome! I'm Sue Blott: a writer of all things, a poet at heart, mom, wife, daughter, step-mom, grandma, tea drinker, tai chi-er, mystic, artist, dreamer...and now a blogger! This is my world. Categories |