There’s one thing that I think is on the minds of artists, and that is what happens when you become known for something but also want to flex your mental and creative muscles? Sure, it’s a comfortable place to just keep doing what you’re doing, but what if the very reason why you started doing something is no longer pertinent in the here and now? As a creative, I turn to art as a way to cope with life’s ups and downs, to cope with the chaos. I figure it’s way better than alcohol, retail therapy, or drugs. And at the end of it all, I something to show for it. If anything, the pandemic showed us the benefit of having an esthetic outlet, without it, I know I would’ve gone out of my mind. Museums posted their collections online, there were movies to watch, music to listen to, sewing, woodworking, cooking, whatever! I’ve always bristled at the talk of folks thinking that art was a waste of time, that artists are a waste, but try living through a crisis without something to keep your hands busy.
During some years back I was homeless, I turned to art. I began an embroidery project that I posted online. Because of that, I was able to connect with some pretty nice folks. But I found myself walking away from it. Why? Because I think it served its purpose. I was able to focus during a rough time, and in the process create a body of work. I’m proud of it, and grateful to have had the mind to create. But this brings it back to the original question: if you become known for something, should you simply continue because of expectations? I don’t think so.
I’m now bookbinding, something that I never thought of in the past, but find it soothing, calming. I love fabric and color, something that I’ve always loved as evidenced by the embroidery, and always will, but now I’ve found another outlet for that love. I think that we should always keep in mind that everyone has a story, and that everyone is at a certain station in life, that life is not static, but needs to continually move and evolve. I’m always learning new things about myself, and with that knowledge may come something special. That’s what life is about. It boils down to faith: faith in yourself, faith in the process, and faith in artists. Fear and faith don’t mix, you have to choose one or the other.
I must choose faith, without it, what’s the point? Like, for real! “Don’t wait for inspiration. It comes while working.” – Henri Matisse. If I didn’t have faith in the process, I simply couldn’t keep working. And the words of Henri Matisse suggests that there’s much to gain just from doing the work.
Thanks for taking the time.
Jos