You know what? Yeah, that's what! What you described is how I feel except I found out something about myself: I follow the beat of my own drummer. People always asked me, "So, what kind of art do you do?" I would always reply, "Uh, yeah, I am that guy you call a "utility artist; a little bit of this or that." I spent 30 years or so teaching kids in my town how to find their "Artist Within" through the "Charvet Way" of how artists think. I could go on and on, but lately after retiring I have so much to clean, fix, paint, take care of aging parents I feel so guilty if I take "quiet time" to sit around and "make art." I don't even know if anyone wants my art, but at the end of the day, I sure enjoy playing in my world when I do create. I find my inspiration in found objects; I always ask myself, "Rick what do you think this looks like or could be?" And the best part is while cleaning out my parent's garage, I found old paintings and things I refurbished. Those paintings/prints have been around for 60 years. Oh, the joy I found in understanding the history. I refurbished a Moses Soyer Dancers #114 and loved it. I found an old broken panel of silk Chinese paper dolls only to find out they were the "Eight Immortals." I find things in my yard or repair broken masks (more from my parent's garage) -- turned out to be an African Lega Tribe (Congo) mask -- I reimagined it and mounted it on a piece of old redwood that I used the claw hammer to bang out a textured pattern. I just picked up an old piece of metal that reminded me of a fetal position that looks interesting. In sum, not totally there with my easel and studio, but rather doing "art stuff" at my work bench while I clean the yard. The best thing is I can start something and stare out it for weeks until I make my next move. And I am more into mythical creatures I create rather than reality. Like you said, I thought I had to be like everyone else and at such a higher level. In fact, I just started incorporating paper cache into some projects. For me, mixed media is so much fun. Yes, I am a big weirdo, but I love the fact I inspire others to gain a different perspective on our world. Thank you for this venue to express my art feelings!
Both recordings were much needed and spot on! I’ve been living away from my home and studio for over a year, caring for my brother who recently passed away. Did not think I had my creative mojo. Went to my studio yesterday and made art for 4 hours. Balm for the soul. Back on the bike! Thank you Lesley!
Just finally saw this....I'm going to play it for a women's art class I'm leading this Friday! It just nails it for so many women, including myself but I'm just going for it now !!! Women need to Create! Thank You for your inspiration : ))
Thank you SO much for this Pep Talk. I truly needed it. And I know I TRULY NEED art! SO... in that vein I am going forward with figuring out how to put a lil bit of art in my life every day. I know it contributes to my JOY QUOTIENT and THAT I really need JOY. So! No more excuses. My thought is to go back to my art journal and do a bit of sketching or writing every day about how I can make that work, what it can look like for me. Thank you Lesley for what you write and share. Sending hugs...
Thank you for including the video on Ann Newdigate. Inspiring, heartfelt and brilliant. I so appreciate you and your offerings every week. They connect me.
Oh, you made a difference in my life today! Thank you!
Thank you. That's always my goal.
You know what? Yeah, that's what! What you described is how I feel except I found out something about myself: I follow the beat of my own drummer. People always asked me, "So, what kind of art do you do?" I would always reply, "Uh, yeah, I am that guy you call a "utility artist; a little bit of this or that." I spent 30 years or so teaching kids in my town how to find their "Artist Within" through the "Charvet Way" of how artists think. I could go on and on, but lately after retiring I have so much to clean, fix, paint, take care of aging parents I feel so guilty if I take "quiet time" to sit around and "make art." I don't even know if anyone wants my art, but at the end of the day, I sure enjoy playing in my world when I do create. I find my inspiration in found objects; I always ask myself, "Rick what do you think this looks like or could be?" And the best part is while cleaning out my parent's garage, I found old paintings and things I refurbished. Those paintings/prints have been around for 60 years. Oh, the joy I found in understanding the history. I refurbished a Moses Soyer Dancers #114 and loved it. I found an old broken panel of silk Chinese paper dolls only to find out they were the "Eight Immortals." I find things in my yard or repair broken masks (more from my parent's garage) -- turned out to be an African Lega Tribe (Congo) mask -- I reimagined it and mounted it on a piece of old redwood that I used the claw hammer to bang out a textured pattern. I just picked up an old piece of metal that reminded me of a fetal position that looks interesting. In sum, not totally there with my easel and studio, but rather doing "art stuff" at my work bench while I clean the yard. The best thing is I can start something and stare out it for weeks until I make my next move. And I am more into mythical creatures I create rather than reality. Like you said, I thought I had to be like everyone else and at such a higher level. In fact, I just started incorporating paper cache into some projects. For me, mixed media is so much fun. Yes, I am a big weirdo, but I love the fact I inspire others to gain a different perspective on our world. Thank you for this venue to express my art feelings!
Thanks for chiming in and sharing. I love the Charvet Way and the term utility artist.
This cuteness is unbearable.
ha ha. Another side of me you haven't met till now.
Yeah!! 🤗
Both recordings were much needed and spot on! I’ve been living away from my home and studio for over a year, caring for my brother who recently passed away. Did not think I had my creative mojo. Went to my studio yesterday and made art for 4 hours. Balm for the soul. Back on the bike! Thank you Lesley!
Music to my ears, Judy. I am so glad you're getting your mojo back after such a lengthy and loving hiatus.
Looking forward to Red Thread Retreat in October. Thanks for all that you do Lesley.
Lesley, This was great and right on spot for me. Thanks.
Always glad when something is spot on for a reader. Thanks, Lynda.
Just finally saw this....I'm going to play it for a women's art class I'm leading this Friday! It just nails it for so many women, including myself but I'm just going for it now !!! Women need to Create! Thank You for your inspiration : ))
That’s so cool. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for another helpful pep talk, Lesley. I think we need them over and over so we can finally believe in our selves, maybe.
The end of the second video made me cry. RIP Ann (with no e at the end) Newdigate. 💕
Thank you SO much for this Pep Talk. I truly needed it. And I know I TRULY NEED art! SO... in that vein I am going forward with figuring out how to put a lil bit of art in my life every day. I know it contributes to my JOY QUOTIENT and THAT I really need JOY. So! No more excuses. My thought is to go back to my art journal and do a bit of sketching or writing every day about how I can make that work, what it can look like for me. Thank you Lesley for what you write and share. Sending hugs...
Thank you Sara. I am so glad to contribute to your joy quotient.
Thank you for including the video on Ann Newdigate. Inspiring, heartfelt and brilliant. I so appreciate you and your offerings every week. They connect me.
Thanks Jan. Newdigate is a wise woman.
I need this EVERY DAY!!
You are amazing! Thank you for putting this out there.❤️
Perfect Lesley! Thank you!
Wonderful!
Lesley this is definitely a timeless piece / so relevant to all of us!! I love your links/ videos - inspiration to start the day
Hi Lesley! As always you say everything I have said to myself! Thanks for the uplifting words! Don’t stop! Keep it up!