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Quilt Like An Artist's avatar

Yes, yes, YES! Great post. You’ve hit the nail on the head. Love it. I’ve had it happen twice in my life where a person has reacted to my work on a deep emotional level. And in both instances it was work I didn’t particularly like myself. Those were turning points for me as an artist, to stop judging my work and let it come through. Sometimes the work we create isn’t for us it’s for others. I love this keep going!!! Jamie

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Lesley Riley's avatar

"Sometimes the work we create isn't for us..." Those are very wish words and something I haven't contemplated. Yes, the work can come through us, but is not meant for us. Thanks for the concept.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

lol - make that WISE words.

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Quilt Like An Artist's avatar

❤️

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Jan's avatar

I had to sit down on a bench (provided thankfully) by the Chicago Art Institute when I saw Chagall's American Windows. It's breath taking. I sat. I cried. I was full of wonder. I will never forget that moment. I will never forget the blue. I will never forget the knowing I was in the presence of a master. Thanks Lesley; another thought provoking writing.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

I had to look it up, and I spent some time looking at it. I was very moved and did feel some tears well up. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

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Sue Sutherland-Wood's avatar

I went to the Chicago Institute so excited to see those windows a few years ago - and they were not available to view, being repaired/cleaned. I was devastated!! Yes, that Chagall blue is heavenly. I know I will feel the same as you when I finally do see them.

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Jan's avatar

How disappointing! Do try again, they are ...... majestic!

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Anita's avatar

Wow! you put my thoughts into words exactly! This is what I seek in my artwork - likely I'm miles and miles away, but the seeking keeps me pushing through! Thank you Lesley and Chat GPT

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Lesley Riley's avatar

MIles away and closer with every piece. Working towards there is the fun part. Thanks for the comment, Anita.

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Karen Rand Anderson's avatar

What a powerful, insightful piece, Lesley! Wow. I'm inspired and impressed by what you've written, how you pinpointed those 6 common-thread attributes that bring creative magic into being. I'm also amazed (and a little perturbed) by ChatGPT and its in-depth assessment of your painting (which I love by the way!) I think I might have to start playing games with ChatGPT. I've been totally avoiding AI but I guess it has its merits.

FYI-- I went to RISD with Francesca Woodman. Such a sad story. A lovely, brilliant and troubled artist. Her best friend and collaborator was a good friend of mine. It was such a shock when we'd heard she'd jumped from her parents' NYC apartment a few years after graduation. If you haven't seen it, you should watch the documentary "The Woodmans" about her life and her famous (dysfunctional) artist parents.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

I think that writing how-to books and teaching for 25 years helps me to convey complex concepts/ideas clearly. Plus, I've been a self-directed student of creativity for decades. I like to consult Chat GPT because there are usually ideas or comments that open me up to new thoughts, if that makes sense. And Francesca Woodman! thats such a coincidence. I don't know why I am drawn to her and her work, but I am. To be able to access that part of herself at such a young age and then have it end in tragedy. Thanks for sharing.

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Sue Sutherland-Wood's avatar

Loving this post - more mystical overtones! Slightly rattling about the AI component being able to define artistic feelings and observations so perfectly ...

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Chat has the capacity to gather words and concepts from all over the world. While it can give me perspective and sometimes knowledge, it's all taken with a lump, not a grain, of salt. Thanks for reading!

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NM Creatrix's avatar

Lesley YES! When I saw the Rose Window at Notre Dame in the 1970's it was a gasp-worthy event. I have had others, but none so visceral as that immediate impression.

When the cathedral burned, I was devastated that the window may have been destroyed and very relieved when I found out the windows had survived!

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Thanks for sharing your moment. I, too, am glad the windows had miraculously survived.

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