With a new year come thoughts about life and where it is leading you/me. I have been on a path of gratitude for a long while, but I realized that I belly ache a lot about the tribulations of being an artist, maybe not a lot, but enough that I sometimes bore myself. Yes, it is sometimes hard and when there are no sales and the bank account is tiny it is easy to get frustrated. BUT the bottom line is I am so grateful for my life and the fact that I am an artist that I have to pinch myself daily to make sure I am not dreaming.
Making art is not about sales, it is not about galleries, or even people appreciating what I do, making art is about the awesome joy I feel everyday that I get to make art, that I am passionate about making art and also that I am passionate about art in general, other people's art, painting, books, movies, all the arts move me, sometimes to tears. I am one of the luckiest people in the world and I know that. Who cares if I can't travel and have no money, who cares if I can't afford a smart phone?! I am living a life of freedom and joy, a life most people would kill for if they even knew it existed. I just wanted to express my gratitude and wonder and love for the awesome life I get to live. I know many of you who make art have these same feelings and not just artists, anyone who has a passion for what they do, it does not matter what form it takes.
We are so lucky! So this year I will not belly ache, I will send kisses to the Gods daily that they gave me this passion. This life. Happy New Year!
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15 comments:
Annie, thank you for these inspiring words. I know I tend to complain too much, but, as you point out, we are truly very lucky to be able to express ourselves and communicate to others through art. Thanks for reminding me!
Sharmon, You are welcome, we all need to be reminded, it is so easy to complain and forget. xoxo
I love this: "sometimes I bore myself", that really struck my funny bone but also a chord. I think a lot of thoughts that bore me! And yes to gratitude! This has come up on my radar so much lately. Lots of research on how life changing this practice is. Great first of the year post. And yes to freedom and doing what you love.
Zendot, :-). Thank you. YES to more gratitude. And also to loving ourselves more.
xoxo
hey sweet annie! oh yes, i can bore myself silly... so here's to gratitude over complaining in 2016! let's do it!
xoxo
beautiful Annie… there is indeed so much in our lives to be grateful for!
Lynne, Yes, let's all do it, wonder what the powerful effect will be, something wonderful is coming in this 9 year, #9 is my very favorite number. xoxo
Laura, there is indeed and you are one of the things to be grateful for in blogland, even though I am a bad blogger these days I think of you often. xoxo
thank you, annie, and yes yes yes. i'm an expert complainer but i know enough to put gratitude first.
i wish you the best year.
love
love
kj
Kj, Wishing you the best new year too, gratitude is always first.
How is JB? I hope all is well. xoxo
Perfect Annie - just perfect
Mim, Thank you sweetie. xoxo
I think few people have the courage to follow their dream and passion like you have. It is sad that we are brought up to be consumers rather than appreciaters. There are some who would look at a landscape and adore the sounds of the birds or the way the different colours interact with one another, and then there are others who would wonder how many houses they could cram in to the space to maximise profit. I think the world needs more special people in, who can see the beauty around them like you, and be inspired to make more beautiful things to enhance the lives of others. If it is any consolation, not even Van Gogh was appreciated in his lifetime.
Melanie, Thank you, I do know that poor Van Gogh could not even give his paintings away,
which at least I am able to do :-), he is my example always that lack of sales and success has nothing to do with talent. xoxo
I understand you so much. It makes me really depressed when there are no sales and you are in a real need of money. Such moments cause you thinking of another work to do and have a fixed salary. But than someone buys your painting and you're so proud of yourself!
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