Now & Then

12 Years in the Making: Latest Art Show VS First Art Show

12 Things I Have Learned:

1. I obviously still have a thing for animal prints. Zebra, snake, cheetah. You name it. I love it. 
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2. It also seems I like to stand with a little bend at the knee. Not much of a smile. Being photographed still makes me extremely nervous. 
 
3. The greatest transformation? My paintings! Wouldn't you agree? A colorful palette with very little texture has evolved into mostly neutral works with heavy emphasis on texture.
 
4. There's been a change in countries: Canada to the USA. There's also obviously been a change in venues. Oh, and these days I'm certainly not a smoker.
 
5. I've learned to begin before you're ready. You're never going to be completely ready. If you wait, you're just postponing the inevitable: there are many lessons to be learned along the way in any endeavor. You might as well begin today and allow the process to evolve into ideas.
 
6. Making art is vulnerable. You're putting your heart out there. Of course you want to be loved and have all of your works be well received. But realistically, chances are some people will like them and some people won't. You can't control that. Would you expect everyone to choose the same meal at a buffet? Of course not. Case in point.
 
7. The only sustainable way to make art is to do it because you love it. Otherwise you're going to resent it, so you might as well work a regular 9-5 job you also resent because then at least your paycheck won't be so erratic.
 
8. Do the best work that you can. Surround yourself with people that love and support you. Put your whole body & soul into it. Holding back is a mistake. If you're waiting to paint the way you really want to paint until some magical, perfect event takes place, you'll likely be waiting a long time.
 
9. Do what you love and share it. When I began painting, I honestly thought my definition of success was all about me, my work and where my work would be shown. I never expected to share my process with others. I never expected that sharing my art in the role as an instructor would become an integral part of my evolution as an artist.
 
10. Paint what you love. Paint from the heart. Paint with your whole heart. This is your legacy. The only time you have is now. Make good use of it. Our time here is extremely brief and finite.
 
11. Being a professional artist is more perseverance than talent. Talent you may or may not have naturally, and you can certainly invest in yourself to perfect your craft. But perseverance - not giving up, is the most obvious trait I see that separates the "dabblers' ', dreamers and wannabes, from the professionals.​ Just. Don't. Quit.
 
​12. The more you make honest art, the more you will peel back the layers to reveal more and more of yourself. Allowing yourself to be seen. Really seen, is an artist's greatest legacy.​

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