Beyond the Surface

[Pixie Cherries]

Brynn,

I hope it is fitting for me to post on this subject from the other point of view. From the point of being an artist.

I am so happy to find this thread. Reading the words that you wrote with such sensitivity is wonderful. It is a very confirming experience to know others "hear" what is broadcast.

I am an artist. I paint in oils and acrylics. I am also a digital artist. Art is something I experience as a passionate warmth that wells up inside me when I work on something. The work unfolds as I dialogue with myself. The artistic dialogue inside me transcends language. It is more of a direct connection to creativity that circumvents typical expressions. My artistic drive or motivation is to take something you can understand and make you love it.

Some of my favorite little things to paint are abstract mushrooms. You know what a mushroom is. But if I can make you love them in a new way, I am connecting with you. Art is all about connecting. With yourself and with an audience. It is also about getting that vision out. The process is very rewarding.

Here is a little section from one of my illustrations.
In real life the background is much lighter.



I discovered my artistic talent when I was about twenty. I met a graphic artist. I watched him work. And one day I picked up his tools and drew a picture of sea shells. Everyone wanted the picture. And I then I painted a box that won a blue ribbon at the fair.

And what occured to me is that I had limited myself too much. All my life I had imagined artists to be magic. And I wasn't magic. So I could never be an artist. But then I gave myself permission to try. That was all I needed. Permission.

I have been working with my little projects for thirty years.

I think we all have an inner artist. It comes out in various ways. Not always as recognizable art, as with sports and such.

When I see how some of the people on this board write, I know that is art. I know they think about what they want to say and make it so. That is what an artist does. I see that their unique writing is also innate. So much natural talent here on the boards. It floors me at times.

Anyhow, thank you and everyone else for this thread. It's a great conversation.

PC