Being an artist means getting to know yourself on a deep level. We have to dig deep into what we care about and somehow express that in our chosen medium.
Making art is a process of learning to respect and love ourselves. Just taking the time to make art is a huge act of self-respect.
Showing up over the course of several months to make portraits hasn’t been easy. Some days I was barely able to ‘phone it in’. I didn’t have as much time as I wanted to really dive in. It would have been easy to abandon it. But something I have learned about myself: I’d rather lower my own expectations and stay with it than abandon it because of some notion of perfection or excellence.
I’m finishing a week after the rest of the tribe, barely getting over the finish line. I feel successful in my quest to improve my skills. I have had fun seeing improvement.
As I continue this adventure of self-discovery and expression, I am grateful for the art and writing that continues to reveal me to me. Thanks for sharing in this process, and for cheering me on. Your encouragement means a lot to me.
100/100 Portrait of the artist Cynthia Morris 9 x 12 watercolor on Hahnemuhle paper
portrait
Inspired by Maira Kalman
I first discovered Maira Kalman’s funny and colorful illustrations in the Illustrated Elements of Style (Strunk and White). What could be better than a stuffy grammar book made entertaining by irreverent visual interpretations?
From there, I enjoyed Maira’s other books such as The Principles of Uncertainty. I’ve been an ardent fan and student from afar, studying her style and voice. She’s fiercely smart and joyfully expressed, and I’ve learned a lot from her visual narratives in the New York Times.
One day a few years ago, I was walking the High Line in New York with a friend. Suddenly, I spotted Maira walking with her friend. OMG! I grabbed my friend’s arm. It’s Maira Kalman! I SO SO wanted to talk to her, but when I am in the presence of someone I deeply admire, I turn quite shy. We followed her for a few steps before I realized I couldn’t bring myself to approach her.
I remain a dedicated fan and admirer of Maira’s art and multi-faceted, wildly creative life. Thank you, Maira, for being so wholly and exuberantly creative.
Read This: Marina Abramovic’s Memoir: Walk Through Walls
I read Marina Abramovic’s book Walk Through Walls in three days. I couldn’t stop reading the story of this fascinating, powerful performance artist. Marina, from Yugoslavia, has traveled the world as an artist and explorer, collaborating with the likes of Tibetan Monks, the Dalai Lama and Willem Defoe.
Her performance at MoMA, The Artist is Present, gave her greater renown. She’s developed her own method of getting present for the sake of higher level of performance….or should I say more depth of humanity and truth. I’m inspired by her boldness, creativity and collaborative spirit.
Marina reminds me to dig deeper, be braver and stretch beyond societal boundaries. Thank you, Marina.
Thank You, Barak Obama
Thank you Barak Obama for being a true leader who cares about the world. I will miss you, your intelligence, and your grace.
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She wants to write more…
Daily painting #25 of 100, watercolor and ink on paper, 8″ x 8″. She wants to write what she wants to write. She wants her work to be more meaningful and have a positive impact.
And she wants to play the ukulele, so she bought one.
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Sunday in my Paris art studio
Some bright sunlight today and my Paris art studio. It’s been a lovely Sunday working on paintings and illustrations and gathering ideas on paper. I hope Sunday is bright with your creativity too!
Photo taken at: Paris, France
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