The Best Dream

A favorite artist of mine, Chuck Close, said, “Inspiration is for amateurs. The only real inspiration comes from doing the hard work. Through doing the work the real breakthrough happens.” Last year I wrote a piece on inspiration for our blog. I went back and read it, trying to think where I was at now, what had changed, if anything…was Mr. Close being a bit harsh? His quote grabbed me, I couldn’t shake it. I almost felt kind of taken a back. Was he saying those of us that use outside stimulation when we have artist or any other kind of block are amateurs? And finally, why was I taking it so personally anyway…

I set pretty strict office hours for myself. I am easily distracted and need to remain focused…put the phone in another room, wear earrphones with music, do not disturb sign on door…so, there I am all ready to go. Some days, everything I touch turns to gold, some days to mud. On the muddy days, I sit there (because I keep strict office hours) and sit there, fiddling, spacing out…start looking at Pinterest thinking that watching other people doing things and having a life, would give me one too…that’s when I began thinking about Chuck Close. He’s a man with a severe handicap, in a wheelchair, almost useless from the neck down. He has a mysterious neurological condition called Prosopagnosia or ‘facial blindness’. For those of you that aren’t familiar with this disorder it’s basically like having a best friend that you see everyday, then walk right past him/her because you don’t recognize them. The irony is that he paints the most beautiful portraits. It’s really quite amazing, really. I bet Chuck Close doesn’t look at pinterest when he has a block…I’m not bashing Pinterest by the way, I love it…I bet that people told him he would never be able to do anything. Where do you find inspiration if you are told it’s not possible, no one like you ever made it? Then I thought about my office hours, about how much I actually work through while sequestered in my studio. I don’t give up, I keep working…I never let my limitations get me down for long…I just keep working through it. You know what, I admit it, I was wrong. I work 7 days a week on my art, over the last year I have grown, becoming more centered and more in touch with who I am as an artist. I have been my own inspiration all along. I realize that I only got here by re-working ideas, looking at all of my partial ideas to find an answer to my creative question. Only I know what I need to ask and what will make me successful.

Mr. Close, you are a wise man. All of us are our own inspiration…don’t give up, you will persevere no matter what if you keep doing the hard work. It can be slow and arduous but it won’t be handed to us because we are ‘good’ people. Take another look at the person you most admire and how they got where they are…no better or worse than anyone else…they just believed in themselves and let that be their inspiration. Now, that really is inspiring.

How She Opened Her Heart

When I finish a painting I always breathe a sign of relief. I feel as if I’ve worked something out, something that felt strange to say out loud…as if verbalizing an idea would somehow make it seem less important. When you say something out loud it is there to be judged by others which can be a positive or whither a once meaningful feeling…so, being vulnerable…as an artist I realize that art is my outlet for being vulnerable. Somehow, the paintings make me feel brave, like I don’t care what they say because I have created my statement and I cannot take it back so deal with it! I just want to share what it’s like to be me, don’t you? Everyday we are explaining ourselves and our point of view. All we are trying to communicate is we are having the same existence on earth, but experiencing it differently. It is completely different from any other experience that ever was or will be. Now doesn’t make you feel like what you have to say is important? I believe we need to find our own way of expressing the things that are most important to us. This requires being vulnerable. Allowing certain people a glimpse into the softest part of you. There has to be trust in some kind of process that allows this to occur…and not just use anger to express these feelings. It seems like we are all used to seeing this emotion expressed freely.

I know I cannot change the culture, but maybe while reading this you are thinking about the creative, vulnerable and important soul that you are. What does all of this mean for you…or maybe you don’t know what the heck I’m talking about. Being vulnerable sets you free and allows a closer relationship to build…even you coming out into the open about yourself…being self aware of our own myths…now that is a vulnerable and brave act for sure!

Photography Set in Stone These handmade photography tiles feature the work of renowned photographer Sean Scanlon.
Each tile is made from travertine or marble tile, and each tile is chosen based on the unique image or image set.
The collection captures the the heart of fullerton and iconic images from all over the world captured by the photographer on his travels.
On display at Artology at Carpe Diem Experience, Friday, April 5th 6-10p During the Downtown Fullerton Art Walk. The collection will be available the next day during the Mercantile Flea Market 10a.-4p. visit: www.facebook.com/MercantileFleaMarket

Carpe Diem Experience                                                                                                                                   an artful living marketplace

115 S. Harbor Blvd. Fullerton, 92832

714.680.9882

Give one of these adorable Vintage Valentines to the people you love. Dating back to 1944, the messages still have meaning and when received would make anyone smile. Come search through the many adorable, heartfelt, cheesy and love-able vintage Valentines.

Valentines: $5 each or for the WWII Valentines $12

Stop on by to Artology.

Check out these perfect Valentine accessories just in time for the holiday of love.

Handmade heart wire rings were crafted by our very own in house artist Lambzy Divey.

Come by Artology before Valentines day to take home these love-able rings.

Reserve your spot today and pay now:

We’re obsessed with recycled paper creations this month and it continues with this weeks Workshop Wednesday. Join us and learn to create paper rose rings & or pendants
Tonight, 6-9 p.m.

714.680.9882 | artologystudio@gmail.com