I am in a bit of a conundrum. Puzzling through the path to growth, happiness, flow and finding it increasingly a journey un-embraced by others. This happens in art just as in life - people love a style or subject matter and are disgruntled when the artist wanders away from it. Change is unsettling, unnerving, sometimes scary. And in life, when people love you for being a certain way, they may get jumpy when you grow into a new version of you. In the poem, Gill grabs this concept and anchors it to my very bones - there may be snowflakes (or sundogs, or eclipses) in my eyes - I am becoming another season. In this painting, the motion of the ever-changing landscape spins within the very bones of a tree, which transforms even after the final winter of its productive life. It is never too late; you are never too old for transformation. No matter what others may say.
The April Reader Giveaway is here! Wonder Mike and Lilly are busy choosing which original artwork will be going home with one lucky reader. To enter, subscribe to the blog (see column on the right) and then leave a comment below answering this question: do you find yourself creatively (or personally or professionally) stymied by the expectations of others? If so, how can you best grow anyway?
It’s a BIG question! So this month’s prize is not a tiny painting. One commenter will win BIG! (note: if you are already subscribed, just leave a comment to enter! yay!)
12 Comments
Kelly Mallon
4/10/2023 03:56:15 pm
Dear Lola,
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lola
4/10/2023 04:43:29 pm
Kelly!!!!! OMG, I had to read your comment three times. What your inner creative wild child has gone through, and yet you are taking art lessons and learning to let yourself GO GO GO!
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Kelly Mallon
4/10/2023 05:16:55 pm
Thank you Lola! 4/10/2023 04:00:59 pm
I love this painting and I'm inspired to try an AI bot. Very cool.
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lola
4/10/2023 04:44:51 pm
Charlynn!!! DO IT! I am so dang inspired by the A.I. bot. It's like having a creative minion you can boss around. I cannot WAIT to see what inspires you! xoxo
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lola
4/10/2023 04:45:23 pm
Dotty! you always always ALWAYS make me grin! Big hugs! xoxoxoxo
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4/17/2023 04:10:36 pm
1. grinning in return : )
lola
4/18/2023 04:09:47 pm
SHIFT HAPPENS! haaaaaa! LOVE that!!!
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4/10/2023 05:22:09 pm
Yes, people's expectations can muddy the pond. (And it can be a challenge when your income is connected to your art.) As a writer working for clients, I would sometimes feel "type cast" because the assignments were similar, and I did a good job. In photography circles, I'm recognized by the nature images. On social media, I write what I want to write. I recognize that people like certain things, and I get frustrated when they don't respond to more serious topics. But my creative work is a calling. So, I do what I do - if it makes a positive difference to one person, it's worth it. In your case, I'm sure there are people who gravitate to one of your "styles" more than others. For other people, like myself, we travel along with you, celebrating with interest as you discover all the tributaries that are making up your greater river of art expression.
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lola
4/11/2023 04:53:07 pm
Carol.....omg. Your words are such a gift! Thank you for sharing (and for entering the April Reader Giveaway!) and for traveling along the tributaries with me. Big hugs, wonderful, creative, spirited YOU! xoxoxoxo
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