Hi friends,
Years ago, I asked a friend what defines an artist. Is it creating art full time, being shown in beautiful
galleries and salons? Is it a Master’s
degree in Fine Art? I will never forget
her response. She asked if I thought
someone who loves to sing needs to have recorded an album to be considered a
singer. Touché. I came away from that conversation realizing
that we can believe ourselves, creatively, to be whatever we desire. I have to be honest; I have a hard time
considering myself to be an artist. I
love to create and I have had moments of brilliance when I’ve thought, “I AM an artist!” But, most of the time, I just enjoy the process;
learning and experimenting with different mediums, techniques and
supplies. I love to read stories of artists and their journeys. One great place to do this is Crescendoh.com. I also blog stalk - maybe even yours! Last week a friend of mind posted
the following quote on Facebook:
This quote has been in my thoughts all week. Because quite honestly, how many of us have the time to sit down and create art every day? So, as I've gone about my week I've tried to be more conscious of my "art", and in doing so I feel good. I feel like I've been able to enjoy "creating" as I am making it part of my day. Yesterday, it was as simple as rearranging my bedside table with some newly created pottery, a gift from my son. And, even though it wasn't something I will hang on a museum wall or enter into an art show, it felt good. It felt creative in it's own way.
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Really? A tie with shorts? |
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My new pottery piece |
I want to be more mindful of the “art” I am creating every
day. Because isn’t part of creating art
and sharing art expressing how you feel and about how you make others
feel?
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Dixon and his special friend, Clyde Bair |
Last night my family had a visit
from a dear, sweet gentleman. He is just
that, a gentleman. He is in his 80’s,
and is soft spoken, kind, and goes about doing good. He has been visiting our home for the past 10
years as a church assignment. He comes
once a month to visit with us, and then leaves us with a spiritual message and
a prayer. We all look forward to his
coming. He brings humility, calmness and
good into our home. Last night he asked
my son, Dixon (who just turned 14) to come and sit next to him. The room became very solemn as my son made
his way across the room. We felt like
something profound was happening. Our
dear friend told Dixon that he had been watching him for many years, and that
he wanted him to know that he has something special about him. He feels strongly that Dixon has a special
purpose in life and that if he lives a good life, he will have great
opportunities. He then gave him a
gift. It was a book of scriptures, beautifully crafted,
that had been given to him by men, the leaders of our church, that he had known and greatly admired. This book should have been given to one of
his grandsons, but it wasn’t. It was
given to MY son. He then said to him,
“Dixon, I want you to remember how I feel about you and what I see in you. I see greatness. I want you to remember me when you look at
this book and remember that I saw greatness in you and that I think you have a
great purpose in life. You are an
exceptional young man.” As I tearfully watched
this touching exchange, a thought
flooded through me…THIS is art, he is an
artist. You can bet I’ll be trying
to create a lot more of that kind of art as I move forward in my journey. I hope you'll do the same.
Have a wonderful "artful" day!
Emily
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Lucky us |
how could he not be extraordinary with you as his mother? beautiful photo of the two of you...
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your thoughts on art about taking it by each hour of the day.
ReplyDeleteEmily, what a special story you share about your son, Dixon and your good friend Clyde, of course you need to know how I felt it...with plenty of tears. Isn't it special your friend acted on his promtings and made a difference in your sons life, he will never ever forget his kindness and how many times will your son depend upon those words in his life.
lucky us, was perfectly signed.
such a beautiful post emily- i love the quote and the photograph of you and your sweetheart. thank you for the goodness that you share. xoxo
ReplyDeletebeautiful!
ReplyDeleteAwww Emily,
ReplyDeleteOf course a tie with shorts. He is so you!!! Love this post. And you my dear, bring art to all our lives. Lucky us.
xoxo Rena
I love reading your thoughts emily. You express your love and your art in such a beautiful way, your words. I love how inspiring you are as an artist. Thanks for your wonderful thoughts. And that boy you married knows good art when he sees it!
ReplyDeletexo Deb