i was very pleased…
…to be sent this image of some of my prints. It’s very heartening to see my work out in the world. I think most artists must feel isolated at one time or another; it can feel as though we spend a lot of time making work alone, not getting much in the way of feedback, with little but our on conviction that we’re doing something worthwhile. I suffer from this A LOT. Blogging helps - I appreciate all the comments I receive from my blog. Selling some work helps more - that someone is prepared to pay money for something I’ve made does validate my making of it (is that very shallow?). Seeing sold work on people’s wall is a real buzz - not only is someone prepared to give me money for my work they also like to look at it!
I seem to be very quiet at the moment. I wish I wasn’t, but it’s the way things are. I’m hoping this quite time is a prelude to more energy, enthusiasm and inspiration. That does often seem the way of things, it’s just hard to properly believe that when energy is low, enthusiasm missing, and inspiration hard to find. My fingers are crossed, I’m sitting in a shady corner of my garden and enjoying the summer.
Beany sales have slumped along with my energy. If you keep meaning to buy a copy now would be a great time, it would certainly put a smile on my face…
July 5th, 2006 at 9:57 pm
Hello Michael, I just discovered your work today through the Nina Johannson blog where she’s talking about how much she loves The Beany. I love what I’ve seen of your artwork so far and so I want a look, I want a copy! So, I’ll stick a cheque in the post tomorrow as I don’t have a paypal account.
By the way I think these ‘quieter’ periods we all go through are often times when we are processing a lot of experiences and information - “inspiration” is what I think of as the time when the intellect has let go a bit and other bits of the brain deal with your experiences - and that’s usually when unexpected things happen. Things might appear to be quiet but there’s a hell of a lot going on. So, take it easy, relax in the garden and trust there is more to come. Hope this makes sense. It’s great, all your work is new to me, so I have lots to look at while you’re relaxing. Catherine
July 6th, 2006 at 2:39 pm
When it’s hard for me i think about this quote :
“shoot the moon even if you miss it,
you will be among the stars” :o)
July 6th, 2006 at 4:00 pm
Hey, Michael, sorry it’s a down time right now. I’m having one, too, due mostly to some back pain…I seem to be reading blogs rather than doing art. But, this too shall pass.
Thanks for all the joy and encouragement you give to the rest of us.