Tags
Abstract art, art, Art press, love for art, monoprint, monotype, Paint, visual art
I miss having access to an art press. I miss my Fridays at the press, getting exhausted dirty and creative. I miss the adrenaline and the rush. I also miss the results of my labour.
I had a regular Friday gig which I loved completely ‘until’ … (why is there always a conjunction associated with love?) Well, within the world of art and artists are extreme emotions and personalities just as in any area of life ‘but’ in my case the height of sensitivity in the environment killed my joy of the studio.
One day the owner, who allowed free use of all her studio paints with the price of the rental accused me of hiding her paints and coveting them as my own. Yikes! The relationship ended on the spot. I felt I had no choice. Normally, and at earlier times in life I would deny or try or do anything to take the black mark away. I was devastated, naturally as I knew I was going to walk away from the sweetest days ever as an artist, ‘but’ I also knew I could not be under a watchful suspicious eye and produce art of calibre in that environment.
I told a friend of this dilemma saying ‘Geesh artists are so sensitive!’ meaning of course the owner. Being a true friend her throaty laugh accompanied two words, ‘Ya think?’
I still believe I made the right decision ‘but’ in doing so I cut off one of my arms. Now, I am going through a bit of withdrawal, actually a lot of it and need to kick my own butt out into the world of artists again. Adjusting my thinking and psych as I write this, ‘because’ it can be a very intimidating experience to fit into the fold of extraordinary artists. Wish me luck!
Above are a few of the pieces that resulted from my Friday Art Days… too bad a press would cost me about $3000 because then I could continue to be an art hermit 
Sorry you had to move on. But that is the way oflife always changing, moving and reinventing. In time everything will work. Good luck in finding your next step on
the road to your future.
Thanks. I think you wrote words of wisdom here.
The life of an artist if often lonely plagued with times of disappointment and despair. Never give up. . .always reflect on the greats! Stormy times lead to sunny days ahead with dark clouds soon dissipating within the calming rays of sunlight. . .
I was taught to use despair as a tool. It can be difficult, as you say but quite honestly – With the inspiration from people as yourself, it isn’t that bad
thank You…
hope you can enjoy those days again!
Thanks doll
O Tracy what gorgeous work friend. I am so bummed for you too. Sometimes we make large scarifices in the name of dignity. I think you did the right thing in leaving. This person had decided for whatever reasons of her own to attack.
Can I make a suggestion if it has not been made? From one artitst to another? Change your mediums You have got something going on in you, it’s eveident in your work.
If you are like me you are craving to be creative with your hands.You need to do it as much as you need to breath.
I believe we need these outlets, Especially those who deal and try to cope with chronic pain. Get yourself some cheap acrylics, and cheap brushes to start. Paint on any object you can find that has some tooth. If not prpme it with gesso. Just paint sweetie just paint!
Hope you did not mind my bossiness there. Just want you to paint, because in the end is that not the basic?
Take care my dear friend. ~ BB
You may boss me any way you like ! That is a fine suggestion, and I have lots of mediums to work in – that`s true but the work I love most* is printing. You know what they say `absence makes the heart grow fonder`. I did start gather a few paints and pencils to dabble. It makes perfect sense!
ps: you can call me Les
Feel a bit silly calling you Tracy. I’m so sorry. Tracy is a friend of mine who you and your blog remind me of. I did get you two mixed up in my mind for some reason. Weird. Please forgive me for thinking of her while writing you. Believe me it’s a compliment considering how I feel about Tracy. I know you’d like her.
So sorry Les!
Another note: looking forward to hearinga nd seeing your new work. I get it too about a favorite medium or technique. I am so into paper right now I can hardly see anything else in my studio..
Take care dear friend LES!!
~ BB
I love your work.
With what happened, you did the right thing for your SELF – it does us no good to stay in what sounds like an abusive relationship from what you describe.
So now that you’ve done the right thing for your soul, and stepped over the edge into the unknown, your angels will support you. There’s no way this isn’t going to work for you. So wait with open hands and heart for the next gift from the universe!
warm wishes
Valerie, Thanks so much for these words of support. As I said in the past I would have tolerated being in an environment of suspicion where I was not treated with the same respect I gave but now I seem to be able to identify it much sooner and cut my emotional losses. The universe does gift me regularly so I will watch for the signs. xx
Lesley, the art world is as hard as the real world, but you and your art are beautiful; remember that you are bigger than any obstacle. Your soul always shines thru no matter what. Sending light and blessings your way!
Received with abundant gratefulness for your advice Doris. Blessings to you xx
Love the art working you are showing here sure hope you can find what you need to continue as a beautiful gift such as yours should never be hermitted away.
I love the pieces of art you are showing with this post, Lesley. And I agree with some of the other comments, here: Stay confident and open to possibilities. The right one is already waiting for you.
Instead of luck I wish you courage. I know that you have everything you need, already. Now you just need the courage to believe it!
I believe in you.
Much love!
Thanks Steffi, I was feeling a bit sorry for myself today so your words of encouragement are even more appreciated! xx
Hej Lesley!
Sometimes we need some time to feel sorry for ourselves. How else are we supposed to notice that it is time for a new choice?!
I am sending you a big hug!
I love these prints and I know what you mean. I haven’t had a press since college and, though I do enjoy hand printing, I miss the feel and the impression you can get from cranking the print through the roller.
I haven t attempted hand printing but do have the tools to. The surprises of the roller is what I feel i will miss in the results. Thanks, Drew, I knew you would get it
Lesley – I have every confidence – you will figure out a way to find something else – and it will be better! That’s the way with positive people.
Thanks Mary. As you say below, perhaps the reason has yet to surface…
Les, have you tried an art gallery to display and sell your work? If I were you I’d give it a few days until the withdrawal symptoms subside. I had the same experience when I quit working as a journalist. For three days I had a super sized headache. I called it stress withdrawal. I didn’t realize how stressful the job was until I quit. Time will heal the heartache. The other cliche I’ll throw at you is: When a door closes for you, a window opens. Look for it. Being an art hermit isn’t all good. I know because I try to be a writer hermit. It’s a good thing that I must go for groceries and the doctor’s once in a while or I would never leave the house. Have a meanful adjustment.
Great advice. I too like being a hermit.
Les, I really like your work. You WILL find a way to do this. Perhaps you can get a used press. Have you looked on e-bay or the equivalent?
Sincere – Thanks everyone. As far as an exhibition, it also takes not only complete dedication for about 6 months in advance but money to frame and advertise etc. That is why artists are poor!!
I made a commitment to myself to spend time solely on promoting my book sales for a period of 6 months – BAD promise LOL
Karen – I was considering a used piece but a small table top one. One of these large presses weighs way too much to ship. Thanks for your advice
The advantage of small pieces does compute to a lower selling price, less time to produce and less money to frame so who knows… I have a table and a tarp so far !