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jeudi 11 novembre 2010

2 books, 1 journal page and some ranting

Books again! Favorite authors, so no surprise but a lot of pleasure!
On your right, new book by Kate Atkinson, short stories (a genre I usually don't like much), fabulous. I feel she writes for me, I mean, it's the kind of things I'd like to write if I could write. But she really has a unique way of seeing and expressing things. And, on your left, not new book by David Baldacci. I'm beginning to seriously love that author. I like thrillers, and action packed stories, but usually the characters are a bit simple and without depth in those kind of books. But not with Baldacci. I love his characters, they feel human and likable. And the stories are great. And this a little page just for the pleasure of drawing, something I have missed doing, lately... My pen for drawing, my nespresso cup, little hen on my kitchen counter, ivy leaves, little statue at my parents' place.

Lately I couldn't draw anymore. I made a few drawings for friends and family. When I show my drawings, I often hear : "That's nice! You should make something of it".
Make what? I thought I was making something, actually. Like, a little drawing. Just for the pleasure. Isn't that something?

And then I stop drawing. Not the first time it happens.
I think I'm over it, this time. I just want to draw and not care why or what for.

Do you sometimes get these kind of remarks?
Publié par kazumiwannabe à 10:20 
I'm 75 and have gotten such comments all my life---and have often been devastated by them..one I have always gotten ranked about is, "It looks like someone has too much time on their hands..: Which the speaker seems to think is a clever thing to say. Now, I get over them quicker but being extra sensitive (how else can one be creative?) they still seem so stupid and hurtful...so keeping an atitude of looking on the brightside and see postives has been what has helped me all along.

11 novembre 2010 à 11:14 
I get those remarks frequently. I discovered that when it comes to making bigger things, I have to keep my studio door closed and locked, and not let people see finished work until I'm ready.

When it comes to drawing, I just ignore everybody. Or, if I am in a particularly bad mood, I'll ask, "what did you make today?" Because chances are, the critic's answer is "nothing."

11 novembre 2010 à 11:58 
First of all I want to apologize for my absence of visiting your lovely blog! Wow! I adore your line work; especially your shelves/books and portraits.

I believe everyone who draws, illustrates, et cetera receives comments like that. Hence the reason I have taken a long sabbatical. I just wanted to find myself; "art for art's sake" and illustrate for myself for once. It paid off and now I just ignore the comments; if I'm not satisfied then no one else will be either. But please don't quit drawing...

11 novembre 2010 à 12:16 
I think those kinds of comments are motivated by the viewers awe of your talent. They see talent and want you to "do" something with that talent. It never occurs to them that you just did!
I imagine there are a lot of musicians out there who create lyrics and melodies and never publish them to the world at large. And I imagine they have people in their life that say, "You should do something with that."
Your drawings are gorgeous! Keep going. Draw for yourself- it's enough.
Thanks for the book reviews! I always enjoy your take on what you're reading.

11 novembre 2010 à 16:11 
A lot of people don't seem to understand the concept of sketching and that art is only big oil paintings, but there's a lot more to it than that. Draw or create whatever gives you pleasure because that's what it's all about!

12 novembre 2010 à 02:05 
I am fortunate in that I haven't heard anything like that since I left my parental home. But the results of my childhood were that I like so many other people, stopped drawing and making art. Most people get their creativity squashed, and unfortunately unaware of what has been done to them, they then go on to do it to others. when you get comments like that remember they may be a little envious that you can, and they have no idea at all of what is involved. Then ignore them. Or I rather like Jenna's remark 'What did you make today?'. Take care of yourself and your own creativity and do not under any circumstances allow them to stop you. Oh yes and elebrate the fact that you feel free enough to spend your time doing what makes you feel happy ;-)

Your sketches are lovely!

12 novembre 2010 à 02:10 
Maybe they simply mean that you are good enough to be doing this for a living...like they see it as your true calling. I get those comments a lot. I've never had the one Winna mentioned, and I think if I ever got that one I would be tempted to lash out!! Don't let this stop you; you truly are very talented!

13 novembre 2010 à 11:21 
love your work as always =)

14 novembre 2010 à 08:12 Dragana Savkov - Bajić a dit…

Love your drawings of books. Very nice!

17 novembre 2010 à 07:59 
Great sketches. I get that same comment all the time, but it's a double edged sword. People thinks it's so easy to make money at making art until you try to actually do it. When you do try, at least for me, everything becomes making it marketable instead of for fun. If I had ever gotten a comment like Winna, I think I would've let loose on that person. They may have been trying to be clever, but it's disrespectful. There are worse things to be doing with one's time and I consider art to be among the most positive. ;)

18 novembre 2010 à 06:45 
I get from my son that I should do something to be able to sell my pieces. That is a compliment but he doesn't realize that I am not interested in selling but would not be able to make art if I had to do only saleable work. My art isn't good enough for sales yet anyhow but I try to just say thanks. He doesn't understand how art is my soul in a way and how do you sell that? From others I get other comments, some good, some not so good. Everyone has an opinion. Just keep in mind your own opinion to weigh theirs against. And then, keep drawing! You've made some great pages here with the book covers and then all your little items you just felt like drawing. Did God NEED to make us? No, he just felt like it and so to follow in his pattern we should create just because too!

18 novembre 2010 à 19:18 
More good book reviews and great pages! I can only echo what everyone has already said. You draw to make you happy. Please keep drawing. Practice a steely glare for the next time you get a comment like that :-)

19 novembre 2010 à 10:03 
Ooh, I love Ann's suggestion of practicing a "steely glare"! Your drawings are wonderful - creative, expressive, well done, and colorful. Of course the pinecone is totally recognizable - it looks just like one. Keep creating - you're very good at it and you love to do it! nancy

28 novembre 2010 à 13:41 Cheryl Razmus a dit…

I am so glad you looked at my blog because now I have found your wonderful blog and your expressive drawings about your real life. Drawing and sharing your life is enough and all that matters. I have received the attitude from family and friends all my life that if you can't sell it, it has no value. My feeling is that it is usually just the opposite.

27 décembre 2010 à 11:10