Art Adventures - by Patricia Banks©
Published in Nanaimo Magazine & Voyager Magazine - September 2015
As summer activities wrap themselves up into memories and move gently to the backs of our minds, the autumn routine brings structure and new opportunities for learning. While planning my Art Adventures and new work this fall, I find myself thinking about what Henri Matisse said: "Creativity takes courage."
Communicating with others is a vital human need. The very nature of creativity requires an artist to reach inside themselves and present their innermost feelings and emotions to the world. This is true in all forms of creativity, but is most poignant for a painter because painting is a silent form of communication. The inspiration, thoughts, feelings, emotions and energy - good, bad, or indifferent, are laid bare for all to see. When completed, a painting must literally speak for itself, unaided by the artist. This can be a daunting experience in a world of self appointed critics.
The good news is that courage can be learned! Follow your heart and set clear objectives. Stay focused and don't lose sight of your goals. Resilience comes from experience and keeping your vision foremost in your mind. No matter what, there will always be a small percentage of people who prefer to be contrary. Steer clear of them as best you can, for their underlying motives are derailment and sabotage. Colin Powell once said: “Trying to get everyone to like you is a sign of mediocrity.” So don't give up, believe in yourself and do great things!
As I bask in the glow of warm summer memories I am strengthened with renewed optimism and joy. I plunge my brush into the vivid colors on my palette and courageously make new marks in life. “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” Dr Seuss.
Published in Nanaimo Magazine & Voyager Magazine - September 2015
As summer activities wrap themselves up into memories and move gently to the backs of our minds, the autumn routine brings structure and new opportunities for learning. While planning my Art Adventures and new work this fall, I find myself thinking about what Henri Matisse said: "Creativity takes courage."
Communicating with others is a vital human need. The very nature of creativity requires an artist to reach inside themselves and present their innermost feelings and emotions to the world. This is true in all forms of creativity, but is most poignant for a painter because painting is a silent form of communication. The inspiration, thoughts, feelings, emotions and energy - good, bad, or indifferent, are laid bare for all to see. When completed, a painting must literally speak for itself, unaided by the artist. This can be a daunting experience in a world of self appointed critics.
The good news is that courage can be learned! Follow your heart and set clear objectives. Stay focused and don't lose sight of your goals. Resilience comes from experience and keeping your vision foremost in your mind. No matter what, there will always be a small percentage of people who prefer to be contrary. Steer clear of them as best you can, for their underlying motives are derailment and sabotage. Colin Powell once said: “Trying to get everyone to like you is a sign of mediocrity.” So don't give up, believe in yourself and do great things!
As I bask in the glow of warm summer memories I am strengthened with renewed optimism and joy. I plunge my brush into the vivid colors on my palette and courageously make new marks in life. “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” Dr Seuss.
