I read a piece some years ago about the lives of the signers of the Declaration of Independence following that first fateful Fourth of July. I wish I could remember where it came from, because it was remarkable: It spoke of the hard times--and some deaths--that befell all these men so that a break from England could happen and this new nation would be born.
Never has a country such as ours come to be, before or since. It is my most profound piece of good fortune to have been born an American and to have enjoyed a lifetime of all the good things that means.
That can and does affect our art. We have such freedom of expression here and are so accustomed to it that we forget to be grateful. We need a Fourth to bring it back to mind and to be thankful to all of those who won it and laid it in our laps.
Happy Fourth of July!
PW
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Discussions about art and what makes it happen.
Upon further Reflection on my Father
About Me
- Priscilla Wallace
- My first attempt to enter the world of fine art was through academic painting at the University of Texas at Austin. I learned what painting was, and, disappointingly, that I couldn’t do it. I left painting as one would leave a failed marriage. It was some years later that I approached making art through making crafts. Since then, I have come to regard fine crafts as fine art: The difference between the two exist on a theoretical level only, because a line separating them cannot be drawn—at least, not for me. In a world made of both “art” and “craft” I have found my home. My artwork seems to best be called “Crafted Paintings.” Still mindful of the principles of design, they are part collage, part mixed media painting, part constructions. They are likely to run off in any of these directions, or others, as the spirit moves them. That spirit expands most successfully when it is beautiful, whimsical, colorful, and rich. These pieces celebrate life in one aspect of it or another, and they seek to create joy in the heart of the viewer. View my art at www.artbycollage.com
Places currenly showing Priscilla's Art
- Mountain Micro Systems (828-438-9456)
- Hair and Nails Unlimited (828-433-0894)
- Valdese Heritage Arts Center (828-874-1849)
- Urban Artware (336-722-2345)
- Full Circle Arts (828-322-7545)
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3 comments:
I absolutely agree with you that we need to remember to be grateful for what we have. I was not born American - but perhaps to be born English is a second best in the freedom arena? Certainly my life in America of almost 21 years now has allowed the benefits that I enjoy currently. I have all I need and much more, including a studio in which to work. I have no excuse not to pursue my art work. I am retired and have a place to work so why do I do it so rarely?
Ever since grad. school I have struggled with what I want to do. A first assignment in one class was to choose a subject and paint/treat it in as mnay different ways as possible. I felt as though I had been thrown to the wolves. I couldn't choose because I DID NOT KNOW what I wanted to paint. WHY did I not know. I DID know THAT I wanted to paint. I felt pitiful - and still do. I have no problem painting what somebody else wants/suggests... I have never solved this problem - so being grateful for the opportunity I now have just makes me feel guilty as well as pitiful. But, ever mind the pity me crap - that's even more pitiful. Why don't I DO something about it - like just go and mess and have fun with it - like I have my students do. Perhaps I should become my own student? Yeah - and decide to MAKE time to do that.
Well, Priscilla, your blog has become the place for me to solve MY problems. You've stimulated me to action as well as yourself. And again, I LOVE your new painting.
Katherine
There is nothing quite as wonderful as having the person you most respect give you a compliment!
I think you have the commercial artist's psyche: Get an idea of what someone wants, then knock yourself out producing the best possible creation you can.
If you're going to be your own student, you could try keeping a journal of ideas. That's what we tell students to do!
As for your first art assignment, I'd not do well with that, either, because I think I can do just what I can do--not varieties of it. In fact, I think that's what everybody does: just what he or she can do.
If I can help you think this through, let me know how. I'd love to know I'd helped you.
PW
You could be right - that I have a commercial artist's psyche - I think it's because I was taught not to waste stuff, too, and because I was always trying to please, from my teachers to those in whatever social milieu I found myself. Always trying to get accepted and feel I belonged. I think who I am (the so called "real me" or inner central me) got lost somewhere along the line. Or does it just mean I lack integrity?
What the hell, I'm old and all this sounds silly. I think the "not being able to ..." has just become a habit. So now the question becomes how do you break a habit..................
Katherine
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