AM I AN ARTIST OR NOT?

I paint when inspired, without thinking whether the end product will sell or not.  But sometimes, one needs some kind of validation from others, either through a sale, an invitation to exhibit, or some positive feedback to carry on.  Not that I would stop, though. 

So, if I sell, get an inquiry about a painting, or receive compliments about my art, something close to elation fills my spirits.  And I continue doing what I love, knowing that some people do appreciate my kind of art.

Artist Talk

I recently attended an artist talk in a local gallery.  Three artists spoke about their processes, inspiration, significance of their work, etc.  It was quite interesting to hear what each had to say.  I left asking myself what I would say if asked to give an art talk.

I have given brief speeches during a couple of solo exhibitions before.  The direct questions from the audience helped me explain why I painted a certain piece or what stories lie behind some paintings.  Most of the time, though, it is difficult to articulate why I painted this or that.  Inspiration seldom visits and can be elusive.  Committing something to canvas is hard work.  For me, talking about it is even harder.

IT'S BEEN A WHILE!

I've been blogging exclusively in my own art website (paintingsbycynthia.com) but, I guess, my reach is wider in blogger.com, so I'll do both.

I have not been painting much these days because of various reasons.  I've been busy with personal commitments and also wanted to reduce my inventory of paintings before creating some more.  The last two canvasses I painted were Tsunami (my latest attempt to do an abstract piece) and Voices of Hope (a tribute to the women in the Middle East).

I usually paint what I feel.  Although I want to sell my art, it matters not whether what I have created is "saleable" or not.  What really matters is that I have committed to canvas or paper what has inspired me in the first place.
 

PAINTING AGAIN!

A few days ago, I took my paints and brushes out of hiding after taking a break for about six months.  It feels good to paint again.  What I have created is nice and pleasant but lacks something.  I may work on it some more or put it away and start on a new piece.  I am still waiting for my creative bulb to light up.  When inspiration strikes, it is a feeling like no other. 

INSPIRATION

I haven't painted for almost 6 months now (except to spruce up some old paintings in Manila).  My husband says I have lost my "fire" for art.  Not true, I said.  I am just taking a break until "inspiration" talks to me.  It is that fleeting moment when one is inexplicably drawn to create.  I feel it coming!