Sunday, July 15, 2018

Becoming


"A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others."
                                                   ~Salvador Dali 
Each summer the urge to create with my hands becomes very strong. I create with my eyes and my camera every single day while I am doing this 365 day photography project. As of this post I just completed Day 315. Truth be told, I am getting tired of it. The limitation of shooting for 365 days with only one lens, is getting well...limiting. But I am in the homestretch, I will finish this project on September 2nd. At this point I am unsure if I will start another 365 project or let it rest for a while.


I think the urge to create with my hands in the summer comes from the fact that I hate hot, humid weather, and even in Michigan we seem to have plenty. Also the sun shines so bright everyday that my time to photograph outside is very limited. The rest of my time is spent in the house. Having a clean house brings only a certain amount of joy. So instead I turn my attention to the multiple bare walls, being a photographer you wouldn't think this would be the case. And I do have some of my photographs up, but I want a little more variety than just photographs, and I have a hard time buying things when I know I can make exactly what I want.


For the perfect haven to create art each summer, I unscrew the legs from my IKEA farmhouse table, haul it upstairs to my porch, and reassemble it. I spend a tremendous amount of time buying and organizing art supplies so that I have everything I need close at hand. I roll my desk chair up to the table, put a coat of paint or plaster on a wooden cradle board, glue some collage paper down in various parts of the board, and then let it rest while I figure out what to do next. It rests all summer. Then in October I put all the supplies away, unscrew the legs of the table and haul it back downstairs. Another season of not becoming.


But this summer is going to be different. Maybe in part because I turned 50 in June. I spent my 40's learning, now I want to do something with all that learning. This year is also different because I found an on-line art class teacher that does more than show me how to create the assigned project. She also talks about her creating process, what of herself she infuses into each piece of art. Sharing her art philosophy has helped me to find my own.

The two art classes I am taking are: Poetic Plaster and Wax and Inspired Collage. The teacher that has inspired me is Petra Hrziwnatzki.


On Friday, for the first time ever I completed an art project from a class. While I still have miles to go before I am ready to open an Etsy shop, I have taken the first steps toward my dream of becoming an artist.

Confession Time: The blog post I had originally started to write this week was titled - Departure. I was planning on shutting down this blog. After six years of regular blogging it felt time to call it a day. But then I started Petra's class and I realized that just as she is inspiring me, my time of inspiring others may not be over yet. At some point in time, I will probably transition over to the blog on my website, just for the convenience and the quality that Squarespace offers. Some may not stay with me through the change, but that's okay, I would rather evolve and continue to change than stay the same to please others.

17 comments:

Donna Hopkins said...

Hi Sarah, I'm so happy you included your confession at the end of this post. One of the things I most admire is authenticity. When you share your process, your growing pains, and your goals, it encourages me, and I am grateful to you! Love your collage and the work of Petra. Even though I don't comment often, I am following as a reader and friend.

seabluelee said...

Sarah, the way you write, sharing your thoughts and dreams, the way you talk about your photography, illustrated by your beautiful pictures, is most definitely inspiring to me. I'm sure it is to many others. Even though we talk often, I still learn new things about you from every blog post. I hope you never give it up. I will follow you anywhere, my friend.

Lynne said...

Liking your completed art piece.
Liked the read . . .
Unscrewing the legs . . .
Hauling the farm table upstairs . . .
Unscrewing the legs . . .
Hauling the things back downstairs . . .
Brought a smile . .
Familiar . . .

Rachel Weishaar said...

I have only known your photography and the gentle way you talk about that passion, so I was delighted to hear about your other art. I echo seabluelee's comment. I read/follow about 4 people no matter what they share. You are one of them. Please share your website when you get it moved and tag me if you think of it. I would miss your posts in my feed. Sounds like you're emerging from one place that was too limiting and entering a space that will be better suited to all your talents. Verrrry cool. Becoming. Transforming.

Unknown said...

Beautiful collage. Like your photography, it is soft, reflective, with a touch of Spirit. I am happy you discovered a teacher whose art speaks to you, it's so important when you are taking those first tender steps. I think you will enjoy the different freedom of expression collage offers. I will be watching as you blossom.

Naomi said...

I'm so glad you're sticking with the blog. I love seeing/reading what you have to say here. I just read something about artists needing "periods of incubation" so that's my excuse!

Sandra said...

I think that all bloggers get to a stage of wondering if they will continue or not. I have so many lovely blogs disappear as if they never existed - or they have become private to include just family or an elite few. We can only ever choose what is right for us.

What you say is so true: " I would rather evolve and continue to change than stay the same to please others."

Finding art classes that help you develop in where you are now, sounds perfect. Your images here reflect your present state of transition.

Cathy H. said...

I put my vote in for being glad that you didn't close down your blog! I do know the trend is shifting away from blogs, but I truly miss the stories and thoughts that inspire me. AND, you ALWAYS inspire me! Your artwork is wonderful! Congrats for finishing your piece before it was time to hall the table back downstairs!!

Karen Lakis said...

Oh - whew - I was thinking no no no no no for a minute, there. It’s awesome that you’re learning and feeling inspired by some different types of art. You are an artist already, and learning other mediums is a natural extension for your creativity. I haven’t been out with my camera very much - as you mention - it’s that sun thing. I can’t complain, though, because I appreciate the longer daylight hours after being stuck in an office all day. Even so, it leaves the creative part of me wanting something more. Your blog - yep - you have to do what feels right for you. As you evolve, the people following along will change any way - just stay true to yourself and allow the changes as they come.

Karen Lakis said...

Oh yes - and happy birthday! Welcome to the fifties - they’re very nifty!

Katie said...

Oh, I AM proud of you for completing your first piece of art. My sister was always the artist in my family growing up, and I'd get so frustrated with how my colored pictures need looked as good as hers, but that's okay, I found my outlet behind my camera.

And I'm glad you're not shutting down your blog. Like Donna said up top here, I don't often comment but I do like keeping up with your stories. : )

Bonnie said...

Your finished project is so pretty. And, though I understand the thought of closing out your blog, I am so glad you didn't. Hoping you are having a good week. Hugs!

Carola Bartz said...

First, I love your completed art project. I do understand the urge to create with your hands. I painted for several years and I still do every now and then, but for me I have found that I enjoy knitting much more (and let's face it, I'm much better at knitting than at painting). I remember the joy that comes from having paint on your hands, I often painted with my fingers for the pure physical joy.
I'm very glad that you haven't shut down your blog yet. I enjoy coming here, reading your thoughts and seeing your beautiful photography. I may not comment very "deep" mainly because I often lack the words in English. But seeing your process and your thoughts behind what you do is interesting and very inspiring.

Electric | Journal said...

I love hearing about all your ventures, whether they're about photography or art, exploring back roads, family or puppies. Your writing style and fabulous photographs speak to me, as I'm sure they do to others. I hope you don't give up your blog, but if you do switch to your squarespace site, I'll follow.

Jill said...

Yay! Keep the table up there. That's a neat piece.

Michelle B said...

Your blog inspires me to be curious and go on adventures, which can be as close as down the street. Thank you for that. :) I am glad you decided to stick with the blogging, but always do what feels right to you. I just checked out the classes...her work is amazing. The 'Under the Trees' class intrigued me. I plan to go back to her free videos and see what the enaustic wax is all about. Your project is beautiful. I love the quote...

Suburban Girl said...

Hold off on that departure. Your posts are very inspiring!