I was talking with another artist friend of mine recently. We were talking about trials and tribulations of being an artist. Of growing up as artists and the things that had to be over come, such as the non approval of parents and the encouragement we may have or not have gotten.
As artists, there are many stipulations and misunderstandings that go along with that title that we proudly announce. And many times hold back the announcement, for fear of ridicule, being thought of as a lesser person for not being in the 9-5 work force that punches a time clock.
But then there are others (non-artists) who think being an artist is such a wonderful free journey of mystery and spirit!
Artist. What a title, whether we like being one or not, we are an Artist. It isn’t anything that a parent can take away; try as they might, for the love of the child and wanting a future of wealth and happiness for them. Because with the title of artist often comes the thought of being poor. This is usually the number one reason for stifling this inner creativeness. If being an artist is stifled and pushed down, it can only lead to a life that may not be as full and rewarding as it could be. I know many adult artists who are battling this dilemma with the boxing gloves on or garden gloves. My sun hats are off to them, for realizing their dream and destiny and working hard for it to become a reality in their lives.
I was very lucky indeed, for my parents offered encouragement every step of the way, and still do to this day.
Once we have faced those challenges of childhood and the misconception of the artist, we must then face the many artists that we come in contact with in our garden of life.
Many of the artists we meet become the flowers of our garden of life. Something wonderful to hold onto and cherish, though fleeting is the flower…they are always reborn with each new season. Cultivate the friendships and you shall harvest a wonderful flower garden.
Once in awhile, though, we will face the flowers that don’t grow. They fade, they wither and die, they serve no purpose, other than to try to destroy our garden path. They will fall upon our stepping stones and make them slippery. They make it hard for us to move forward. They make it hard for us to forgive their misgivings, their mean spirits, and their slippery ways.
But if we look around at our garden of life, with all the fragrant, colorful wonderful flowers we have surrounding us, we can then grab that garden hose and wash those slippery ones away.
Keep your garden path and your stepping stones clean, and pick your flowers carefully. Your art is sure to flourish, and remember the flower that you are and the wonderful color you can bring to your garden of life and to your friends gardens of life.
Now go create with wild abandonment!
And for the non-artists, who enjoy the arts, visit your favorite museum and art, and appreciate the struggles of the beautiful artists and the flowers that they are.
Debbie
