Do you ever make yourself laugh? Do you ever say, do or think something when you are in the solitude of your home and actually chuckle at the ridiculousness of it all? Whether it's bumping your toe on the corner of the same table that you've been meaning to move, or spilling your coffee all over the just-washed table cloth? As an artist, I find myself laughing at not only my daily flubs, but also my artwork - in a good way.
Starting off painting florals and the northern lights exclusively, I have somehow evolved into yearning to paint the most unserious and whimsical creatures in unusual settings doing unusual things. My latest piece? Hippie Hedgehogs. Yes, you read that correctly. I am in the early stages of an acrylic piece that has a psychedelic background and two hedgehogs; one with thin-rimmed wire glasses and a bandana making a piece sign, the other has a flower in her mouth. To say it's unserious would be an understatement. Whereas many artists have a "style" they are known for, I am most well known as an artist who experiments with styles and subjects.
Painting subjects like skunks and hedgehogs is one of the many reasons I love artwork. It does NOT need to be taken seriously. It can be fun, unusual, and thought-provoking. I want people to look at my art and ask themselves "what the heck was she thinking when she painted this one?" I want to be able to have collectors laugh every time they see my art on their wall or sip from one of my branded coffee mugs. I want to help make this otherwise stuffy and serious existence we have and bring magic and levity to it.
Yes, of course, I want to continue creating magical art which features the magnificance of nature, colour and all it's beauty, but, I also want to mix it up occasionally and throw in some random craziness. I often imagine how cool it would be to have a traditionally thought of "serious" profession like a lawyer or an accountant hanging one of my pieces from the "Untamed Joy" collection in the waiting room of their office - or, better yet, IN their office - right next to their framed University credentials. How cool would that be? Could you imagine seeing a degree next to a painting of a disco dancing skunk?! Personally, I would want to work with and hire that guy - or woman - straight away! It illustrates that no only do they have a sense of humour, they also have great taste in original artwork.
The feelings that I get when people tell me months - or years - after buying a piece the joy it continues to bring them reminds me of why I do what I do. Most of the time I paint for me, what I like - even when it comes to commissions. Of course, I listen to the collector and their vision, but I realize that the reason why they are hiring me to create for them IS because they share my vision and they understand the pre-painting process. They know that I don't do "boring" I don't do "sad" and I don't do "all neutrals." I love colour, texture, and the story behind the piece. Although I do, and have done commissions, I typically keep them limited as I prefer to work on new pieces and complete those I've been working on.
I believe that art is meant to help us grow. As with life, we were never meant to stay stagnant. We are designed to challenge ourselves - to get outside our comfort zone. We are meant to share our vision and hope with the world and it is through my art that I strive to do just that. One creation at a time.
So I ask you, how can you grow? What have you been wanting to do that is outside your comfort zone? Let this be your reminder and inspiration to do it now.
Julie
Note: the photo posted is day 2 of the piece, it is only about 10% completed.
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