My husband Bill, who wakes up earlier than I do, took this picture of the beautiful dawn sky for me. A lovely gift first thing in the morning!
Today I am readying some fabric and paper artwork for a display at the Holiday Stroll in my town, which will be taking place this Saturday. I have a large storefront window to use for my work, and I think I am going to pin the pieces on a pretty drapery that will hang in the window. My job now is to put borders on these pieces and add details where I feel they need them. I could offer some for sale if I want to, but suddenly they feel like my children!! Is that strange? I have sold artwork before, but unexpectedly have reservations about "letting go"! Hmmm.... Any thoughts from readers about this feeling?
This is the last day of Art Every Day Month. It has been a pleasure to participate in it. I've met and received comments from some extremely talented artists as a result of it, and I want to thank
Leah Piken Kolidas of Creative Every Day for organizing and facilitating this adventure. I've really loved it!!
I can see you have some beautiful pieces. I understand that feeling of not sure you want to let them go. I finally got smart and began photographing everything I made so I could revisit them after they left.
ReplyDeleteI have never sold any visual art, just writing, which is definitely not the same.
ReplyDeleteThere's a scene in one of my favorite old movies, An American in Paris, where the main character talks about his feeling of loss, sending canvases out into the world, even when they've sold for more than he'd hoped. And my sister, when she had her first big show in an art gallery about two years ago, confessed to the same feelings -- even though she had scanned the work for inclusion in her portfolio later, losing physical contact with the pieces was hard. But later she felt it was cool to imagine them hanging in someone's home or office, being a part of a life beyond her own, you know?
I think it's just "normal" to feel that way about your creations. They are, after all, your artist children. It's hard to watch them go off on their own into the world, to do what they were meant to do.
Lovely work!
I am so happy for you that you got a whole window to display your art in. That should be a lot of fun:)
ReplyDeleteAs for selling the pieces, it does hurt a little:) I do take photos and try to get to know the people a little bit who are buying my work. It makes me feel a little better knowing that the pieces are going to a good home and that someone else will really enjoy them.
I just went through the mail that accumulated while we were in Vermont and let me tell you...when I opened your beautiful card, my breath was taken away, and I was stunned by the beauty I actually held in my hands! Your work is so lovely and calm, Judy. I honor and understand your reluctance, but encourage you to let your work go and spread its magic in the world! And thank- you so much for the card, I love it!
ReplyDeleteLadies, your comments are so helpful and wise. Thank you so much for taking the time to write them!
ReplyDeleteKaren, I am humbled by your response to the card I sent you. Thank you!
Hello Dear Judy,
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely comments of your beautiful work and all so true. You my friend are an incredible artist.:o) I too was in complete awe when I received a piece of your artwork and find it hard to believe you created it all with tiny pieces of handcut paper, simply amazing.
How true, I find it very difficult to part with certain pieces of my work especially my handmade cards.:o) Your whole heart goes into your work and you simply want others to heart it too.:o) Thank you so much Judy for sharing your beautiful work with us.
Smiles...
Beverly
Oh, I wish I could see this in person! What a great idea for a Holiday Stroll!
ReplyDeleteHi Judy, Oh, it is so wonderful to catch a glimpse of all of your beautiful work getting ready to be on "stage" for others to enjoy! I also experience that feeling of not wanting to let them go...they become a deep a part of you for you pour your heart and soul into them...they feel like family. The time that stands out in my mind of that dilemma was the first year we had our little gallery and I had a painting of my nephew displayed...I was shocked someone wanted to buy it but I didn't want to sell it...she was so persistent and made an offer and I was so torn and I ended up selling it. I cried so much! From that time on, I realized that if there is something so deeply connected to me, it's best for me not to show it but to make something else similar! When I work on art as commissions, I still get attached to them but while I'm working on them I try to keep thinking of the person that I am making it for.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Holiday Stroll!
This weekend is the Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport and I am frantically trying to get ready for that. Will you be visiting Maine in December?
Your projects all look amazing! If you do decide to sell them, you will have no problem. But I can see why you want to keep them, too!
ReplyDeleteI've just been peeking at your site in Google reader so this is the first i've seen of your winterized header...it's lovely! I can understand your reluctance to part with your lovely artwork because you put so much of yourself into it.
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