This is such a good topic, and I love how you always encourage us by sharing your stories and challenges you've faced. I don't think there's anyone who hasn't experienced "not good enough syndrome". I've been dealing with that my whole life and sometimes I still do. That snobbery thing is alive and well in Writing World as well. I'm sure you've encountered it there, too. For ex, self-published authors are still not respected as much as those who publish traditionally, though this has changed a lot even since I first self-published.
I'm glad you told us about not getting into that art school because look at you now! And it's so true that certain teachers can crush our creative spirits and others can ignite and encourage. One of my favorite things to teach was creative writing and art was one of my favorites when I was substituting. There's something magical about nurturing that creativity in students.
When I look at this cloud draft, what comes to my mind is floating and chasing. I love the magenta color effect and look forward to seeing where the painting takes you and us next.
What a great idea to accompany a painting with a poem - when you are moved to do so. Don't pressure yourself to have to do this. Then it wouldn't be fun, right?
Thank you, as always, for your support and embracing my stories of challenges and mishaps. I think you are right about "good enough syndrome." It's so unfortunate to live with that, just because some elitist told us we aren't good enough.
I agree that this type of snobbery is all over in the writing world, as well. I cannot stand it when people create ideas about what writing or art is worthy, compared to their "unworthy" counterparts. Those writers who publish through a traditional publishing house are no better than self-published writers.
I'm glad I shared that detail about being rejected by that art school. Looking back, I'm glad I didn't make it in. It would've been stressful to attend. Teaching creative writing must've been wonderful
I love your interpretation of my latest oil painting draft. And you're right about adding poems. It should be fine to do this, but like you say, the process ought to be fun!
A beautiful reflection on the courage it takes to reclaim a dream. I love the idea of art as a form of self-care and a 'spacious' home for every kind of creator. Your haiku perfectly captures that 'Ode to Magenta'—soft, airy, and full of light, just like your painting.
Oh, wow, Marie, thank you for such a wonderful compliment about my painting draft and my poem. I completely believe that all artists are welcome in this world. I'm not happy when people talk elitism.
I am so glad I reclaimed my dream. It's so strange that I had what I thought was my ideal career when I was in junior high school, yet another career was foremost on my mind -- and I ignored it for many years. I'm so glad I'm now making up for lost time.❤
I love that perspective, Beth. It’s a shame how often we’re talked out of our true callings early on, but seeing you reclaim that space is inspiring. . The world is definitely better for it x
Oh Beth, I’m so glad you stood up for yourself and kept going. From personal experience, I know how hard it is to have art ‘critiqued’ in a class situation, (and you know of my infamous wheel class experience, lol). It takes time to move onward but you did!! I love your ode to Magenta! It’s one of my favorite colors. It’s so brave of you to show your work in progress like this and I look forward to seeing how your work evolves.
Thank you so much for your support. I do remember your wheel class incident; it was surely memorable. But just because we all have unintended incidents doesn't mean we have no talent or even that we can't accomplish important things.
Thank you for your high compliment about my poem. I LOVE Magenta, too. I happen to love your artwork, too, and as artists, being critiqued can be cruel. But I'm so glad that I found you in this Substack space.
Exactly! A critique is someone else’s opinion and has nothing to do with talent or achievement. (Sometimes, I think it can be teacher’s ego talking). I’m glad I found you on Substack, too!
Courage! You personify it, Beth. You are wise not to let the art world's snooty gatekeepers hold you back. I love how you show us your paintings in stages, too--and to take on a Haiku for your work-in-progress. Love it!
Do you know of Iris Scott's work? she is a finger painter who shares her work live painting on Instagram.I had the pleasure of meeting her at her show in New York years ago, and interviewed her as part of my Edge of Yesterday "heroes of history" series online. She is delightful. https://edgeofyesterday.com/time-travelers/discover/heroes/iris-scott
Thank you for your generous words. Yep the "snooty gatekeepers," as you say, can be so detrimental to creatives. But we can fight back by continuing to maintain a creative life. I enjoy showing my drafts as a way of kind of showing my thought process. I've messed up publicly and frankly don't mind if I mess up (OK, it's better if I don''t, but some just don't work out). The key is, as you know, loving what we do.
I had not known of Iris Scott's work, so I watched a little about her on YouTube. WOW! She is super talented, and I love everything about her work and plan to follow her on Instagram. I use my hands instead of brushes sometimes to blend colors directly on the canvas, but I don't do this kind of fingerpainting. What really shocked me is that she works in oils!! I thought for sure she was working in acrylics.
I will definitely go to your link. I think it's awesome that you interviewed her and am glad she's so nice.
Ah Beth, I find myself nodding along to your words. How many budding creatives have been crushed by those early unnecessary criticisms from teachers or peers and given up on their dream of a creative life. My lack of a degree in Art or Photography was always the one that made me feel 'less than'.
But a few years down the line, I changed my career path and had far more time to practice my photography. The realisation clicked and rather than feeling less of a photographer because I don't have a degree, I feel more authentic...plus I've been able to enjoy my photographic life with far more freedom to do as I please.
As you say "I believe, first and foremost, creating art should be fun. And creating art of any kind is a form of self-care and self-love." I can only agree wholeheartedly and it's good to see you enjoying your art to the full. Adding the Haiku to your cloud painting works so well - I'm looking forward to seeing your final interpretation of that beautiful sky.
Thank you so much, Lin, for suggesting I write poems for my art pieces. I so appreciate your advice, and I think it will work nicely to have poems complement my artwork.
You show great compassion, as you note, "How many budding creatives have been crushed by those early unnecessary criticisms from teachers or peers and given up on their dream of a creative life." You're so right. Unfortunately, there are plenty of horrible critics who discourage people from their work.
I'm so glad that you aren't feeling "less than." Degrees don't measure talent or ability or passion or authenticity. In fact, I totally get what you're saying about feeling more authentic. Your photography is totally amazing. I love it, and always look forward to your photo essays. Your talent and love for your craft are wonderful!❤
Outstanding art and outstanding haiku. I believe you have found your niche. I am so glad you followed your dream and didn't let the naysayers bring you down. And I think a poem to accompany your finished art pieces is a great idea. I love haiku too.
Thank you for your generous comment! Yes, the naysayers are only good for making noise. Yes, Haiku is fun, for sure. Maybe one day you can share your poem(s) too.
I am also glad to have found my dream. Loving the craft!
I'm glad you didn't listen to the snobs and naysayers! I really enjoy seeing everything you paint and your blog has been wonderful to read, too. We've known each other for a few decades but I get to know you a little better every time you write or paint something new. I also like the idea of writing a poem to go along with the painting. Keep up the excellent work, my friend!
Thank you, as always, for your support, and I'm so glad you are enjoying my writing and painting. Yep the snobs and naysayers; they are everywhere!
I'm so grateful to have had you as a friend for so long. We go back to our educator days -- and, as you know, it wasn't always fun.
I'm loving your art, as well, and you inspire me. As you know, it's so important to do what one loves. Yes, there's a career, but it also seems that the act of creation is sacred and adds beauty to our lives, as well.
Thank you for the shout-out, Beth. This piece is so relatable. And these lines really stood out to me:
"I happen to believe that the universe has room for all artists." Would you agree that the value in making art isn't always the end result, but sometimes is in the process it's self?
"And creating art of any kind is a form of self-care and self-love." This one touches my heart. To let our soul express through our art is self-love. I hadn't thought about it this way before. Self-love is the allowing of self-expression within the quiet focus of creating.
The idea of a poem with each painting is a brilliant expansion. I liked the Haiku that your wrote about your pink clouds. Sometimes in the evening, we get pink clouds, and I love to just watch them.
Paint on and write on, my friend. Love from your forever friend and fan, ~stephanie
I loved your essay, and it inspired me to reflect about my own creative journey.
To me, the value of creating art is all about the process. I mean, it feels great when I am finished with a piece that I am proud of. This used to be my mindset: the finished piece. But as time has gone on, it's become the process that's the important part. Some artists refer to their drafts as being in the "ugly" stage. I no longer see an ugly stage because what I love so much about painting is feeling the creamy oil paint under the brush, the feel of the brush on the canvas, and the feeling of flow as I create (I also feel flow when I'm sketching). This is the value of art, in my opinion, the act of creation, the process.
Even if a painting doesn't work out, I am still joyful because I got to experience the process. This is a far cry from when I was more of a beginner and wanted to see good results immediately. Back then, I loved the process, but cared a little too much about the final outcome.
And I do believe that the act of creation is a type of self-love. You say it so well: "Self-love is the allowing of self-expression within the quiet focus of creating." Absolutely spot on.
Pink clouds are beautiful. I am glad I started writing poetry again. I'm enjoying writing poems, too!.
I grew into that sense of process over product too, Beth. The process feeds something in me, while the finished product may be a symbol of that, it's not nearly as valuable as the experience of self-expression, soul-expression and the act of making something. Big hugs, and here's to pink clouds. They truly delight.
Very interesting, the many stories behind the voyage to creating visual art. Mine was self sought and at the point of going professional, I realized the first and most prominent data on an artist resume was one’s art degrees! And I had nothing! The work would have to speak for itself. Long story short, it was a good run and I’ve moved on to writing about it. Another way to create and express. Love the Haiku touch! Connecting poetry to paintings is a winner!
Thank you so much for your support and your enjoying the poetry complementing the painting.
I'm proud of you for following your dream and making a career in the art world. And you are so right: writing is another great form of expressing oneself. I'm so glad you are writing. Thank you for enjoying the Haiku.
Dear Beth, your story touches mine deeply, as I'm sure it will for many others. For I recognised so much of my own creative unfolding in yours ... the way certain teachers praise technique over soul, and how long it can take to find someone who sees and accepts us as the artist we already are.
In fact, I was well into my thirties before I met a creative writing tutor who felt like a kindred spirit, (interestingly, her name was "Nan") and meeting her changed everything. Hmm, perhaps we all have to kiss a few frogs before we find the one who finally gives us permission to blossom.
Your haiku feels like the perfect echo of your journey ... with magenta breathing itself into being, a first‑draft cloud already dressed for nightfall, already enough. I’m so pleased you’ve claimed your art again, and that you’re creating from joy rather than judgement.
This is it ... you've arrived at the threshold, there's no turning back now, no more hide-and-seek ... the only way now is forward. Love and blessings and JOY. 🙏💖🕯️
Oh Deborah, your comment is so wise. Thank you for sharing about the writing tutor who had such an impact on your life. When you say, "the way certain teachers praise technique over soul, and how long it can take to find someone who sees and accepts us as the artist we already are" is exactly the truth. Too many people value technique over soul, and as you know, creatives give us their soul. Learning techniques is important, but there's room for each individual artist in the world, and there is room for our individual souls to be shown and celebrated.
And you are right about there being no turning back, nor any reason to hide and seek. I'm at the place I'm meant to be, and it's a joyful place!.❤
Aww, you say it all so beautifully, Beth ... your clarity and Truth are a joy to read. I'm so very pleased for you, for me ... and for everyone who bravely claims the life they've always longed for. And knowing we’ll both keep creating, ad infinitum, fills me with such love. This is love. This is hope. This is keeping the light. 🙏💖🕯️
Beth, you capture the light on the clouds so beautifully. I love magenta… You and I have discussed art snobbery in the past and the powerful effect teachers can have on us. Thank you for sharing that additional detail about your experience with applying to art school. At that age it would have been a powerful message to be rejected, especially if you didn’t have strong adult support to help you see beyond that moment. I love the idea of haiku or poetry to accompany a painting. I’m so glad you have come back around to pursuing art again and combining it with your gift of writing. I also love that you were inspired by Stephanie’s post, and you are inspiring me. It’s an intangible web that we create that extends to each other, one that can’t be seen until we express something- poetry, art, or another creation as a result. That in itself is a beautiful image, don’t you think? Keep writing, painting, inspiring and being inspired!
I so appreciate your insightful comment and metaphor that we weave this web that makes itself known once we create any kind of art. It's true: putting our voices out there in the world helps others, as well as the artist him or herself.
I remember our discussion of art snobbery. I think snobbery exists in every single field. For example, when I was an editor, there was an editor who had more editing experience, and he thought he was king. And as an English teacher, certain colleagues thought they were more intellectual than me.
You're one of the people who advised that perhaps I could have poetry displayed along with paintings from my Breast Cancer, Female and Young series. I plan to do that, and I believe adding poetry to my art is a good thing.
In terms of adult support, I had none. I can't really blame my parents, for they didn't have the wherewithal to support me. I think I kept everything quiet.
Thank you for the wonderful comment on my clouds. I love magenta, too! Also, for the darker purples I mixed magenta and cyan and got this fantastic purple, and I said, "Ooooh" out loud like a child. That's what I love about art, it brings out the same sense of amazement and element of surprise that might be seen in a child.
Oh Beth there is so much to love about your blog! First, that you were able to acknowledge that your deepest career aspirations lay buried deep inside of you, and that not even you were able to detect what these promptings meant until a bit later in life--that's a powerful lesson. You persisted by feeding yourself with classes but you were undaunted by ego-driven teachers and missteps and you resisted giving up when it didn't feel right--you somehow kept going. You understand now that the essence of self-love and self-care is by making art--and most importantly (and here is where I'm doing somersaults) is that there is room in this world for everyone to make art! Art is for the people by the people and we are here to share, promote, support and collaborate with one another--and wherever we can, light the lamp of inspiration in each other's heart! I'm so proud of you my friend for inspiring me and all your readers here on Substack with your amazing, gorgeous art and writing--and for sharing your beautiful spirit which just keeps glowing and growing stronger--glow on dear one!
Oh my goodness, Gerry. What you are saying is reaching my very soul. Sometimes I wonder, why didn't I see my application to the art school -- which so deviated from my chosen academic path -- as a sign that this is where my soul was most at home: in the art world? Of course, if I then pursued art as my field of study, I wouldn't have become an English teacher and met you. So I really have no regrets. Things work out the way they are supposed to.
In junior high, I was too young to fully know what I wanted. I'm not saying that people of that age are unaware of their career passions and about life, but I definitely was, deep down, doubting my path.
And, yes, dear Gerry, yes, the universe is made for every kind of artist. I get annoyed with the elitists who believe only certain artworks are worthy enough to exist. In my opinion, everyone is welcome to put their work into the universe. I love what you said, "Art is for the people by the people..." I agree that we needed to support, promote, and collaborate with each other. This is why I so enjoy the Substack space -- such a positive environment.
Hi Beth,
This is such a good topic, and I love how you always encourage us by sharing your stories and challenges you've faced. I don't think there's anyone who hasn't experienced "not good enough syndrome". I've been dealing with that my whole life and sometimes I still do. That snobbery thing is alive and well in Writing World as well. I'm sure you've encountered it there, too. For ex, self-published authors are still not respected as much as those who publish traditionally, though this has changed a lot even since I first self-published.
I'm glad you told us about not getting into that art school because look at you now! And it's so true that certain teachers can crush our creative spirits and others can ignite and encourage. One of my favorite things to teach was creative writing and art was one of my favorites when I was substituting. There's something magical about nurturing that creativity in students.
When I look at this cloud draft, what comes to my mind is floating and chasing. I love the magenta color effect and look forward to seeing where the painting takes you and us next.
What a great idea to accompany a painting with a poem - when you are moved to do so. Don't pressure yourself to have to do this. Then it wouldn't be fun, right?
Paint and write on, my friend.
Hi Nancy,
Thank you, as always, for your support and embracing my stories of challenges and mishaps. I think you are right about "good enough syndrome." It's so unfortunate to live with that, just because some elitist told us we aren't good enough.
I agree that this type of snobbery is all over in the writing world, as well. I cannot stand it when people create ideas about what writing or art is worthy, compared to their "unworthy" counterparts. Those writers who publish through a traditional publishing house are no better than self-published writers.
I'm glad I shared that detail about being rejected by that art school. Looking back, I'm glad I didn't make it in. It would've been stressful to attend. Teaching creative writing must've been wonderful
I love your interpretation of my latest oil painting draft. And you're right about adding poems. It should be fine to do this, but like you say, the process ought to be fun!
A beautiful reflection on the courage it takes to reclaim a dream. I love the idea of art as a form of self-care and a 'spacious' home for every kind of creator. Your haiku perfectly captures that 'Ode to Magenta'—soft, airy, and full of light, just like your painting.
Oh, wow, Marie, thank you for such a wonderful compliment about my painting draft and my poem. I completely believe that all artists are welcome in this world. I'm not happy when people talk elitism.
I am so glad I reclaimed my dream. It's so strange that I had what I thought was my ideal career when I was in junior high school, yet another career was foremost on my mind -- and I ignored it for many years. I'm so glad I'm now making up for lost time.❤
I love that perspective, Beth. It’s a shame how often we’re talked out of our true callings early on, but seeing you reclaim that space is inspiring. . The world is definitely better for it x
Thank you so much, Marie. Your support means so much to me.
Oh Beth, I’m so glad you stood up for yourself and kept going. From personal experience, I know how hard it is to have art ‘critiqued’ in a class situation, (and you know of my infamous wheel class experience, lol). It takes time to move onward but you did!! I love your ode to Magenta! It’s one of my favorite colors. It’s so brave of you to show your work in progress like this and I look forward to seeing how your work evolves.
Hi Susan,
Thank you so much for your support. I do remember your wheel class incident; it was surely memorable. But just because we all have unintended incidents doesn't mean we have no talent or even that we can't accomplish important things.
Thank you for your high compliment about my poem. I LOVE Magenta, too. I happen to love your artwork, too, and as artists, being critiqued can be cruel. But I'm so glad that I found you in this Substack space.
Exactly! A critique is someone else’s opinion and has nothing to do with talent or achievement. (Sometimes, I think it can be teacher’s ego talking). I’m glad I found you on Substack, too!
YES!
Courage! You personify it, Beth. You are wise not to let the art world's snooty gatekeepers hold you back. I love how you show us your paintings in stages, too--and to take on a Haiku for your work-in-progress. Love it!
Do you know of Iris Scott's work? she is a finger painter who shares her work live painting on Instagram.I had the pleasure of meeting her at her show in New York years ago, and interviewed her as part of my Edge of Yesterday "heroes of history" series online. She is delightful. https://edgeofyesterday.com/time-travelers/discover/heroes/iris-scott
Hi Robin,
Thank you for your generous words. Yep the "snooty gatekeepers," as you say, can be so detrimental to creatives. But we can fight back by continuing to maintain a creative life. I enjoy showing my drafts as a way of kind of showing my thought process. I've messed up publicly and frankly don't mind if I mess up (OK, it's better if I don''t, but some just don't work out). The key is, as you know, loving what we do.
I had not known of Iris Scott's work, so I watched a little about her on YouTube. WOW! She is super talented, and I love everything about her work and plan to follow her on Instagram. I use my hands instead of brushes sometimes to blend colors directly on the canvas, but I don't do this kind of fingerpainting. What really shocked me is that she works in oils!! I thought for sure she was working in acrylics.
I will definitely go to your link. I think it's awesome that you interviewed her and am glad she's so nice.
Her work is pretty amazing. Quite innovative. Maybe some added inspiration in studying her technique, no?
Absolutely yes! I am definitely going to study her technique, maybe venture out -- in baby steps -- to try a little of this type of painting.
Pink paint haiku rocks~
Beth speaks/writes/paints for many.
Naysayers ignored.
Yes, agreed. Let's all ignore the naysayers! I so appreciate the fact that you are enjoying my work. :)
Ah Beth, I find myself nodding along to your words. How many budding creatives have been crushed by those early unnecessary criticisms from teachers or peers and given up on their dream of a creative life. My lack of a degree in Art or Photography was always the one that made me feel 'less than'.
But a few years down the line, I changed my career path and had far more time to practice my photography. The realisation clicked and rather than feeling less of a photographer because I don't have a degree, I feel more authentic...plus I've been able to enjoy my photographic life with far more freedom to do as I please.
As you say "I believe, first and foremost, creating art should be fun. And creating art of any kind is a form of self-care and self-love." I can only agree wholeheartedly and it's good to see you enjoying your art to the full. Adding the Haiku to your cloud painting works so well - I'm looking forward to seeing your final interpretation of that beautiful sky.
Thank you so much, Lin, for suggesting I write poems for my art pieces. I so appreciate your advice, and I think it will work nicely to have poems complement my artwork.
You show great compassion, as you note, "How many budding creatives have been crushed by those early unnecessary criticisms from teachers or peers and given up on their dream of a creative life." You're so right. Unfortunately, there are plenty of horrible critics who discourage people from their work.
I'm so glad that you aren't feeling "less than." Degrees don't measure talent or ability or passion or authenticity. In fact, I totally get what you're saying about feeling more authentic. Your photography is totally amazing. I love it, and always look forward to your photo essays. Your talent and love for your craft are wonderful!❤
Thank you so much Beth, that's very kind and generous of you - it's good to know that you enjoy my work so much.😊🙏🏻
Outstanding art and outstanding haiku. I believe you have found your niche. I am so glad you followed your dream and didn't let the naysayers bring you down. And I think a poem to accompany your finished art pieces is a great idea. I love haiku too.
Hi Nancy,
Thank you for your generous comment! Yes, the naysayers are only good for making noise. Yes, Haiku is fun, for sure. Maybe one day you can share your poem(s) too.
I am also glad to have found my dream. Loving the craft!
I'm glad you didn't listen to the snobs and naysayers! I really enjoy seeing everything you paint and your blog has been wonderful to read, too. We've known each other for a few decades but I get to know you a little better every time you write or paint something new. I also like the idea of writing a poem to go along with the painting. Keep up the excellent work, my friend!
Hi Pam,
Thank you, as always, for your support, and I'm so glad you are enjoying my writing and painting. Yep the snobs and naysayers; they are everywhere!
I'm so grateful to have had you as a friend for so long. We go back to our educator days -- and, as you know, it wasn't always fun.
I'm loving your art, as well, and you inspire me. As you know, it's so important to do what one loves. Yes, there's a career, but it also seems that the act of creation is sacred and adds beauty to our lives, as well.
Thank you for commenting❤
Thank you for the shout-out, Beth. This piece is so relatable. And these lines really stood out to me:
"I happen to believe that the universe has room for all artists." Would you agree that the value in making art isn't always the end result, but sometimes is in the process it's self?
"And creating art of any kind is a form of self-care and self-love." This one touches my heart. To let our soul express through our art is self-love. I hadn't thought about it this way before. Self-love is the allowing of self-expression within the quiet focus of creating.
The idea of a poem with each painting is a brilliant expansion. I liked the Haiku that your wrote about your pink clouds. Sometimes in the evening, we get pink clouds, and I love to just watch them.
Paint on and write on, my friend. Love from your forever friend and fan, ~stephanie
Hi Stephanie,
I loved your essay, and it inspired me to reflect about my own creative journey.
To me, the value of creating art is all about the process. I mean, it feels great when I am finished with a piece that I am proud of. This used to be my mindset: the finished piece. But as time has gone on, it's become the process that's the important part. Some artists refer to their drafts as being in the "ugly" stage. I no longer see an ugly stage because what I love so much about painting is feeling the creamy oil paint under the brush, the feel of the brush on the canvas, and the feeling of flow as I create (I also feel flow when I'm sketching). This is the value of art, in my opinion, the act of creation, the process.
Even if a painting doesn't work out, I am still joyful because I got to experience the process. This is a far cry from when I was more of a beginner and wanted to see good results immediately. Back then, I loved the process, but cared a little too much about the final outcome.
And I do believe that the act of creation is a type of self-love. You say it so well: "Self-love is the allowing of self-expression within the quiet focus of creating." Absolutely spot on.
Pink clouds are beautiful. I am glad I started writing poetry again. I'm enjoying writing poems, too!.
I grew into that sense of process over product too, Beth. The process feeds something in me, while the finished product may be a symbol of that, it's not nearly as valuable as the experience of self-expression, soul-expression and the act of making something. Big hugs, and here's to pink clouds. They truly delight.
Very interesting, the many stories behind the voyage to creating visual art. Mine was self sought and at the point of going professional, I realized the first and most prominent data on an artist resume was one’s art degrees! And I had nothing! The work would have to speak for itself. Long story short, it was a good run and I’ve moved on to writing about it. Another way to create and express. Love the Haiku touch! Connecting poetry to paintings is a winner!
Hi Karen,
Thank you so much for your support and your enjoying the poetry complementing the painting.
I'm proud of you for following your dream and making a career in the art world. And you are so right: writing is another great form of expressing oneself. I'm so glad you are writing. Thank you for enjoying the Haiku.
Dear Beth, your story touches mine deeply, as I'm sure it will for many others. For I recognised so much of my own creative unfolding in yours ... the way certain teachers praise technique over soul, and how long it can take to find someone who sees and accepts us as the artist we already are.
In fact, I was well into my thirties before I met a creative writing tutor who felt like a kindred spirit, (interestingly, her name was "Nan") and meeting her changed everything. Hmm, perhaps we all have to kiss a few frogs before we find the one who finally gives us permission to blossom.
Your haiku feels like the perfect echo of your journey ... with magenta breathing itself into being, a first‑draft cloud already dressed for nightfall, already enough. I’m so pleased you’ve claimed your art again, and that you’re creating from joy rather than judgement.
This is it ... you've arrived at the threshold, there's no turning back now, no more hide-and-seek ... the only way now is forward. Love and blessings and JOY. 🙏💖🕯️
Oh Deborah, your comment is so wise. Thank you for sharing about the writing tutor who had such an impact on your life. When you say, "the way certain teachers praise technique over soul, and how long it can take to find someone who sees and accepts us as the artist we already are" is exactly the truth. Too many people value technique over soul, and as you know, creatives give us their soul. Learning techniques is important, but there's room for each individual artist in the world, and there is room for our individual souls to be shown and celebrated.
And you are right about there being no turning back, nor any reason to hide and seek. I'm at the place I'm meant to be, and it's a joyful place!.❤
Aww, you say it all so beautifully, Beth ... your clarity and Truth are a joy to read. I'm so very pleased for you, for me ... and for everyone who bravely claims the life they've always longed for. And knowing we’ll both keep creating, ad infinitum, fills me with such love. This is love. This is hope. This is keeping the light. 🙏💖🕯️
Beth, you capture the light on the clouds so beautifully. I love magenta… You and I have discussed art snobbery in the past and the powerful effect teachers can have on us. Thank you for sharing that additional detail about your experience with applying to art school. At that age it would have been a powerful message to be rejected, especially if you didn’t have strong adult support to help you see beyond that moment. I love the idea of haiku or poetry to accompany a painting. I’m so glad you have come back around to pursuing art again and combining it with your gift of writing. I also love that you were inspired by Stephanie’s post, and you are inspiring me. It’s an intangible web that we create that extends to each other, one that can’t be seen until we express something- poetry, art, or another creation as a result. That in itself is a beautiful image, don’t you think? Keep writing, painting, inspiring and being inspired!
Hi Alene,
I so appreciate your insightful comment and metaphor that we weave this web that makes itself known once we create any kind of art. It's true: putting our voices out there in the world helps others, as well as the artist him or herself.
I remember our discussion of art snobbery. I think snobbery exists in every single field. For example, when I was an editor, there was an editor who had more editing experience, and he thought he was king. And as an English teacher, certain colleagues thought they were more intellectual than me.
You're one of the people who advised that perhaps I could have poetry displayed along with paintings from my Breast Cancer, Female and Young series. I plan to do that, and I believe adding poetry to my art is a good thing.
In terms of adult support, I had none. I can't really blame my parents, for they didn't have the wherewithal to support me. I think I kept everything quiet.
Thank you for the wonderful comment on my clouds. I love magenta, too! Also, for the darker purples I mixed magenta and cyan and got this fantastic purple, and I said, "Ooooh" out loud like a child. That's what I love about art, it brings out the same sense of amazement and element of surprise that might be seen in a child.
Thank you for your wonderful comment.
One tutor can change the way we learn. Beautiful, Beth!
Hi Rea,
This is so true. All it takes is one person -- and that person can make all the difference in the world. Thank you for your kind words.❤
Oh Beth there is so much to love about your blog! First, that you were able to acknowledge that your deepest career aspirations lay buried deep inside of you, and that not even you were able to detect what these promptings meant until a bit later in life--that's a powerful lesson. You persisted by feeding yourself with classes but you were undaunted by ego-driven teachers and missteps and you resisted giving up when it didn't feel right--you somehow kept going. You understand now that the essence of self-love and self-care is by making art--and most importantly (and here is where I'm doing somersaults) is that there is room in this world for everyone to make art! Art is for the people by the people and we are here to share, promote, support and collaborate with one another--and wherever we can, light the lamp of inspiration in each other's heart! I'm so proud of you my friend for inspiring me and all your readers here on Substack with your amazing, gorgeous art and writing--and for sharing your beautiful spirit which just keeps glowing and growing stronger--glow on dear one!
Oh my goodness, Gerry. What you are saying is reaching my very soul. Sometimes I wonder, why didn't I see my application to the art school -- which so deviated from my chosen academic path -- as a sign that this is where my soul was most at home: in the art world? Of course, if I then pursued art as my field of study, I wouldn't have become an English teacher and met you. So I really have no regrets. Things work out the way they are supposed to.
In junior high, I was too young to fully know what I wanted. I'm not saying that people of that age are unaware of their career passions and about life, but I definitely was, deep down, doubting my path.
And, yes, dear Gerry, yes, the universe is made for every kind of artist. I get annoyed with the elitists who believe only certain artworks are worthy enough to exist. In my opinion, everyone is welcome to put their work into the universe. I love what you said, "Art is for the people by the people..." I agree that we needed to support, promote, and collaborate with each other. This is why I so enjoy the Substack space -- such a positive environment.