Beth, I really loved your reflections on creativity, surprise, and allowing the process itself to lead the way. Your description of working through uncertainty ring so true not only for art, but for writing and for life after cancer as well.
Yes! Enjoying the process is so important. And letting the process of getting lost, found, following glimmers, seeing things inside what you’ve painted. I think the most important part is ‘play’, not that it isn’t sometimes bumpy and frustrating along the way. Working on more than one piece at a time is a great way to keep the fun by letting one piece rest while you play with another one. I love watching how your pieces grow and change.
Thank you; I'm so glad you are enjoying watching my artworks evolve. You hit on the exact right word: "play." As you know, a sense of play is a must in any art. And, yes, there are obstacles and frustrations, but enjoying the ride is so important.
And, as we know, play has another important role -- to be a conduit to learning new things.
Painting to win competitions defeats the object of painting - the pure act of losing yourself in your creativity no matter if you're a beginner or an old hand, brings not just pleasure but is so good for the mind, body and soul. This happens in the photography world too - I've seen judges crush photographers by criticising them for not adhering to strict technical standards...I think you can tell this really gets my goat!😂 I love your free approach to your art - no planning, no practice, just getting on with it and I admire you for it.
The pure enjoyment you get from your creativity comes across in your essays Beth which I enjoy so much. I love the vibrancy of the new painting - looking forward to seeing the next stage!
I totally agree with you and definitely see how this applies to the art of photography. It's awful to have witnessed judges being harsh to photographers -- just because the photographers happen to have their own style. I think that is the antithesis of encouraging creativity. Unfortunately, I've been the target of pompous art teachers who felt I was less than what a great artist should be. Such harsh judgement is unnecessary.
I am so glad you enjoy my essays, Lin, and thank you for your wonderful words about my current painting. It's true that I do love creating art. And it's clear you have a passion for photography and your subject matters through your wonderful Substack work!
"Sometimes the surprises are missteps, and I figure that after the mistake dries, I can paint over it or change it some way." This is your description of "pentimento," when the artist changes her/his mind. The same can be true in writing prose, as I've discovered many times. And aren't do-overs fun and creative? xoxo
Wow, Marilea, I had never heard of "pentimento" before. I've painted over many things, so I'm pretty experienced at this LOL. I did look the term up, and it was mentioned that pentimento helps give an idea of the artist's process. So very appropriate for me, as I'm all about the process.
Yes, this concept would certainly apply to writing prose, as well. And yes, do-overs are incredible! ❤
Love pentimento. It's not just artists who change their minds--sometimes, words from old manuscripts show up underneath newer ones. Once upon a time, paper was so rare and expensive, it was used over and over again.
There are new technologies being used to uncover such writings: infrared, x-rays, AI, and even digital imaging using special algorithms. Experts are finding examples in papyri, parchment, rare books and ancient manuscripts.
Except in writing, it's known as palimpsest. The OG recycling project. I find it so fascinating!
So very cool. As long as humans change their minds -- which is always -- it seems that there will always be pictorial and verbal layers. I bet this occurs in science and math as well -- given that great thinkers in this field also change formulas and think and rethink on the page. 😀
It was also made into a movie starring Vanessa Redgrave and Jane Fonda in the '70s. Part of it was shot in part at the Université de Strasbourg in France when I was studying there!
The new landscape reminds me of the edges of Lake Austin. There's a little park overlooking the water just down the hill from me, and that "marshy" area between water and land is the most interesting part of the view. Occasionally I see a Blue Heron hanging out there. And there is a misty and mysterious quality to that marshy strip, that you are capturing on your canvas.
Beth, you have such integrity about your art and your creative process. I learn and am inspired by you. My reasons for writing are similar. I write because that's how my soul wants to express in the world. I write because my mind likes to weave words together. I write because it has long been my doorway to the examined life.
Here's to creatives everywhere. Paint on, my friend. The joy is in the brush stroke, as my joy is in the pen.
I am so happy that you have such a nice space nearby; it sounds lovely and a nice area to just relax. It would be so cool to also see a Blue Heron there.
You also have so much integrity about your writing. I am so inspired by you as well, my friend. You were always meant to be a writer, and I just love your writing.
We both are so lucky that we have found a way we love to express ourselves. As I think about it, this isn't the case for many people. I have so much gratitude. And yes, let's continue to create joy -- whether it is with the pen or the brush. ❤
Oh, Beth, I really love this painting. I love the way the spindly cattails reach for the sky. And the sky looks amazing. I am so glad you get so much enjoyment from painting. To be able to just sit down and create something from your heart and mind is so satisfying. I know I get that from my writing. It is such a feeling of accomplishment. We don't need 'no stinking medals or awards'.
I had to laugh with your saying, "We don't need no stinking medals or awards." I am still chuckling over it.
I am so glad you are enjoying my painting. The cattails were time-consuming but oh so fun to create. As a writer, you get so much from your creations, as well. I so enjoy your writiing.
It's a lovely feeling to sit down and devote oneself to the crafts of our hearts. The key is in the joy of it all.
Beth, this is just wonderful! I found myself nodding throughout because you could just as easily be writing about poetry. For that same dance between intention and surprise, between trusting the process and discovering what wants to emerge ... feels so familiar. I love how you honour the joy of creation over the lure of medals or external validation. Your quiet, deeply felt reflections on painting always remind me that the truest art grows from curiosity, presence and play.
And as I muse on your words, I remember someone once asking me why I write and without thinking I replied: connection ... to self and to others. I've discovered around thirty kindred spirits here on the stack, and I'm so grateful for each and every one of them. Silent followers and button tappers I happily ignore, because connection is why I'm here. 🙏💖
Yes, whether it's poetry, prose, painting, dancing, there is respect for the process, as well as discovery. I love when you say, "the truest art grows from curiosity, presence and play." So very true.
I love your poetry, which never ceases to amaze me.
You brought up another important point, too -- that of connection. I believe that's part of what drew me to Substack -- connection with other creatives. The power of connection is so real and so very crucial. Like you, I have found a good number of kindred spirits here (including you, of course!).
I couldn’t agree more Beth. We create for the joy of it and we make art to engage with the alchemical process, the channeling that occurs when we surrender to that light that bids us to make beauty in the world. I’ll never forget the moment when we were talking and you turned to me and said, “Gerry, writing, painting, making art, is something sacred we do for ourselves. In sharing, if someone likes what we do, or is moved by it that’s great, but secondary. We make art because we must.” And to this I might add, not just to win medals and awards. All I know is that your painting today invited me in to sit and watch the water flow and get lost in a sublime afternoon. And that’s priceless! Thank you Beth!
I am so glad you could get lost in my painting. What you said here is beautiful: "We create for the joy of it and we make art to engage with the alchemical process, the channeling that occurs when we surrender to that light that bids us to make beauty in the world." So incredibly true.
I remember when we first became colleagues, and you spoke to me about the writing process, and you said, "Beth, we must honor our craft." This had such a lasting impact on me. By creating and following our inner muse instead of outward medals, we are honoring our craft.
Beth, I really loved your reflections on creativity, surprise, and allowing the process itself to lead the way. Your description of working through uncertainty ring so true not only for art, but for writing and for life after cancer as well.
Yes! Enjoying the process is so important. And letting the process of getting lost, found, following glimmers, seeing things inside what you’ve painted. I think the most important part is ‘play’, not that it isn’t sometimes bumpy and frustrating along the way. Working on more than one piece at a time is a great way to keep the fun by letting one piece rest while you play with another one. I love watching how your pieces grow and change.
Hi Susan,
Thank you; I'm so glad you are enjoying watching my artworks evolve. You hit on the exact right word: "play." As you know, a sense of play is a must in any art. And, yes, there are obstacles and frustrations, but enjoying the ride is so important.
And, as we know, play has another important role -- to be a conduit to learning new things.
Yes! Learning new things…and that’s the surprise, isn’t it?
You are so right! It is amazing what we learn. 😀
Painting to win competitions defeats the object of painting - the pure act of losing yourself in your creativity no matter if you're a beginner or an old hand, brings not just pleasure but is so good for the mind, body and soul. This happens in the photography world too - I've seen judges crush photographers by criticising them for not adhering to strict technical standards...I think you can tell this really gets my goat!😂 I love your free approach to your art - no planning, no practice, just getting on with it and I admire you for it.
The pure enjoyment you get from your creativity comes across in your essays Beth which I enjoy so much. I love the vibrancy of the new painting - looking forward to seeing the next stage!
Hi Lin,
I totally agree with you and definitely see how this applies to the art of photography. It's awful to have witnessed judges being harsh to photographers -- just because the photographers happen to have their own style. I think that is the antithesis of encouraging creativity. Unfortunately, I've been the target of pompous art teachers who felt I was less than what a great artist should be. Such harsh judgement is unnecessary.
I am so glad you enjoy my essays, Lin, and thank you for your wonderful words about my current painting. It's true that I do love creating art. And it's clear you have a passion for photography and your subject matters through your wonderful Substack work!
"Sometimes the surprises are missteps, and I figure that after the mistake dries, I can paint over it or change it some way." This is your description of "pentimento," when the artist changes her/his mind. The same can be true in writing prose, as I've discovered many times. And aren't do-overs fun and creative? xoxo
Wow, Marilea, I had never heard of "pentimento" before. I've painted over many things, so I'm pretty experienced at this LOL. I did look the term up, and it was mentioned that pentimento helps give an idea of the artist's process. So very appropriate for me, as I'm all about the process.
Yes, this concept would certainly apply to writing prose, as well. And yes, do-overs are incredible! ❤
Love pentimento. It's not just artists who change their minds--sometimes, words from old manuscripts show up underneath newer ones. Once upon a time, paper was so rare and expensive, it was used over and over again.
There are new technologies being used to uncover such writings: infrared, x-rays, AI, and even digital imaging using special algorithms. Experts are finding examples in papyri, parchment, rare books and ancient manuscripts.
Except in writing, it's known as palimpsest. The OG recycling project. I find it so fascinating!
Hi Robin,
So very cool. As long as humans change their minds -- which is always -- it seems that there will always be pictorial and verbal layers. I bet this occurs in science and math as well -- given that great thinkers in this field also change formulas and think and rethink on the page. 😀
Lillian Hellman used the term in her short book, Pentimento. Good stuff.
OK, I have to order that book now!
It was also made into a movie starring Vanessa Redgrave and Jane Fonda in the '70s. Part of it was shot in part at the Université de Strasbourg in France when I was studying there!
How cool is that? Now I need to watch the movie. I think it's awesome that you were studying at this university while the movie was being made.
Was this a study abroad experience for you?
Yes--junior/senior year abroad. It was awesome on many levels.
Anything by her is great. She's a master.
The new landscape reminds me of the edges of Lake Austin. There's a little park overlooking the water just down the hill from me, and that "marshy" area between water and land is the most interesting part of the view. Occasionally I see a Blue Heron hanging out there. And there is a misty and mysterious quality to that marshy strip, that you are capturing on your canvas.
Beth, you have such integrity about your art and your creative process. I learn and am inspired by you. My reasons for writing are similar. I write because that's how my soul wants to express in the world. I write because my mind likes to weave words together. I write because it has long been my doorway to the examined life.
Here's to creatives everywhere. Paint on, my friend. The joy is in the brush stroke, as my joy is in the pen.
Hi Stephanie,
I am so happy that you have such a nice space nearby; it sounds lovely and a nice area to just relax. It would be so cool to also see a Blue Heron there.
You also have so much integrity about your writing. I am so inspired by you as well, my friend. You were always meant to be a writer, and I just love your writing.
We both are so lucky that we have found a way we love to express ourselves. As I think about it, this isn't the case for many people. I have so much gratitude. And yes, let's continue to create joy -- whether it is with the pen or the brush. ❤
Oh, Beth, I really love this painting. I love the way the spindly cattails reach for the sky. And the sky looks amazing. I am so glad you get so much enjoyment from painting. To be able to just sit down and create something from your heart and mind is so satisfying. I know I get that from my writing. It is such a feeling of accomplishment. We don't need 'no stinking medals or awards'.
Hi Nancy,
I had to laugh with your saying, "We don't need no stinking medals or awards." I am still chuckling over it.
I am so glad you are enjoying my painting. The cattails were time-consuming but oh so fun to create. As a writer, you get so much from your creations, as well. I so enjoy your writiing.
It's a lovely feeling to sit down and devote oneself to the crafts of our hearts. The key is in the joy of it all.
Beth, this is just wonderful! I found myself nodding throughout because you could just as easily be writing about poetry. For that same dance between intention and surprise, between trusting the process and discovering what wants to emerge ... feels so familiar. I love how you honour the joy of creation over the lure of medals or external validation. Your quiet, deeply felt reflections on painting always remind me that the truest art grows from curiosity, presence and play.
And as I muse on your words, I remember someone once asking me why I write and without thinking I replied: connection ... to self and to others. I've discovered around thirty kindred spirits here on the stack, and I'm so grateful for each and every one of them. Silent followers and button tappers I happily ignore, because connection is why I'm here. 🙏💖
Hi Deborah,
Yes, whether it's poetry, prose, painting, dancing, there is respect for the process, as well as discovery. I love when you say, "the truest art grows from curiosity, presence and play." So very true.
I love your poetry, which never ceases to amaze me.
You brought up another important point, too -- that of connection. I believe that's part of what drew me to Substack -- connection with other creatives. The power of connection is so real and so very crucial. Like you, I have found a good number of kindred spirits here (including you, of course!).
Let's always continue creating. ❤
I couldn’t agree more Beth. We create for the joy of it and we make art to engage with the alchemical process, the channeling that occurs when we surrender to that light that bids us to make beauty in the world. I’ll never forget the moment when we were talking and you turned to me and said, “Gerry, writing, painting, making art, is something sacred we do for ourselves. In sharing, if someone likes what we do, or is moved by it that’s great, but secondary. We make art because we must.” And to this I might add, not just to win medals and awards. All I know is that your painting today invited me in to sit and watch the water flow and get lost in a sublime afternoon. And that’s priceless! Thank you Beth!
Hi Gerry,
I am so glad you could get lost in my painting. What you said here is beautiful: "We create for the joy of it and we make art to engage with the alchemical process, the channeling that occurs when we surrender to that light that bids us to make beauty in the world." So incredibly true.
I remember when we first became colleagues, and you spoke to me about the writing process, and you said, "Beth, we must honor our craft." This had such a lasting impact on me. By creating and following our inner muse instead of outward medals, we are honoring our craft.