For some reason, cats are drawn to a box. Why? Does anyone really know? But hey, in a way, aren’t we the same? Don’t we like to hunker down inside our own artist’s boxes, safe from uncertainty and the unknown? Yes, I think we all have our own little box. At least I do. I’ll bet even Rembrandt had one.
Sometimes, when someone tries to make me get out of my box, I run and hide in the closest thing around! But as long as I’m hiding, it’s still a box!
And when I try really hard to think differently and poke holes in my box, it doesn’t look like my same comfy box anymore…and it’s scary!
But why in the world should I be afraid? Trying something new can be FUN, right? So why not stick a toe out to test the water?
The first step is to say, “I am an artist.” Okay, you said it, but boy, was that a whimpy sentence. Stand up straight…march to the front door, throw it open and shout, “I AM AN ARTIST!” That first step is surprisingly difficult for some of us. In my case it was many years before I could say it and really believe it. This week in class at MISA (Madeline Island School of the Arts) in the Apostle Islands, WI, one participant meekly stated that she was, indeed, an artist. Then shyly told the rest of the class it was the first time she had EVER uttered that phrase out loud, or even to herself. It made her smile. It made all of us smile, too, because in that moment we considered the fact that perhaps we were all artists, too. Hey, Salvidor Dali had a box. A big box. But this is what he did with his.
ARE YOU AN ARTIST? Heck YES, YOU ARE! Say so! Right here, right now. Then march to that front door and shout it proudly to the world. I double-cat dare you! Are you glad that cat month has ended? Well, if cat month is almost over, it means that FRANCE is right around the corner! If you’d like to travel along with us, follow along on FB and this Blog. I’ll be happy to have you and your comments! See you back here for the regular Tuesday Tips in October, after I’m back from France.
Thank you so much for reading.
Kathie xo
[inlinkz_linkup id=439836 mode=1]
Great fun! Loved the kitty pictures! Especially the bag with a tail!
Fantastic pictures! And yes, would love to be in France with you. One of these years. Have fun and see you via FB and blog. xoxo
I’ll think of you while in France. Am taking my special gift you gave me before Spain along, too!
It’s great for a lot of occasions.
Kathy, loved the photos! How many cats do you have? I’m assuming that the middle pictures are your cats? Jealous of your upcoming France trip! I had such a good time with you on the last trip!
Yes, Karen, those are my boys. There’s one more, too…..Bradley, which I haven’t shown. We had Bradley and Oreo until our daughter came back from college and brought Friend. That’s when all hell broke loose. I’ve grown to love him. He actually slept right next to me last night…..he must’ve missed me while I was away last week.
Hey! Love the bird painting on your blog today.
yes we are all artists because we create and this brings joy to those that see it. Your project need not be original.Your project can be from another artist’s pattern ( give credit pleAse). If creating brings you joy, then you are an artist. Being an artist is a calling. It is not dependant on the quality of the final project. So, you Are an artist. Perhaps a mediocre one or a marvelous one. But YOU ARE AN ARTIST.-
Paraphrased from a book I am reading! So, mediocre I am , but this is only the second time I have said “I am a. Artist!!”
Pam
Oh Pam, you are NOT mediocre. I can testify to that!
Yes! I AM an ARTIST! And I am proud to admit it.
Woo-hooo!
I am indeed an artist!!! I think I was born an artist but it took me a long time to find painting supplies. I sewed, knitted, crocheted and decoupage before finding art supplies at the age of 22. Since then I’ve painted to my hearts delight. It does not have to be a masterpiece to be art!!! But once in a while when you get everything right, that’s a huge thrill.
I have loved creating from as far back as I can remember . My first memories are of making designs with soap suds while bathing and making mud pies and decorating them in the yard. I loved making my own paper dolls with models and clothes from the Sears catalog . And I loved coloring real pretty in the lines….. And now as an artist!!…. I still love being creative and I love coloring outside of the lines!! Have a great time in France, Kathy! And Since I can’t go to France,…I look forward to being creative with you in November!! PS.. Keep an eye on that one named , Sylvia !! I know she likes to wonder outside of the lines!!…we don’t want her getting lost in France!!