"How are you?"
"I´m doing this..and that..and then this..!"
"Yes..but how ARE you Marja?"
A phone call from a friend reminded me how easy it is for me to shut myself off from the outside world and lose myself in my painting. I live and work on my own and an artist´s life can be a solitary affair. I wrote last year during lockdown that in solitude I find myself. That´s true. But then what? It´s only by spending quality time with others that I recharge and get perspective.
There are changes on the horizon and although change is the only thing that´s certain in life, I don´t always like it! Change makes me feel uncomfortable, uneasy, fearful. I know I´m not the only one who avoids these feelings by throwing myself into doing stuff. Why is it so easy to forget that we need each other?
Over the years, I´ve enjoyed the experience of painting alongside my fellow artists. I joined Poole Leisure Painters,, and I formed the M&M Arts Society with my dear friend Maggie. Her life situation has changed too so there hasn´t been time for us to meet.
Now, I´m delighted to be working alongside my daughter. Sam. We have a weekly workshop where we paint together, Sam in watercolours and me in my acrylics. We have different styles, different techniques and we give each other feedback, comment on each other´s work. I value that.
Most importantly, we take breaks, have lunch, drink coffee, laugh and share ideas. We´re making plans to go to Holland next year to do a workshop together. I´m excited about that! And I am inspired to learn new techniques.
Sunny casts an expert eye over the table full of blank canvases.
And during our lunch break after a morning´s work, he gives me a a wag of approval.
Sharing life and working together in this way fills my well of inspiration and creativity and
it´s an absolute joy to spend time doing what I love, with my beloved daughter, and Sunny, of course!
I´ve forgotten about my fear of the changes that aren´t happening today. I´m focussing on shared laughter and making plans together.
How am I today? I´m a very happy, grateful artist..
But how are you? Write and tell me.
Marja Brown
Landscape Artist
Original paintings and prints available from my website.
Commissions undertaken with joy. Personalise your painting, with different colours, size, added details for the same price as an original painting.
Subscribe to receive my weekly blog via email. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
Like, share, leave a comment.
I love hearing from you.
Comments