There's something really special about this girl.
It's like she knows what is ahead even though I don't.
I started painting her Thursday afternoon
and I haven't been able to finish her until today.
I've been thinking about her non-stop since then...
You'll notice she's wearing a lace collar along with her white feathers...
I am completely immersed in my Métis culture.
It's the only thing I want to paint.
I remember taking Jesse Reno's class last year
where he talked alot about the creative process.
He encouraged us to honour the nudges we get during our creative process.
He told us not to shy away from painting something that you already painted.
If you feel the need to paint it, it's because you NEED to paint it.
If you feel the need to paint a bunny 100 times then you need to do this.
He told us not to get caught up with the need to do something just because you feel you should switch things up. If your heart is set on bunnies. You need to honour this.
It wasn't exactly those words but it is something that resonated with me even then...
I'm discovering that being an artist is just as much listening to my inner voice
as it is painting on the canvas.
The day I start painting for someone else is the day I shrivel up and die.
This is why I can no longer paint custom work. (even for my favorite peeps)
It's like my heart and soul reject it so much that nothing seems to work.
I'm never pleased with the outcome.
Some people can do this happily and with satisfaction.
I can't. I won`t. Anymore.
Instead I'm honouring this strong urge, this need to paint my feathered girls.
The ones that come from a First Nation woman
from the Weskarini tribe and a French man from France.
Tomorrow the work will continue...
Stay tuned for my next post as I share my writing nook with you.
I'll also give you an update on my stories...
You should most definitely follow your heart and your inner voice.I have often thought if maybe I followed the current trend I would sell more or be more popular.
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother once said to me" if I could paint what I see in my head I could paint some amazing pictures".So I paint what I see in my head now and it makes me happy.
Danielle, your new painting is beautiful! I love those words of Jesse's and I totally agree with what you said about custom work, I too never quite feel attached to something I make when it's based on someone's else's instructions. Thanks for sharing with us the path on which your heart is leading.
ReplyDeleteLove the colors and I so agree on custom work i cringe if Im asked to do any, never comes out right is correct:O) Thank You for sharing your wonderful art:)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your solo show - that is wonderful! I totally know what you mean about painting for yourself. I used to paint murals for $ and of course it was all custom. I am so glad I got away from it as it was no fun painting for others - commissions are not what they're cracked up to be. You put it so eloquently. I'm also fascinated by how you use your culture in your artwork. I love that and especially because I have French Cdn in mine as well. ;)
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh Danielle... Yes yes YES to everything you said! I've never read anything that so perfectly matched my own recent conclusions... thanks sooooo much for this post! And congrats on your solo show... that's awesome and you deserve it!
ReplyDeleteRenee
xoxo
p.s... she's lovely!
You speak so beautifully of the process of unraveling what is inside your head and heart. To honor your roots, your place of origin, to feel your ancestors - is healing work. Our ancestors are with us always - we need to remember them, your work does that. I wonder what they will teach you, what wisdom they will impart - what an exciting adventure you have embarked upon.
ReplyDeletePortrait Painting
ReplyDeleteI totally know what you mean about painting for yourself.Thank You for sharing your wonderful art.
Oh I love this. And thank you for sharing a peek of your art space!
ReplyDeleteLovely - the expression of her face and colors.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you are honouring the urge to paint such a beautiful culture (Métis)...
ReplyDeleteYour girl is definitely "in the know". The eyes say it all.
Can't wait to see the others. xoxo
Custom work is so hard..you are right. I try to force it and then...nothing!! Thank you for that confirmation.
ReplyDeleteYour work and this piece...stunning. I want to buy a piece of your work but for now I will have to wait {sooo tight on funds}. Please just know I adore it and you!
I love the new paintings. Thanks for the reminder that it's OK to paint the same thing over and over again. Sometimes I allow myself to get stuck because I don't allow myself to do so.
ReplyDeleteThis is the painting you were telling me about. With both sides of your inheritance. The Indian and the french. Next time we meet, I´ll show you how to sew the collar, ok? :-)
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