Reflections on a Gift

2-10-2020

I turn 60 this week.  I'm excited to turn that age for I don't see it as negative but as a positive point in my life.  It means I've been granted to live this long and been able to have a family, friends, and of course, be an artist for the majority of those years. 
As I reflect on my life artistically, I'm coming to the conclusion that this journey I'm on is really about process and the experience of making art.  The 'product' is the outcome of this experience but this 'product' records the movement and markmaking of my creativity, whether it be painting, sculpture, or something else.  I've also come to realize that I don't need to come up with something original, just something honest.  The originality comes with honesty; it comes from being in tuned with who I am and how I want to express myself.  For so long I thought that I had to create something that had a cooresponding concept or idea.  I'm realizing that I am enough.  My thoughts, emotions, experiences are enough to work with to create.  It is how I've been made and it honors the Spirit to freely use those things.  I don't need to be afraid of using myself as my point of departure.  I am valid and I'm finally comfortable with that. 
I feel like I'm also growing more confident with the work I'm creating and not really caring if it fits a market.  The work is enough as well.  Sure I'd like to sell but if that doesn't happen, I'm ok with it.  My work is my legacy creatively and I'm happy with that legacy.  It's only taken 42 years to get to this point but yay, finally here!  I'm also learning more and more how to rely on the Spirit to direct me as I paint.  It is a very intimate and intuitive experience, sacred in its execution. It's something that I rely upon and need for it not just fills me spiritually but grounds me as well. 
So, I'm excited for what the future holds.  I'm excited to see what I'll do creatively and how it will progress.  I'm excited to see how the Spirit will move in and throught me creatively.  This art thing is a process that I'm willingly and gratefully able to take on and express on this journey of life.  It is a gift.  And I'm thankful. 



Susan M Gibbons
Stirring 15
Acrylic on Canvas
2020
36" by 48" by 1.5"

Comments

  1. UnknownFebruary 10, 2020 at 6:04 PM

    Lovely! Happy birthday! So glad to know you and be a part of our gallery group. xox

    ReplyDelete

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