Things We should Say and My Inspiration

Afterthought-
As I think back on it now, the scene replays again in my mind. Every action and word is repeated and analyzed. I didn’t understand at the time, but clarity has found my thoughts.

This year I made a promise to myself. I want to remember to say ‘the things’ that we all stumble around and just assume other people know. You know, ‘the things we really should say?’

I just started this blog March 2008. An agent told me that 'I had to start an artist blog’ to get my work and gallery website visible online. I’d never even read a blog, much less written one. Quite honestly, I didn’t even understand what a blog was.

He referred to it as an online journal. Gag! I’d never even kept a diary as a kid! And who would want to read it anyway?

At first, I fought and dismissed the idea. It sounded like one more thing that would interrupt the only thing I wanted to do: spend all my time painting. But, as these things go, I eventually gave in and went in knowing nothing about blogging. I went in blind!

Oddly, I think that may be the best way. Coming from the entertainment field, my assumption was I should at least attempt to be entertaining. I wrote silly little shorts to go along with my paintings and hopefully grab your attention. I quickly found ‘what worked and what didn’t’ and bounced my way into blog world the ‘hard way‘.

As the weeks and months rolled by I began to notice something happening. Having the blog, and visitors actually kind enough to grace my little Internet space, -I was working harder in my studio. I was constantly pushing to have something new for the next blog. You were reacting and interacting with and about my work in ways that is invaluable to every artist. I was taking chances and venturing into subjects that I’d never taken the time to explore.

BUT, -this was the big thing: As I started visiting your blogs and reading your stories I was overwhelmed. You told truths about your hopes, fears and even secrets we usually only tell our best friends. You were brave enough to share your laughter and tears with the whole world. You gave insight into your deepest feelings and told me about your daily life. I still stand in awe.

About 5 months into blogging, I put the following on the front page of The Red Chair Gallery. It was about you. I should have told you. Don’t know why I didn’t. So I need to tell you now:

I am the artist whose original art you will see in this online art gallery. Capturing the truths that uniquely reflect our lives is my goal. You are my inspiration.


You are greatly valued and appreciated. Thank you.

Vikki
The painting at the top is called Afterthought.
32"x20" Diptych (translation-2 stretched canvases each 16"x20")
Acrylic on canvas. Orig. $500 plus S&H