Blog Archives
Q: You earned a degree in psychology. From that I’m sure you gained an in-depth understanding of humans and their stories. How has that influenced your art?
“Conundrum,” soft pastel on sandpaper, 38″ x 58″
A: I suppose there must be some deep connection, but I have never seen much of a correspondence between my psychology degree and the art I create. As an undergraduate psych major at the University of Vermont, my intent was to become a clinical psychologist. However, by the time I received my BA, I was no longer interested in making that my life’s work.
Comments are welcome!
Pearls from artists* # 337
Barbara’s studio
*an ongoing series of quotations – mostly from artists, to artists – that offers wisdom, inspiration, and advice for the sometimes lonely road we are on.
I think society did a great disservice to artists when we started saying they were geniuses, instead of saying they had geniuses. That happened around the Renaissance, with the rise of a more rational and human-centered view of life. The gods and the mysteries fell away, and suddenly we put all credit and blame for creativity on the artists themselves – making the all-too-fragile humans completely responsible for the vagaries of inspiration.
In the process, we also venerated art and artists beyond their appropriate stations. The distinction of “being a genius” (and the rewards and status often associated with it) elevated creators into something like a priestly cast – and perhaps even into minor deities – which I think is a bit too much pressure for mere mortals, no matter how talented. That’s when artists start to really crack, driven mad and broken in half by the weight and weirdness of their gifts.
Elizabeth Gilbert in Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
Comments are welcome!
Q: What do you think are the most important qualities in an artist?
“Big Deal,” soft pastel on sandpaper, 58″ x 38″
A: Two essentials immediately come to mind. I believe imagination and curiosity are very important qualities, not only for artists, but for anyone who hopes to look back on a well-lived life. As Lauren Bacall famously said, “Imagination is the highest kite one can fly.”
It is curiosity that keeps people laser-focused on a lifetime journey of learning. I’d venture to say that curiosity is the not-so-secret quality of accomplished people in every profession. We humans can never know enough!
Comments are welcome!
