Comments on: Apparently, my art is appalling. Interesting.

By: Bill Weaver

Bill Weaver — Mon, 24 May 2010 14:49:31 +0000

You continue to amaze me Sarah…your courage, self insight and willingness to grow represent that special thing that is you. Darkness is all about risk taking, stepping into the unknown of self awareness, your work expresses that and like you have said the Right people will see your journey, your courage.
The courage represented in your work is also inspirational to others struggling with their own demons. Your willingness to share the richness of inner explorations represents an important spiritual gift as well as an artistic one.
The journey is challenging to say the least and your openness serves as a beacon to guide others in their struggle.
Our western culture has a fetish for what I call flat lining, for wanting only to experience the comfortable, the easy the sunny and non-insightful way of living. That flat line mindset is extremely threatened by inner-explorations, they don’t like darkness, and they definitely don’t want to acknowledge the cyclical ups and downs of life.
Keep your light shining girl and continue your explorations we all need more adventurers like you.

By: Wormy

Wormy — Tue, 18 May 2010 13:52:18 +0000

Your Lake Windermer at Sunset prints that I have sit on my desk right next to my computer and make me feel happy. That’s right – happy.

They’re beautiful, not just “pretty”. They have substance and grace and boy, are they colourful. They are a tranquil escape for me to glance at every time I want to shut my computer and walk away.

Your art is awesome, certainly NOT apalling.

By: Jadyn

Jadyn — Tue, 18 May 2010 01:09:34 +0000

Hi Sarah, I just read your post and it truly boggles my mind that someone would feel that way about your paintings AND have the tactlessness to express it that way. I liked how you described your process of the feelings and thoughts it triggered in you. And I loved the conclusion you came to. Because you know what? She’s just not one of your people, like you said.

Personally, I think your paintings have a beautiful stillness to them, which makes me heart feel like it can breathe and expand. Keep doing what you’re doing, girl!

By: Scatterbox

Scatterbox — Sun, 16 May 2010 17:42:20 +0000

I just came across your blog a few minutes ago and read the quick skinny on your week. My 2 cents:

- EVERY painting has a story, even the dark ones (sometimes, ESPECIALLY the dark ones). In turn, we all have stories, both light and moody. I find it unfortunate that there are those who close off access to that side of themselves out of fear, shame, or embarrassment, because they could probably learn a lot from it. To echo others, stay true to who you are. Paint what you feel and how you see the world exactly as it is to you, not what others say is right or according to the “rules”. It is the best representation of who you are at that moment. This may evolve over time with experience and experiment, but look at it, instead, as documentation of your journey. Even people like Van Gogh started out with art that, compared to his famous works, would be likely considered inferior or incorrect by those who didn’t understand the self-evolution process.

- If I were you, I’d be happy to continue seeing images the way you do through your eyes than the way that horrid woman at the gallery seems to see the entire world through hers. Her income comment got me fired up; that was immature and ignorant on so many levels.

By: Fabeku Fatunmise

Fabeku Fatunmise — Sat, 15 May 2010 20:01:26 +0000

Your work is amazing. And so full of life and energy and emotions.

I feel something every single time I look at your paintings. It’s this deep, multi-layered experience that always kind of wows me.

And there’s not a lot of art that does that for me.

I’m glad you’re going to keep doing what you do. Because it really is awesome.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Sat, 15 May 2010 11:47:48 +0000

Steve, that was SO what I needed to hear. Knowing that you trust me to trust myself helps me actually trust myself. I want to print this out and tape it over my easel.
Thank you.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Sat, 15 May 2010 11:45:45 +0000

Thank you J. That really means a lot. I’m very glad that Disneyland isn’t the only way!

By: Steve Errey - The Confidence Guy

Steve Errey - The Confidence Guy — Sat, 15 May 2010 09:11:59 +0000

Sarah, I’ve only just read the last few posts and feel for you.

But you know what, you know exactly what this is and you know exactly what to take from it all and what to leave behind.

Your insights continue to rock, so trust yourself. You’re awesome.

By: J.Hitzig

J.Hitzig — Sat, 15 May 2010 00:03:53 +0000

Stick to your guns. The paintings you submitted are far from colorless and full of light, even if it is not giant sunbeams of light. Just because they don’t look like Disneyland is no reason to think there is not a market for your work.

Also, nose-wrinkling is very unprofessional.

Your paintings are beautiful.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Fri, 14 May 2010 14:49:08 +0000

I like your dad’s saying.

And yeah, I feel like I have so much more clarity around my work and what it means to me now. Which is always helpful.