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Wednesday, February 11, 2009

The Community of Creativity

I admit it. I have a big blog monkey on my back. For the last two weeks, I've been in major blog withdrawal while my computer usage has been so limited. I'm waiting, waiting, waiting for my new laptop, so I can resume my maniacal art posting. My favorite thing to do every morning, when I first awaken, is to sneak a peek at my blog to see a new comment or piece of art from one of you. Almost a year ago, when I first started my blog, I would never have thought that a little thing like an on-line journal would change my life so much. I never thought that having a blog would make me an artist, but it did. Inexplicably. Every time I made a card or a journal page, I showed it to you, and you responded. You made me want to do another and another, and, when I looked at your art, I learned how to do new things. Your work made me want to stretch and learn, and I did. We talked and shared and encouraged each other and, suddenly, I felt like what I had always wanted to be: an artist in a community of other artists. You me helped me make a life as an artist by giving to me and allowing me to give to you in return. So many of you shared your techniques and enabled other people to try to do what you had done. You weren't threatened or worried that someone would copy you. I followed your steps and imitated you, and, because of your generosity, the doubt and secret fears that had stifled me were gone. I learned so much because of your generosity, and I have the courage now to paint intuitively and boldly (like you see in the painting below, Creative Therapy). Unlike the competitive students I'd met in my college commercial art program, you cheered me on; you wanted me to succeed. You weren't the least bit afraid I would steal your thunder or get the recognition you deserved. I became a part of an ever-growing web of sharing and creating that grows and nurtures and makes the world more beautiful. My world has a whole new dimension now, and what was missing now fills me and makes me whole.

"Happiness is not so much in having as sharing. We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." (Norman MacEwan)

Love,
Alberta

19 comments:

Kim Mailhot said...

This is a beautiful and heart-felt post ! I so agree with you about this wonderful, supportive, inspiring and generous community we are a part of. I too am thankful for it every day !

Cheers and here's to Blogland !

Sharon Tomlinson said...

That monkey is on my back too. You make it so fun.

Sharon Tomlinson said...

That monkey is on my back too. You make it so fun.

Sharon Tomlinson said...

ok, I just wanted to make sure.......

Barb Smith said...

I couldn't have said it better myself. You've put into words here, quite eloquently, exactly how I feel about having began my blog and sharing art and learning from the artists (like you) that I've surrounded myself with. Amen, sistah! and well said.
be free.
Peace & Love,
♥ Barb ♥

Unknown said...

Hi Alberta,
Thank you for your heartfelt words. Your blog is a place I go to when I wnat to feel a sense of partnership with other artists. Thank you for creating that connection for me.

Could you tell me how you get your beautiful art posted? Do you photograph it or scan the pieces? Or is it both depending on size, etc? You may have explained this before, but I don't know where or when.
Hugs,
Janet

*jean* said...

ooo al, your beautiful words almost made me cry! i feel the same way but you were able to put it into words so well....it has been a privilege to grow beside among the garden of artists in bloglandia...

xo

jean

*jean* said...

i meant to grow beside you....

okay now..

Janet said...

You said it! The blogging community is amazing! I haven't been around much lately but I know just what you mean about the support and encouragement that is out there. It's wonderful to have so many people to cheer you on.

And you know I'm one of your biggest fans! I love your creativity and your fantastic artwork.

BlueRidgeLady said...

What a beautiful post Alberta, you said exactly what I felt too. I wouldn't have been able to put it into words the way you did. You see, that is another gift you have, and I notice it everytime I hear from you. Your way with words touches the heart just like your art! Hey! That rhymes! x0x0x

Flassie's Fil'a said...

Beautiful Lovely Post!

God Bless You and Yours!!!

indybev said...

You've so eloquently voiced my feelings about the cybercommunity of artists, Alberta! What an amazing network of support we all enjoy. Thanks for speaking for us!

Tumble Fish Studio said...

What a lovely post! I feel the same way and you found the words to describe it. You are one of the biggest cheerleaders out there so you deserve all the attention you get because of that and the fact that your work is amazing and you WILL succeed at whatever you try and do.

I'm just popping in on my regular blog stops to let everyone know I'm getting ready to leave for my dad's in a couple of days and have so much to do before that. I may not have much time or access to the net for awhile so know that I a missing you and your blog and thinking about you. I'll get all caught up when I get home.

Happy Valentine's Day!
marsha

Terri Kahrs said...

Your heartfelt, eloquent words tell my story too. We are blessed to have your beautiful spirit and bounteous talents touch our lives. Reading your blog is like walking through a spring garden after the rain - it totally refreshes my soul. I hope that your computer arrives soon!

Ozstuff said...

I saw this wonderful painting at Flickr and it looks even better at second viewing (if that is possible). Superb.
I hope you iron out your computer blues very soon. Your absences have been noted!!

Taluula said...

Wow Alberta thank you for sharing your story in all it's eloquence. It's my story too and the story of so many other people out there I suspect. Blogland truly is a wonderful place for sharing and learning and making lovely new friends.

I so admire and am amazed by your art work. You have such a very special talent and style.

Kind regards and good wishes

Anonymous said...

Ditto, all the way. Your artwork inspires me LIKE CRAZY and I'm so happy to have connected with you through blogland!

Jo Anne O. said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment! Come again soon!

Nettie Edwards said...

What you've written totally reflects my own experience. Thanks for sharing your beautiful and inspiring work x