08/30/2023
I see so many of my amazingly talented artist friends posting about this upcoming show, all while explaining a bit about their specific art, so I thought I’d join in!💕
I read one heartfelt post from a fellow artist who felt like her art had been de-prioritized over her day-to-day life, and another who was navigating the busy school year while finding time to create. Both were aching to get back to their art because it is a huge source of self care and healing and calm for them.
I wanted to offer a slightly different perspective, that I don’t think is talked about much. ❤️
Art in general (but specially my art) comes from my soul. It’s usually a place of familiarity and comfort that I sink into when the world is a little too loud. 💕
However, sometimes, when the heaviness and chaos and stress of life is just too much, I find myself retreating from my creativity; to a place of fewer demands or expectations. (Even when they’re self-imposed)
Creating art is double edged for me: it’s healing, but painful; calming, but demanding; peaceful but raw.
It can be as essential as breathing, and can also be one more thing weighing down on my already exhausted shoulders. That’s what makes it art, I think. 💕
I’m sharing this not for pity, but so that other artists who may be like me won’t feel so alone. 💪 So they can see that even though art can be life-giving, and essential; it also takes a huge amount of effort,energy and dedication,
both physically and emotionally. ❤️
This is why if you go to my website you will see that it hasn’t been updated in nearly a year. Not because I don’t care, or because I’ve given up. But because I’ve been actively NOT giving up…choosing to make memories around fires, and sit in the sunshine, and to hug my bigger-than-me kids while they still let me. 💕 I’m filling my soul so I can empty it into my art.
This month has been the first in a while that I’ve been back in the studio, and I am excited to share that I’ll have some pieces for sale at the upcoming Art at the Crossroads show on Sept 23. ❤️ There won’t be many, but the ones that are there will be carved out from pieces of my heart and soul. From hours spent finding myself, learning that it’s ok to be a little selfish, failing, succeeding, and failing some more, and healing little parts of me with each lump of clay. ❤️
This year I have the privilege of sharing a booth with my oldest daughter, as well as supporting my youngest daughter who will be part of the kids maker booth. 💕
Please come out and see us, and all the amazing artists who will be in our beautiful town that day! ☀️
Love, Aurora 💕❤️
