Summer Dreams

I’ve been trying to write this post this afternoon and am finding it to be quite the challenge with my very vocal, inquisitive child now home, half days until Wednesday, and then the summer routine begins!

Even with further restrictions on my time, I find it helps me to maintain my focus and finish projects (art, painting, writing) faster and more efficiently. It’s funny how things work that way when you are pursuing your dream.

However, I have set myself up for success by reorganizing the pseudostudio in my house. All of my art supplies are readily available so if I have a small chunk of time I can fit painting in throughout the day. I’m ready!

This Is How We Do It

As an ‘indie’ artist I have found it imperative to seek out support; from family and friends, and from other creative people who ‘get me’ [shout out to kickstarters].

Reaching out, accepting the help, really listening and learning from others who know more than I do has kept me motivated and restored my sanity during hectic times in my life.

Not being afraid to talk about and share my own struggles and ‘negative realities’ has put them into perspective and allowed me to deal with my problems in more positive and mature ways.

This includes taking care of myself physically, mentally, spiritually; and having gratitude for my health and well-being. I have learned not to take this for granted over the years.

Work To Do

There have been and will always be obstacles in the way of pursuing a dream. I’ve always had the choice of overcoming them or giving up.

When I realized that giving up was not an option since being an artist is essentially who I am, I knew the really hard work I had done to get to this particular point was over.

The amount of introspection, practice, and isolation required for my art and writing to achieve an ounce of confidence and self acceptance has been tremendous. A lot of my paintings have been really bad, but altogether necessary in the creative process.

It takes time. It has taken me a long time to get to know and express myself, and speak my truth through writing and painting without fear of judgement. I have weaknesses I still have to work on and there are constant shifts and changes in life that affect my art and message.

New Painting

Dreams by Mary Claire 2012 Acrylic on canvas 20 x 20 x 3/4″

Please believe that one single positive dream is more important than a thousand negative realities.

[Quote by Adeline Yen Mah]

Artists thrive with the support of friends, family, art enthusiasts and lovers, art appreciators, gallery owners, other artists, creative circles, art groups etc…

I can’t say it enough, thank you to all who have helped me and continue to inspire me and support me in all my creative endeavors!