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The Little Flower

January 22, 2007

ph_aug_strangeplant.jpg

Untitled ~ Canon 30d

The artist must summon all his energy, his sincerity, and the greatest modesty in order to shatter the old cliches that come so easily to hand while working, which can suffocate the little flower that does not come, ever, the way one expects.

~ Henri Matisse

I've been contemplating this idea of modesty and how it relates to creating art which rises above the old patterns and exceeds the expectations of the creator. It takes sweat, courage and humility ~ why? The really good stuff I create has more to do with what is moving through me than what is coming from me.

Throw open the windows and allow the breeze of creativity to blow through the chambers of your heart!

{Image shot @ Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown ~ late summer.}

Posted by vincent at January 22, 2007 09:01 AM

Comments

This pictures is a great illustation of your statement. I have a fried who lives a humble life but does so much more than people ever know. He has no desire to advertise.

How does an artist who has a desire to either show or sell his work reconcile that with humility?

Posted by: LoieJ at January 22, 2007 12:24 PM

I think a lot of artist's make the mistake of equating being poor and/or refraining from promoting their work with being humble, to which I say, "stop it!"

When I reference humility, I'm talking about not being a primadona... and I think that's what Matisse was referring to as well. It's when we begin to believe we have achieved "mastery" that the work starts to fall into cliches. Without a thirst for more knowledge and improvement, our creativity has no place to breathe and grow.

Here's the rub: Most artists feel completely uncomfortable with advertising themselves. We're sensitive creatures, and feel our work should speak for itself. Problem is, your work won't be able to speak to people who have no idea it exists. I struggle with this myself, so I'm acutely aware of how annoying and painful this subject can be.

Sounds like your friend should keep his humility, advertise, become a financially successful artist and blow a hole in the "starving artist" stereotype. Nobody can do that without selling themselves!

Posted by: Susan at January 22, 2007 01:11 PM

Wow. This image is just fantastic. Can I order a copy for my wall? The contrast of soft and brilliant colors against black just blows me away. Wow.

Posted by: janet at January 22, 2007 05:27 PM

Indeed, and that's why your art speaks to the soul Susan. Just a glorious view.

Posted by: jayne at January 23, 2007 06:37 AM

wow! this is truly breathtaking!

Posted by: la vie en rose at January 25, 2007 04:30 PM