I've been tongue tied as of late in terms of writing here on my blog about my art. I'm trying to get back into it. Because it's all part of it, right? Making the art, writing about it, taking photos of it, uploading it to sell, shipping it, showing it, trying to expose it to a wider audience, getting more supplies, and on and on and on it goes.
Sometimes it feels like I'm spinning my wheels.
Other times, it feels like I'm on target. Like when convos like these happen. And similar ones from people I hardly know who come up to me to say they feel deep emotion and honesty when they see my art. That's the ultimate.
But even so, even with convos that make me feel like flying, it can be exhausting, and the nature of the process sometimes endangers what I want most, which is to make deeply honest and uninhibited art.
Every day I wake up reminding myself that I have one day less than I had the day before, to make my art, to make my mark. And so I'd better get going and avoid wasting time making bullshit, saying bullshit, or doing bullshit.
Sometimes the non-art-making part of art-making feels like the ultimate bullshit but actually, it's more like necessary bullshit. I don't know of any artist who can just paint 24 hours a day without having to do some bullshitty markety things.
I guess what I consider the ultimate bullshit is making art that is phony balogne. Art that is full of commands and preaches authenticity but is actually inauthentic. That's the hole I don't want to go down.
Jenny, I have to say that your art is indeed inspiring. I've sent you an email a while ago, about my search for alternative places in the O.C., and I'm getting convinced that I have to try some of your painting workshops (although I've never painted in my entire life). But I would love love to try it, I'm just a bit afraid of not working out. I'll be 100% sure soon.
By the way, my blog is online -- http://ocbsides.tumblr.com/, I hope you like it!
Posted by: Gabriela | May 06, 2014 at 06:33 PM
Jenny, one of the many things I love about your art and your process was expressed perfectly in your post about commands (and your response...if you want to). I have this on a virtual post-it in my brain, it was such a helpful antidote to something that I do.not.like. in so much art that I see. I hope to be in class again soon. x
Posted by: Shauna | May 07, 2014 at 04:23 PM