A wonderful aspect of my job is being privy to artist’s personal narratives, often not stories the public seeks to hear.
Yet in these truths laid bare, I find as much inspiration as their amazing work.
They are touching human stories of evolvement and overcoming insurmountable obstacles.
New “Canoe & Paddle” 16×20 oil
The origin and path of an artist may offer accounts not fraught with mysticism, but rich in resilience, admirable work ethic, creative evolution, and endurance.
Their stories offer hope.
Audiences experiencing his music on the world stage, “Say I have a Divine gift” he spoke gently cradling his teacup. “I believe this has to do with practicing 8 hours a day.”
Music was an avenue to win parents attention and compete with older brothers. “I was driven to excel in competition with them.” It wasn’t until years later he found his creative voice in the guitar.
New Collection for Hambleton Galleries.
By the time he won the most prestigious writing award in Canada he had been writing for more than 15 years. “They say it’s a calling,” he said with a soft laugh. “Maybe, but I didn’t have a natural knack for writing.” His stories share truths in history designed to better humanity. “I became a writer because I love to read and I found the power of story”. It was a decade of University education, mentor workshops and countless drafts before the award winning book came to fruition.
“Sun” finally realized & complete.
She found her passion in clay at a weekend workshop in the midst of a successful engineering career. It wasn’t easy learning her craft. She confessed, “I cried the first few years”.
Many creative discoveries are made later in life.
handcrafted chair/ ottoman by Marc
A bright mathematical ergonomist with no creative hobbies witnessed a show featuring a master craftsman. Inspired by beauty and ergo appeal, he decided to build a chair. Thou he hadn’t worked with tools & wood, he evolved skill over years of dedicated work.
Often the case in pursuit of the arts, time & labour are richly rewarded. His creativity awakens as he develops designs fusing ergonomic intelligence and esthetic beauty.
Marc Banning table
Thou working artist’s pathways vary, they often share a common private grievance, when their hard earned skill is dubbed ‘natural’, ‘effortless talent’. Most are embarrassed to share this with the public. “If we tell them our path was far from direct, or it is hard work, maybe they won’t buy it/collect it/publish it/ play my music.”
The real fear?
“Perhaps it will no longer be special to them.”
Study 8×10
I encourage artists to share a glimpse of their real journey. Others can apply these lessons to their own personal struggles and pursuits.
It’s a fine line, another artist told me. “Speak of hardships and we come across as ungracious. That simply isn’t true. We are grateful for the work, our fans & supporters.”
Artists with longevity have a healthy dose of grit. They are tenacious with aspiration so deep it over- rides misconceptions, labels, including very negative assumptions. This is as remarkable and inspiring as their work.
Perhaps the ethereal mystery lies not in so-called talent, but in this deeply rooted sense of purpose. It’s in their continual pursuit to capture the essence we feel in their work.
It’s in their bravery.
Humanity united in the midst of greatness in music, story, and art is powerfully transcending. It can open our minds to possibility and our hearts to great love.
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“Dawn’s canvas’s evoke a world alive with motion, resonating with life that reaches up out of the soil to the sunlight. Her images invite us to celebrate this world, to imagine that which lies on it’s outer edges, and to participate in a world moving in light” D.L
~ All work is for sale & available for purchase. I am so excited about the new work developing! New small collection will be unveiled at the Hambleton December Exhibit in Kelowna BC. Thanks to all the folks at Hambleton for their devoted work.