Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Artistic Angst

"An artist is someone who is constantly searching for something he never achieves."
--- Philip Jamison

Is that true? It seems so. Perhaps I need to lower my expectations and just "don't worry, be happy." :) Bet you have that song running in your head now...

Don't worry
Be Happy


8 comments:

Sandy Maudlin said...

For sure, it's tough making reality and expectations come together. If they ever do, it's almost always a surprise for me, especially when I least expect it.
I know that perserverance pays off, though. Keep at it.

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks, Sandy! You posted this right after I posted the blog junk today. Sorry about skipping class today but I just could not think of anything I wanted to paint - so got some exercise instead (which was good for me). Hopefully next week will be better...

Suzanne McDermott said...

Bingo! When we let our minds rest, new forms inevitably arise. Happy Full Moon!

Nava said...

I suspect that's what keep us going; trying to achieve that we cannot achieve...

But look on the bright side: if every painting turned out as successful as you imagine it to be in your head, wouldn't it get boring at some point?

Joan Sandford-Cook said...

Oh your quote is so true - when will we ever be satisfied with our own efforts and realise what others see in our work?? Loved your previous post of red pepper and lovely light in the basket subject. Although it doesnt appear quite finished (ie lacking the inevitable darks) I rather go for the subtlety of colours and would be satisfied at this stage with its charm. Sometimes we try to go too far and spoil what we have achieved.

RH Carpenter said...

Sandy, I like those surprises when they happen :)
Happy Full Moon, Suzanne :)
Perhaps our motto is really , "Never never never give up, no matter what," and with that we will succeed just out of sheer oneriness!
I so appreciate each and every one of you posting your comments about this. I know we all go through it and it's nice to know you all "feel my pain."

Nick said...

Nah, it's not thinking about what to paint, it's deciding what NOT to paint. That's the problem, from the selection of subject to the actual approach. But I do think it's true you're never quite satisfied...which might be a good thing. I would definitely recommend reading this interview, especially the last part:
http://www.vivianite.net/?id=1514

RH Carpenter said...

Thank you so much, Nick, for leading me to this interview. I have read it through once, will read it again - and perhaps again. A stumbling block, a mental glitch, a failing of spirit - not sure what I'm suffering through right now but I do so enjoy viewing artwork by others as I go through this. And I am definitely a naive painter - naive in my lack of historical knowledge, unsure of where my art will, eventually, fit in, but sometimes that naivete is so light and childlike it makes you happy.