While sitting here "snowed in" in Louisiana I got thinking about my artistic past and about the influences I had growing up. I had so very few art mentors and even fewer that I personally knew. None of my art teachers inspired me in anyway. The teachers I had gave me the impression that their passion for the subject and life itself was completely drained from them. They all taught us to paint but lacked all concept of what being an artist truly means. We were taught to replicate but never to find our own voice, to do things how they wanted them and not how we saw them. The only drawing teacher that was inspiring at all was my technical/ architectural drawing teacher. I find it funny that the most technical teacher had the most heart. Sitting in the guidance office I was basically told the only viable option with art for a girl was commercial art, which I had no interest in. I believe all of these things added up to me not pursuing art education past 10th grade. I couldnt bare to be bored for another 6 years and pay for 4 of it. I now wish I would have stuck with it. I wish an artist would have stood up and told me that it is worth it, told me about all the different paths. So here I am with a message to the youth, the curious and all other artists in general. There are a million different paths you can take as an artist and a million jobs out there for you to discover. There is art all around us and some possibilities you might not have even thought of. Dream big. Don't negitively compare yourself to others. Its fine to look at artists you admire and dream of being "that good" but don't beat yourself up for it. Do something about it. Embrace your own style. Not every artist can do all the same things. We all have our niche. Some are hyper realists, impressionists, pop, pointalists and so on. Try it ALL for gods sake! Find what inspires you. Find what sings to your soul. Don't get discouraged. We all have those periods of feeling like we're just not good enough, don't let it derail you. Think positive. You can do anything you are determined enough to work hard for. Be willing to work for it. Some pieces feel so overwhelming but dont let it stop you. Be patient and do it little by little and it will get done. Don't give up. And one of the most important things I think I can say is to my fellow older artists: Encourage and Inspire Others. When you speak of art speak with fire and passion, speak with love and positivity. Suprise that young artist with a gift of supplies or even just sit and talk art with them. Tell them what you learned in your practices, tell them about some of your favorite products and about other artists you're inspired by. Listen to them. Dont talk down to them or act superior. If someone expresses admiration be humble, don't be a douche. They need us and the future of art needs us all.
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