Born This Way

I titled my most recent peacock painting "Born This Way". Think about it: the peacock didn't decide to be a magnificent looking bird - it was, in fact, born that way. I got to thinking - are artists born? or are they made. There is much debate on whether artistic ability is genetic or learned, and it seems that it can be both. But if it can be learned, can "all" people learn to be artists or are certain people more likely to be be "better" at being an artist than others? I'm sure that can be a long debate, too.

I decided to go back to the first known accounts of artists in the bible. Bezaleel and Aholiab.  Exodus 31:1-6

AND THE Lord said to Moses,²See, I have called by name Bezaleel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.³And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and ability, in understanding and intelligence, and in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship,⁴To devise skillful works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in bronze,⁵And in cutting of stones for setting, and in carving of wood, to work in all kinds of craftsmanship.⁶And behold, I have appointed with him Aholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and to all who are wisehearted I have given wisdom and ability to make all that I have commanded you:

I've always understood this passage that the talent and ability was from the Spirit of God. The children of Israel had just come out of a few hundreds of years of bondage. They were slaves and forced to make bricks. I don't think there was a lot of time to learn wood carving and fashioning things from gold. Their talent had to be given to them by God, either from birth, or at a later time. So, does this mean that all talent comes from above or was that just a special occurence. What do you think?

Here is the before and after of "Born This Way"

"Born This Way" 20" x 20"

Born this was was sold to a smart collector of happy art about 30 minutes after I shared it on my facebook page. I love it when that happens.

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Thanks for stopping by today. Have a wonderful weekend!

Routines and Calendars

I know many people won't agree with this, but I actually love January! It's the end of the holiday hustle and bustle and a time to start organizing and getting back to "normal" (whatever that is). I've already filled up my new datebook through March, but I like planning ahead. It makes it so much easier when something pops up unexpectedly. If it doesn't fit in the calendar - I politely decline. It feels much better than over extending myself.  It also helps so much with commissions. I can pencil in my non-commissions pieces around my schedule. It helps keep me on track from week to week.


If you are an artist, what do you do to help organize your studio time?

And for those of you that are enduring bitter cold winter storms, remember, it soon will pass. Here's a quote that I just love.

 Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. - Helen Keller.

 I just finished up one large commission and have another one to start right away. I'm loving that we have an unusually warm January here in the South. I have natural light in my studio and these bright sunny days make it such a cheerful atmosphere to work.

Here is a piece I finished last month. It has already found a home with a collector.

 "Quite Contrary", 20" x 20" (in private collection).

We are getting ready for Mardi Gras here in the South. Just for fun, I'm in the middle of planning a fun Mardi Gras themed dinner party. Sssshhh.. Can't give away details just yet.

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend!