Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Waves and Brolly, III


 
Working Title:  Golden Sea, acrylic, 36 x 18, 
by Elizabeth W. Seaver

Although I do love this size to paint on, I have forbidden myself to buy any more canvas for this show.  Six is what I have, so I will use what I have and make it work.  Jerry's will just have to do without me for awhile!

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I talk with lots of people during my week at Libertytown.  Many of them at this time in each semester come from the local community college where they are taking a Humanities class taught by one of our great supporters and First Friday regulars.  She wants them to experience culture through a concert or live performance or trip to an art gallery or museum.  She promotes our establishment, and lots of her students find their way through our doors.

My artist in residence studio is right up front, off the main gallery.  It is one of the first places many of these folks come.  Their assignment is to find three pieces of art by three different artists that speak to them and are connected in some way.  Then, they are to have a conversation with a live artist, which can be intimidating.  In general, the questions are read verbatim to the artist off of the assignment sheet.  To vary it, I try to answer the questions a little differently each time...How do you feel about your art? What materials do you use?

But the question I almost always answer the same is:  Where do you get your inspiration?  I get the feeling that I am supposed to answer that some place or person or color or photograph gives me inspiration, and I am often tempted to say just that.  But in all honesty, I don't really get inspired to paint.  I go to work.  I show up to the materials and get dirty.  Fifteen or thirty minutes or an hour later, when I'm not really paying attention, inspiration comes.  It's a shy creature.  If I waited for it to approach, I would rarely create.

So, that's what I tell them...I show up every day, even if I am not feeling inspired, and if I'm lucky, and busy and vewy, vewy, qwiet...inspiration finds me

In case I have left you with the impression that I find these conversations boring, let me assure you, first of all, that the learning is not one-sided.  But my favorite part is watching the transformation.  The students usually arrive hesitant, reluctant, shy, and ready to get this assignment over with.  They, almost to a person, leave bright-eyed, enthusiastic, and resolved to come back and bring their friends and family.

I love that.

16 comments:

Anna M. Branner said...

And you are popular with the students! But we all know you rock! :)

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Well, I am close to the front! I always appreciate your support and enthusiasm for my work, Anna. You rock, yourself!

Saundra Lane Galloway said...

Just love this...I love your colors and the way you stick to a subject! But most of all today I loved hearing about your process...You ever delight my artistic pallet!

Ron Morrison said...

I thought about why I paint...I don't know exactly, but I liked your explanation about working.

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Cathyann and Saundra, I hope you all know that you both inspire me with your faithful pursuit of your artistic voice and your enthusiasm for all things art!

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Ron, thanks for stopping by. Thinking too much can ruin the fun, really! I have had to think more about it because I have to talk a lot while I paint. It's been an interesting thing to have to adjust myself to!

Michelle said...

Your Waves series is very nice. I bet they're stunning in person.

JRonson said...

wonderfull idea of golden sea, it's very creative, nice job :)

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Hi, Michelle and JRonson--thanks for checking in to see what I've been up to. I appreciate your positive comments!

Andrew Finnie said...

Great that you give so much positiveness to others. This series is looking good.

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Thanks, Andrew. I will always be a teacher...

Celeste Bergin said...

no more new canvas...so disciplined! Nice work here

FitFoodieMegha said...

You are such a nice person, that is shown through your art-work! I love to be on your blog and enjoy your paintings! Amazing work!

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Celeste and Megha, thank you so much for reading and commenting. I'm glad you like the work I am doing and are willing to take the time to tell me so.

Judy Jones said...

Elizabeth, I love your "Waves and Brolly" series! If it isn't a series, it autta be. Your work is so wonderful - bright, fun, energetic. I am greatly impressed!

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Thanks so much, Judy. I'm such a fan of your work, as well, so it means a lot that you like my waves and brollies. They have been a blast to paint.

I'm so glad you've begun a blog so I can easily see your new work!