...to dance beneath the diamond sky with one hand waving free....

25 August, 2012

Did it!


                                                      seasonal repose

After four years, I did it.
I submitted two photographs to a public exhibition.
First time ever.

Aside from this site, I have rarely shown anyone
 who wasn't a friend or a member of my family
any of my art work.

Quite new to the world of making art,
I have had to be persuaded to describe myself
using the term "artist".
I have admired the creations and photographs 
of others for a long, long time.
But, due to many disappointing experiences in elementary school art
about a million years ago,
I thought of myself as someone who was incapable
of such a thing.

At best, I could follow directions in a sewing, quilting or knitting pattern.
To me, following directions did not amount to art.

I got tired of all that somewhere in my late 50s.
People I knew and loved were venturing forth
into creativity with oils, pastels, paper, fiber, and photography.
They were having so much fun.
I could no longer resist.

Our town hosts a yearly benefit for the arts in our schools 
Artists in the community enter pieces in the show,
and people come for miles around to see what's "up".

It has come to be in the last several years that the exhibit
has outgrown its original single venue.
These days, it spills from the local library
to the church next door and back again.
This year, instead of three works,
submitters can only enter two, 
due to the growing number of entrants.

Not a juried exhibit, everyone's submission will be on the walls.
Each piece is in a 10"x10" format.
Each is framed in a plain black metal frame.
Each is offered for sale at the same price,
with half of that going to the arts program
and half to the artist.

I have no fancy notions of selling anything.
The accomplishment here is taking the leap.
Having to prepare a couple of photos ready to be framed,
and write an "artist's statement" and bio,
and open myself up to the risks 
of other people's judgment.

All childhood stuff.  All very real and powerful, nevertheless.
What I wouldn't have done to have had Christie from Fine Lines
for an art teacher.  What a difference it would have made
to my sense of self.

But I'm not done yet. 
Some things just need to be refused, overcome, laid to rest, 
you know?

If you are in the Midcoast Maine area the last week in Sept.
come on down to the Brunswick Library and
 St. Paul's Episcopal Church
to see the show.
It never disappoints! 


                                                                         puddle moon

11 comments:

  1. Mike, glad you have garnered the courage to enter! I had difficulty entering my first contest too! But I won a second place and that has bolstered my courage!
    I think the two you are entering are definitely winners!

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  2. Mike - I picture you with wings spread wide taking this next big leap with your art. You know I am a fan. Wish I could be in Maine to witness the show "live" but seeing your pieces here on your blog is the next best thing. Thanks for sharing your view of the world with your lens. It made my heart warm to read your kind words. I hope the students I see feel the courage to experiment and follow their vision as you are doing!!!
    Christie

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  3. Good for you Mike, GOOD for you! I don't guess I'd have that much bravery, so kudos to you!

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  4. Well, I think your photos are outstanding! Good on you for taking this big step. In the end we have to overcome those early constraints and step out into a new way of being. But it's easier said than done.

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  5. Sometimes all it takes is that first step. I think this is fantastic. You are inspiring me ~

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  6. Oh, it's a huge step, isn't it? I'll be there, you can bet, with bells and whistles! Deb

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  7. Mike,
    You are amazing!!! I love your photos, and to take that step is wonderful. I wish Maine were just a bit closer!!

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  8. I am late to the kudos party. Who Hoo! Hooray! I am so proud of you. You are terrific.
    Barbara

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  9. Dear Mike, are the two photographs you showed on this posting the ones you submitted????? Both are intriguing and exceptional. I hope you are justly proud of yourself for submitting your photographs. Your time has come to shine! Peace.

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  10. Good for you, Mike, and thank you for your courage to jump into this. If only I could be at the show. Have fun with it and enjoy the journey.

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  11. What were your nervous about...oh don't answer that, I do understand...your photographs are beautiful works of art!! Love the composition, color and texture of the buoys. And the creativeness, movement and utter beauty of your puddle moon! This must be so exciting Mike. Bravo to you!! ~Lili

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