YOU NEED A FRIEND

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March--- a year into the pandemic, March Madness, the Ides of March – and finally Spring!
If you are at all like me, you just want to crawl out of hibernation into a warm semi -normal world.  It’s been a brutal winter.
In the Mojave Desert, we have had about 7 dustings of snow—unusual for us and I think I am cold. This month we  first ventured out to the Palm Springs/Palm Desert community for a restaurant meal, the first in a  year! At a favorite French café-outdoors.
I also took myself on an artist date, visiting a beautiful garden nursery and an art gallery. I needed some color and warmth!

​I feel in between worlds.  Daylight Savings Time brings that unbalancing effect that shakes our visual world.
Unwittingly, I began a collaborative interdisciplinary project via Zoom (more  later) and on the first day of Daylight Savings Time, and was surprised when my anticipated 3 o’clock light was really 2 o’clock light! 
As we emerge from this strange cocoon—a bit perplexed, I urge you to continue your creative practice –or begin a new chapter!

Collaboration partner and me-a few years ago   -   collaboration first painting

Last year at this time I had dived into painting and was more productive than I expected. This year, I catch myself saying –more?  I am a bit tied to my comfy studio and less eager to interact. The past few years have been a flurry of art related activities.  This quiet spell  is causing me to reflect on priorities, time, and my ability to say no.
The world around us may be physically opening up—somewhat prematurely—as much of Europe is entering a new lockdown.  I have received both doses of the vaccine and hope you have been as fortunate.
So how can your creative practice keep you uplifted and purposeful? And while it is important to keep your boundaries in mind, I suggest an accountability partner.  Someone mindful and attentive, but kindhearted and considerate of your needs.  Yes, I said partner- so someone with whom you can be attentive and mindful.  Someone to boost you when you need to be uplifted and share joy –and someone you can encourage as well.
​And very likely, this will have to be via technology.

Zoom art friends sharing a birthday!  Encouragement partners

​Social media can be overwhelming, and we need connections that are personal and yes, intimate.  Some circles from the past did not make the connectivity transition this year via Zoom or other long distance instant communication.
Accountability.  I realize this word can carry negative connotations.  The work world is full of teamwork slogans and artificial motivation measurements.
I am encouraging you to look in your circle for a person who is a fellow creative,  who encourages you and honestly keeps you on track.  Someone who cares about you and your art. Someone who might be interested in learning more about your artistic endeavors or genre –and here’s the key, someone whom you would like to encourage as well.  

​Recently, I embarked on a collaborative project and we do not know where it will lead.  My childhood friend who lives in another state is deeply involved in music and dance. I would like to know more about her music, and she is interested in my painting process.  Via Zoom, as she played the piano, I painted.  We are reflecting and talking a bit more about the processes.  We are not certain how this will evolve. We are each  dedicated to our art and to motivating the other—and in a way, accountable on an easy going level where we check in to encourage each other---much as one might do with a gym or walking partner. Our friendship spans decades. We are fortunate in that.  You may choose to share with someone new in your life.  Encourage - as long as it is just that, encouraging! Remember your true accountability for your art is to  yourself.  Remember, if you need a friend, be a friend! And take joy in your power to encourage another person!
 
And a closing tip: As I often asked students to consider sending a note of thanks to a former teacher who played an important role in their development, I will ask you to consider writing a note of thanks or a tribute to a person in your life who played a significant role in in your creative progress.
I was blessed with several, and I’d like to note my mother’s very artistic and nurturing twin brother who contributed greatly to my artistic development.  From building the truly wondrous doll house and  easels (one when I was 5 and another when I was 50!) and years of encouragement, cheers to Uncle Emel!

Just one of many talents and projects. Uncle Emel painting the backdrop for a diorama which is now displayed at Heritage Hill state Park, Orange, CA  Uncle Emel passed away in 2008

Parting Thoughts:
 
·  “One’s life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others, by means of love, friendship, indignation and compassion.” — Simone De Beauvoir
 
·  “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou
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