My youngest son is just finishing up his senior varsity season of basketball. He's a good player and made the commitment to basketball, giving up baseball his freshman year. This is bittersweet for all of us; we've watched him play and grow over the years, went to all his games, watched him do his laundry and tried to help him manage practice and school work, but not help too much. Mostly we've seen a little kid from second grade hucking up the basketball in the front yard hoop grow into a man of 6' 3" who can really play the game of basketball at a high level. Not very many kids get to play varsity basketball for three years.
I've learned from him. Making a physical and mental commitment over such a long period of time is huge. Making art is this same long term endeavor. You don't just become an artist in a year or two. It takes time and growth and depth of character. It takes meaningful practice, both mental and physical. Mostly it takes staying the course. Mileage, Mileage, Mileage. Gosh I wish it wasn't true, but it is......
3 comments:
so true!
What a reflective post. It's nice to know I'm not alone in these thoughts.
Hi Marla,
I've been a silent fan of yours ever since I saw the 100 variations article in the Pastel Journal. I'm a fairly new pastel artist, and after 2 years of classes have just created my website. I am heartened by this comment about "stay the course...continue working...it takes time," etc... I too am learning patience. I am acquainted with Loriann Signori, and she tells me the same thing. I need to create more to even find my favorite genre, and my style. I find I need discipline, and am striving for that, like your son the basketball player, and my daughter the dancer. Keep up the great work, you are an inspiration to me!
Sincerely,
Cathy de Lorimier
www.cathydelorimier.com
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