Friday, May 11, 2012

Thoughts On Art


My own personal insight from a Painter and a Mother.
I've thought the past few days about what it is to be an artist, and all the elements that come to play in the creation and outcome of a painting, or any piece of art work.  There are the obvious of study, discipline, fundamentals of our craft, and 'expression' or 'vision' through the eyes of the artist.  But, there is something greater that makes our work authentic and unique.  This would be our life's experiences.  We have all had, and have, our own unique set of blessings, and blessings that come in the form of challenges in our lives. It's not the number of challenges or experiences we've had, it's what we do with them that counts!  I see these life experiences as richness to the soul, and for an artist, it cannot be denied that this richness will come through in our work which in return will bring a higher quality of expression through our paint that is not possible for anyone else but that artist to achieve.  This is art, the artist's efforts and experiences and exact intersection of time through paint with emotion!  If the same painting that was painted today was painted tomorrow, it would be a completely different piece of work.  This is one of the many beauties and mysteries of Art that keeps us eternally fascinated and drawn to create and /or be surrounded in other's creations.  
By simply being who we are, our work will be honest and authentic, and move others beyond belief. When an artist is honestly painting and not searching for a better method or 'style', their work will touch others just because it's their own!  Along with the constant study of improving and hopefully someday Mastering our craft, bringing what we are to the canvas is ingredients for art on the highest level.  Thinking about the part of me that is a mother definitely affects the outcome of my work.  If I weren't a mother, I wonder what my paintings would look like??  Can't imagine . . . .  might be more of them, but I can bet they wouldn't have as much heart!  So no matter what your experiences are, mother, father, sister, brother, son daughter, friend. . . . .Know that it is an important part of who you are, and it's beautiful!  So let it come through in your work!  

We leave Monday for our trip through Italy.  Please watch my blog as I'll be posting daily!
Ciao for Now!

"Fresh Cut Lilacs"
14x14 oil on linen

6 comments:

Karla said...

Kami, Your words are so well thought out and expressed. You just about brought me to tears. Oh wait. here they come! LOL. This painting is just stunning!! Hope you have a wonderful trip and can't wait to see your experiences come out in future art.

Kami Mendlik said...

Karla, thank you :) I'll have to tell you, the secret is that I bought a new macbook pro last night and it totally inspired me to write! ;) Now on to Italy, Ciao for now!

jesusest@gmail.com said...

Nice art talk Kami, I wish you a good time in Italy, i am sure you will have a nice time. Cheers

Unknown said...

I love your sentiments here! Thank you for hte inspiring words and the reaffirmation that I can just paint and draw the way that I feel is best for ME. I'm so glad that Karla pointed me to this blog!

Kami Mendlik said...

Hi Jesus, thanks, I LOVE art talk! :) Nice to be able to share a few thoughts at times. We are at the airport and heading to Rome! :)

Kami Mendlik said...

Hi Katherine, thanks for much for checking in! Nice to chat with you. :) You know, Mothers day just reminds me of what we are, no matter if we are mothers or not. But to embrace all that our lives have bring and have brought and let it shine through our work here. Happy Painting!