"Every Day at Four" (18x24)
It's funny how people view what I do for a living. Many look at it through stereotypical lenses, seeing artists as irresponsible loafers who seemingly "drift through life, creating works of art that effortlessly flow from their fingertips" (actual quote)... with the underlying attached stigma that "it's not a real job anyway". Still others wonder why I bother with it at all.
Well despite the stereotypes, I am working those fingertips to the bone getting ready for a one-man show coming up in a couple of months, along with annual plein air events in Sonoma, CA this May and another one in Easton, Maryland in July.
"The Three Graces" (16x16)
It's funny how people view what I do for a living. Many look at it through stereotypical lenses, seeing artists as irresponsible loafers who seemingly "drift through life, creating works of art that effortlessly flow from their fingertips" (actual quote)... with the underlying attached stigma that "it's not a real job anyway". Still others wonder why I bother with it at all.
Well despite the stereotypes, I am working those fingertips to the bone getting ready for a one-man show coming up in a couple of months, along with annual plein air events in Sonoma, CA this May and another one in Easton, Maryland in July.
"The Three Graces" (16x16)Thankfully I have a very supportive family -- I support them financially, they support me with love and encouragement. I was fortunate to have parents who were supportive when I was a kid too, but I remember my mom counseling me to have some sort of back-up career in case things didn't work out. Sound advice I suppose, but it planted a seed of doubt that an artist could actually make a decent living....especially one who never went to school for it.
I think about those words of my mother who is gone 5 years now -- who missed my first ever one-man show and my first TIME magazine cover, and all my other blah blah blah's since then. Not that I need those achievements to validate what I do for a living. I mean, I appreciate those things, but I'm an artist whether I stink or not -- my paintings validate themselves, good and bad (and I produce in both categories with equal abandon thank you very much).
Anyway, when doubt creeps in, I just have to consider myself blessed as I have made a living for many years now doing what I do. But there's no rest for the artsy.... so what if my fingertips are bleeding, at least I'm enjoying myself -- it's what I do.
I think about those words of my mother who is gone 5 years now -- who missed my first ever one-man show and my first TIME magazine cover, and all my other blah blah blah's since then. Not that I need those achievements to validate what I do for a living. I mean, I appreciate those things, but I'm an artist whether I stink or not -- my paintings validate themselves, good and bad (and I produce in both categories with equal abandon thank you very much).
Anyway, when doubt creeps in, I just have to consider myself blessed as I have made a living for many years now doing what I do. But there's no rest for the artsy.... so what if my fingertips are bleeding, at least I'm enjoying myself -- it's what I do.
Wow if people think we loaf around, they surly are mistaken! I find we work harder than most and get paid the least. It's certainly a labor of love and we wouldn't have it any other way.
ReplyDeleteLOL! Ok, I thought it was nice that you put in there that you support your family financially...I think most people would have assumed it was the other way around if they didn't know you well. Funny thing stereotypes. Nice post.
ReplyDeleteYour energetic brushwork makes those images jump off the canvas, Eric. Very successful paintings.
ReplyDeleteWonderful paintings, and interesting insight on the stereotypes surrounding artists.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your upcoming show.
Your practical mother gave practical advice. There's no shortage of artists who have had to rely on other occupations to make ends meet during the lean times. It should be noted that regardless of missing out on your more recent accomplishments, she was always proud of you, your ability to provide for your family, and "that thing you do".
ReplyDeleteFantastic work, Eric. I especially like the dancer. It really sparkles.
ReplyDeleteDoubt creeps in all the time. Well put my friend. Good luck on your show.
ReplyDeleteHey Eric,
ReplyDeleteAwesome work, cant wait to see more.
Thanks for the comments guys -- Artists pay their dues as much as anyone else for sure...
ReplyDeleteI remember looking at your art when we were only 8 years old and thinking you were destined to be a great artist one day!
ReplyDelete