Ive always struggled with the question ,"Do you believe in Love at first sight?"

We all have a story an experience. The I just knew, or it hit me like a ton of bricks! Intuition/fantasy/hope/delusion?

The invisible magical force that scientists, philosophers and hopeless romantics have debated for years. Is it voodoo, chemistry, Divine guidance, or serendipity?

What constitutes attraction/connection to a person/place/piece of art? What drives art collectors to spend thousands for a visual representation of a person,place or thing?

I think to be able to move the spirit is a gift- life would be sooooo unbearable without art, music, poetry to remind us all- life is more than just a series of checks and balances. As much as I enjoy the creative process, I do enjoy seeing the reaction of a human connecting with a piece of art that resonates with them.

Its such a personal/individual connection- I find fascinating is the ability of an art piece to light up the viewer. Senses are engaged and you can be transported to a time ,place or feeling. Some have expressed to me " not understanding art"- or deem it silly/wasteful: For me "experiencing it is the goal- if you find something that moves you or connects you- that is magic. Something divine in that! The cynical side of me, if left unchecked can chalk art up to manipulation, trickery or illusion. The optimist in me looks forward to enjoy all new creations.

When it comes to art, I do believe in "Love at first Sight"

Why painting? Seems like a logical enough question. This question gnawed at me for years. What made it so appealing? I read about other artists, from amateurs to the professionals. all seemed to have the same calling.

 

What was it about this pursuit that seduced so many? Self expression, relaxing hobby ( although I might disagree with this one), therapy?I suppose these are all good reasons, but what about it made it so appealing, and why did I think I could and should pursue this? Why would any sane person want to pursue this?

Wait for it....

 

1. LOVE

2. I Wanted Roots

 

 

1. Love- lets start with this. This is the hopeless romantic in me. These days it sounds silly, naive and pollyannish to still believe in, but I do, I need to- I think we all do. Painting gives me a way to sit with my joy, picking colors that 'feel good"- scenes that evoke some "magical quality to me". Some use art to express darkness, or to shock. Waste of time to me- the world can be dark enough.

I don't understand, why one would choose to sit in discomfort, or want to share their misery with others. Painting for me is a vehicle for me, a way to stop and enjoy. Shut out the "noise", we as humans create- and really spend some time with positive pursuits.

Nurturing something constructive to put out in the world.

 

2. Roots

 

I was born a first generation immigrant kid. We went back and forth to Europe as a kid almost yearly. Growing up, I guess I felt pulled between the US- and family overseas. I lived here on US soil, but my folks raised me steeped in  Scottish roots. I was American born, but never felt a great connection to US tradition.  As I matured, I wanted to get to know a place intimately, that meant spending time scouting, exploring and recording my experiences. Painting gave me a way to feel connected  to where I live. To express how I experienced my world. 

I also wanted to leave a legacy for my daughter, to model for her- that her life can be created, and nurtured by her, She has control to make her decisions of how she wants to spend her time.

 

Long after I'm gone, I want her to be able to have memories of having art in our home- works of places we had visited together. The beaches, town, fields where we walked our dogs- I want her to have those things. In hopes, one day she will see the value and leave a legacy for her own.

 

 

There, I narrowed it down- what other reasons would anyone need?