My sister called from a store the other day to read me a sign that she was standing in line to purchase. It said "Chaos, Panic, Destruction...my work here is done". We laughed because it is the story of our lives. Do you ever feel like there is anything you ever really do where at the end of it you say, "well that was easy". Or is it just us? Are we the only ones that live life a little more on the "frazzled side" than the "put together side"? I do this in everything. When I paint, when I make dinner, when I write, when I drive carpool...even in bible study I tend to over analyze, over think, over struggle.
All this frazzledness leads me to painting. I've been painting a lot lately and I love it. I love painting kid's stuff, nothing fancy, nothing trained, just basic kid's room kind of art. I don't know why I love it, I just love it. I have no real reason to paint, I just so enjoy the creating part of it all. But then the time comes when I'm done with the painting. My husband always says, "so what are you going to do with it?". I always look at him with this bewildered look on my face as if that is a dumb question and say "I have absolutely no idea what I am going to do with it". Is that normal? Cause I kinda think it's not. In a perfect world, I would give my art away as gifts to people, to friends. But then comes the over analyzing. What if they don't like it? Then what are they gonna do with it? I can picture them stuffing it away in a closet somewhere, and then as soon as they see me walk up the drive way, they frantically run through the house to go hang it up on a wall as if it had been there all along. Isn't that the most horrible thing you have ever heard?!? That makes my skin crawl. I couldn't do that to people. They are innocent of course, they didn't ask me to paint anything for them. So instead I just stack them in a corner of my house and let them collect dust. Which is okay because the only reason I paint is because I enjoy it so much. But then the voice of reason starts saying, "this really is too time consuming of a hobbie for you to just stack paintings in the corner, there is just really no point". So then I do the practical thing and go through a period of time where I put my paints and brushes away, close the door to my craft room, and I paint nothing. But here is the problem...I really want to go back in that room and paint some more. Do you think I should check myself in somewhere? Do you wish you hadn't just spent the last three minutes reading this post? I so like all you blogger friends of mine on the other side of this monitor that keep coming back :).
Posts
22 comments:
Um, I sound *exactly* like how you have described about most things! Are those some of your paintings in the picture? They are adorable! How about an etsy shop? Then you could paint to your hearts content and know that people are buying them because they like them and won't be shoved into closets!
This post just cracked me up Amy~
"Chaos, Panic, Destruction...my work here is done"
That is exactly how I feel most of the time! I have a problem with perfection-which is why I cannot bring myself to update my blog...I feel like I don't have the time to make it "just so"--so...there it sits. ha! I will get around to it when there isn't the chaos, panic and destruction.
LOVE these. They are adorable.
I over analyze everything also. worry worry worry worry. About silly little things that aren't even happening. (like your thoughts about what your friends would do with your paintings when you haven't even gifted them yet!) I do that for everything.
But honestly, your paintings are adorable. You know your friends kids bedrooms and what would look good in them - go for it! Give them to people you love!
Keep painting! And I promise if you give me one it will stay up on the wall *all* the time;)
Continue painting. God has given you a gift to enjoy. Don't be afraid to give those gifts away. I have a feeling people would love them from you, it's an extension of you. Sell them. There is a blog I love to read where this woman is always selling her work and it's so inspiring for me. My thoughts "maybe I can do this". Sell them for a reasonable price. You maybe surprised. I love what I just saw on your page. Also check out ETSY, there are lots of artist who sell their work. Just don't stop!!!
Paint! Paint! Paint! You've created time to just ENJOY....which is very precious. :)
i keep coming back cause you're real.
love it.
yes. i'm on your side of the chaos and not the got it all together side.
I personally can't paint a stick man, you however are doing a fabulous job! I do share your thoughts of it all when it comes to my sewing though! I do like the above mentioned idea of an etsy shop. . .
Amy,
Do not hide your light under a bushel basket! Your paintings are lovely, as are you.
Those are such cute paintings, they absolutely should not be stacked in a corner somewhere!
Have you ever thought about selling them? Or turning them into notecard prints?
No, your other sister is just as frazzled as you two. I wish I had time for a hobby, but the whole teacher thing doesn't allow that. So don't give it up...enjoy it!
One word chicky: Etsy! Sell those works of art to people like ME! Seriously! And I very much doubt that anyone is going to take a painting of yours and stick it away in a closet. Do not be afraid to give them as gifts. I would guess that most everyone would love to get one!
I would love to have your art on my walls Amy! I miss hearing how you all are doing from your mom every day! I love the bird painting the the water one you did in the summer for the kids art camp! You are so very talented! Don't second guess the things that give you JOY!
Your pictures are so cute! You should sell them. That way, only people who like them will buy them. But even if you don't sell them, keep painting anyway. Do what you love. God gave you the desire and the talent so use it!
The paintings are beautiful and I would definitely attempt that craft room. That is a place of rest, a place to unwind to just completely focus on something that you love to do. ANyway I praise God for crafty, arty, musical time, it's so therapeutic! xxx
Keep painting and sewing. You love it and find it rewarding/relaxing. And what you do is amazing (not at all like what I "make"!!!).
Haha Amy,I had to chuckle because I have had that exact picture in my mind of people running to find my artwork to hang up when they know I am coming to visit. You are not insane - just our normal human nature that gets in the way when God has made us all so amazing - your paintings certainly bless Him. I think an etsy shop is a great idea. I only give away my work when I feel prompted to by the Holy Spirit (because I am a little critical of my own stuff)and then I try not to worry about what the person will do with it afterwards as long as I have been obedient. Bless you - I so enjoy your blog.
You should open a etsy shop and sell them on there. Then you would know that the people that were buying them really wanted them to put in their homes. Just a thought. They are very lovely.
Blessings
Linda Marsh
Ocala, Fla.
Agreed! I'd buy them!!
You crack me up! I always feel that way about the food I bring to parties. I typically will walk out of the room until I hear someone say..."yum, who made this?" :) Sell them or make them into notecards to sell for charity. Include a description of the organization on the back of the cards. You are so talented! Let the world be in on it!
If you enjoy it, keep doing it. The little fears and voices aren't from God, but the gift is. Colossians 3:23 comes to mind for you!
Xo,
Linsey
You can add me to that long list of those that "keep coming back". I only recently found your blog and I may just be addicted?! I love your elegant style of decorating and look at your "re-model tour" often. The problem is...I can't remember things long enough to re-create them....So, I come back and look again...and again. Haha...You get the picture! Anyway, I think the mental fog has something to do with a long "to-do list" which never seems to get done :) I'm quiet sure every mama can relate to that!
I also love how you're honest about your struggles. It not only helps this homeschooling mom to know that I'm not the only one, but also that I must be kind of normal after-all :)
Blessing, Rosanne
Post a Comment