Did you think I disappeared? I've been juggling a few deadlines and the paying gigs get the attention. I thank the participants from last month for taking on the challenge and sharing your work. From the sounds of it you had a good time. I loved seeing how you make color and pattern choices and how each of you interpret the technique through your own filters.
We continue to meet new friends so I thought we could take this month to introduce ourselves, and evaluate our personal vision about being an artist. I find that whenever I am prompted to define myself, by way of a bio for an article or interview, that the two or three sentence limitation never captures the whole of what I do or more importantly, what I believe. However, it does give me the chance to revisit my perspective, which is continually evolving.
Some time ago I wrote an "Art Saves" story for Crescendoh.com. You can read that HERE. As I was having to put my feelings into words about living an artful life, what rose to the top was this: I believe sharing your enthusiasm for creativity is more important than what you create.
By making an artist's statement in your journal you will have to claim what being creative means to you, and the impact it has made on your life. You can say it with a few words or you can write at length. Start a page and see where it goes. Maybe you'll add to it over a few days. While you are at start to list the kinds of art you make and/or crafty things you like to do. Support it with visuals if you can. I think this is a valuable exercise not only personally, as it forces us to assess the importance of creativity in our lives, but as a community it gives us a better view of all that you do artfully.
I'm a Believer: I believe in being curious, I am a student and a teacher, I want to encourage others because I believe positive energy multiplies, there is nourishment in creativity, the process of making is fulfilling but the experience of connecting is rewarding, I believe there is always room for growth, I believe there is inspiration everywhere but you have to do your the work to find your own voice (watching a work-out show doesn't make you ready for a marathon)...
I believe we all have a desire of self-expression and some of us choose be artists. I believe some people have a flair with words, others with fashion, some find joy using their skills in the kitchen, or the workshop, or at the office. Some of us express ourselves in multiple ways - in the way we love, make friends, parent our kids, treat our family and neighbors. It's not about having perfected talent, it's about the need to be an individual, a claim of self. As artists we like to use our minds and hands to make stuff. It's that simple.
I am an Artist: I am a painter, a designer, an assembler, a stamper, a builder, a collector, an architect, an inventor, an entrepreneur, creator, dabbler, novice, optimist and enthusiast. I can draw, and paint, and collage...I can sew, solder, felt, make jewelry, use wax, make tools, make paper, cast paper, design stamps, design stencils, design logos, tshirts, websites. I make myself happy by making art for me, for assignment, for sale, for commission...but mostly just for me.
Where did this idea come from? My daughter and I have a special bond over the word Believer. Yes, we are practicing Christians, but the word means so much more than that. It means you choose to see the best, expect the most, and try the hardest, and strive to cheerfully meet obstacles.
Tell us about the artist you are. Tell us in your own way the importance of being an artist - do you have a philosophy or are you just happy to be spending time making cool stuff. Are you a perpetual student and/or workshop attendee? Or are you mostly self-taught? Do you participate in swaps? Do you find time to work daily or do you squeeze in a precious few moments whenever you can? Do you have a studio space or do you work at the dining table? Tell us about what you do, have done, and aspire toward. Do you paint canvases? Make books? Make jewelry...ATCs...Ceramics...Knit? Our need to be creative usually spills into several arenas - let us know more about you by spelling it out for us on a journal page.
Michelle-
So glad to come here this morning and find the new Crusade posted....can't wait to start....no need to wait until I get home tonight! I am going to put my thinking cap on today, get my thoughts collected and start my pages when I get home.
I am ever so grateful you continue the Crusades, they are a positive motivator for me!
Until later,
Judy
Posted by: Judy N | October 12, 2011 at 06:48 AM
Wonderful post, Michelle. I love the way you've expanded "believer" to mean so much. I think this is going to be a good exercise. I have those days when I think "what's the point" - it will be very good for me to pin down the things I believe about my own art journey and to approach it with mindfulness and intention. I'm also really looking forward to reading everyone's posts at the end. -Karen
Posted by: iamrushmore | October 12, 2011 at 09:49 AM
Great new music :)
Posted by: iamrushmore | October 12, 2011 at 12:49 PM
Michelle, SO glad to see the new crusade, and what a great prompt, worth the wait!! I am excited to work on this!!
Posted by: Jane | October 12, 2011 at 01:05 PM
I know I've shared with you in the comments before, Michelle, that I so enjoy following along with what is happening here. I read your Art Saves piece back when it was new (but that was awhile ago) and, in reading it again, this line really struck a chord with me: "I could admit that art is my daily companion, whether I’m actually working or just thinking about it." Carpal tunnel syndrome has put a halt to my crafting so I can save my hands/wrists for my income-generating day job, but it doesn't keep art from being my daily companion by just thinking about it, exploring festivals and shops in my community, and taking in all the eye candy here and at other sites on the internet. Thanks for being a hub for evidence gathering!
Posted by: Julie | October 12, 2011 at 05:25 PM
I believe I'll join in on this one.
Posted by: Chris | October 12, 2011 at 09:56 PM
Thanks for a thoughtful crusade! You really sparked me to notice what is behind my choices and my art. Thanks!
My post is at http://acolorfuljourney.com/?p=882
Posted by: Carolyn Dube | October 14, 2011 at 07:48 PM
This is my first time joining in the challenge. I never realized how much art has done for me until working on these pages. Thanks so much for getting me thinking.
http://raeven-fire.blogspot.com/2011/10/gpp-street-team-56.html
Posted by: Raeven | October 17, 2011 at 05:21 PM
This Crusade was ideal timing for me, as is often the case. Thank you so much for all the work you put into the Crusades for us. http://cathsheard.wordpress.com/2011/10/23/crusade-no-56-im-a-believer/
Posted by: Cath S | October 22, 2011 at 10:52 PM
oh my!
this is a good one!
my whole blog is about my belief in creativity, love, imagination, healing and the whole enchilada ;-)
--and hopefully by inspiring others
i will put together the posts from the past talking about this for your crusade. promise!
soul hugs super cool you!
Posted by: Carmen | October 27, 2011 at 04:20 PM
Michelle,
Thank you for providing artistic exercises that allow me to get back in touch with who I am artistically. At one time there was no doubt... ideas flowed on autopilot and life was full of creative ah-ha moments. Then something happened and I allowed one wrongful incident to steal my joy and my power slowing my creativity to nearly a standstill for a few years. I don't know which direction I'm headed now, but I'm grateful for your approach to artistic discovery. Your art pages are beautiful and the way you share yourself is freeing!
Posted by: Barbara Marie Steele | October 27, 2011 at 05:19 PM
I am a hesitant believer today... But thank you Michelle for this exercise, not just an art exercise but a self-knowledge thing!
http://www.ihanna.nu/blog/2011/10/i-believe-i-am-an-artist
XOXOXO
Posted by: iHanna | October 28, 2011 at 09:35 AM
Michelle, I believe I'm back in the swing of things. Thank you for being a part of what got me going again.
I love the Crusades, and missed them while I was away.
http://studiomailbox.typepad.com/tales_from_studio_mailbox/2011/10/glauben-to-believe.html
PS - Happy Halloween!!
tj
Posted by: TJ | October 28, 2011 at 01:23 PM
Loved this crusade! It really made me look back at my journey and se that yes, just maybe, I am an artist.
Thanks Michelle.
http://bunnysgirl.blogspot.com/2011/10/gpp-crusade-56-i-believe.html
Posted by: Bev | October 29, 2011 at 12:46 PM
*sliiiiiide* Just made it! I don't have a piece of art to demonstrate it but I've posted my manifesto: http://pocketsizestudios.blogspot.com/2011/10/i-believe.html
Posted by: Carrie | October 30, 2011 at 08:01 PM
Sorry, my last page is not dry enough to scan. Loved the challenge but will have to post tomorrow night!
Posted by: betsy harting | November 01, 2011 at 10:18 PM
Yeah! Finally it's posted. Thanks for your patience. And thanks for making us believe in ourselves!
Posted by: betsy harting | November 02, 2011 at 08:51 PM
Hi Michelle! I'm jumping in feet first. Here's a link to my blog and Crusade #56. http://thirdgirlfromtheright.blogspot.com I posted about it on Twitter. Do you have an account? Thanks!!
Posted by: MitziZohar | November 08, 2011 at 02:11 PM