The Possibilities a post of content. depth. heart. A 2 minute read.
stripped bare
weeping,
nevermore.
the dark winds
pass.
my own light
rises.
my own voice
sings.
my own thoughts
shatter the prison doors
they thought would hold me.
An artist held in the grip of the crowd, the popular trends, will forever be shackled and the Possibilities within them… imprisoned.
Possibilities of the Artist
The Possibilities that exist for an artist are amazing, I think.
But we can’t be compelled or shamed to paint or think or behave in just one way, for someone else’s convenience.
Compulsion never works as an effective method of control. As a dog, cat and horse trainer…. this has occurred to me. once or twice.
As artists, we must be free.
It is in freedom we have the access to The Possibilities.
We must have the liberty to rebel against those who tell us what to paint, how to paint, how to express our voice, when to smile and how often to do so.
Those people might be friends, neighbors, relatives, elders, board members, gallery owners. I’ve seen it all.
The Environment of Freedom of Choice
My students are given wide latitude and open ended possibilities.
To imagine. To create. to go dark, to go light, to compose, to design wild and weird things.
In a session there are some guidelines, I throw out some ideas as Springboards.
But every session I advocate enthusiastically- that they think, for themselves.
I don’t want them to just take my word, as gospel.
I want them to question me.
To ask why. To research and find more sources of information than merely …me.
I want the students to create their own story. To use their own words. To smile when they feel like it.
I will not dictate nor pressure them to just paint some nice pretty flowers.
Inspiring
What if, one of these students is the next Escher? Monet? Rothko? Picasso? Grandma Moses?
How do I know if one of these might go on to be a teacher? Or inspire a new Monet?! I don’t.
As their guide, I need to encourage their unique Possibilities. Their creative artistic communications.
Not squelch what I dislike because it sort of, makes me a bit uncomfortable.
Am I teaching to make myself comfortable, or to help young artists grow?
I don’t want to turn out a class of ‘Stepford Wives,’ just because that art makes me, feel better.
“Art is Life, Life is Art.” how true.
Artworks
All of these resulted from an open ended approach to the course. The images were surprising, delightful, mysterious.
Full of that individual’s character. Their unique voice shines through. There were no ‘copies’ of the teacher’s work. It was all 100% their own.
They sang with their own voices, the most lovely songs.
Some dark. Some light. Some random lines. Just Lovely.



This is so beautiful! I especially enjoyed the poetry.
LikeLiked by 1 person
hi Nico, I appreciate that comment esp. from you! that is a lovely compliment indeed 🙂 yes, I may end up doing more of this. or, just some. When, the Muse arrives anyway. lol
Thank you Nico. and Peace, cheers, and good tidings to you
LikeLiked by 1 person
I look forward to more wonderful poetry. Peace and cheers!
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you, have a wonderfully peaceful weekend Nico
LikeLiked by 1 person
You too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Giving Artists Freedom is Right. An Artists thinks with his Heart, no one can bound them, if they get bound, their Creativity will disappear.
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes, it will go away. for awhile, anyway – til its ‘safe’ to come out once again. thank you Cattie, for your time today, for reading and for your visit. I appreciate it. cheers, Debi
LikeLike
How refreshing, I love your approach and attitude about teaching and what you wrote about giving artists the freedom to create what they want to create. I needed to hear this 🙂
LikeLike
Miss Margaret thank you my river friend! you know where I’m coming from.
I needed to say this today. So many are pushing and prodding, to “do this, say that, do it THIS way” … I needed to explain. How it feels when others try to compel in some fashion, the behaviour they like.
Thank you again M. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Three times YES!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I so appreciate your time and your visit here; letting me know others feel this way as well. Thank You. cheers, Debi 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Everyone must explore their gifts uniquely! Beautiful writing and wisdom Debi.
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes, that is it exactly… uniquely. thank you, for your comment and time stopping in to read the post. I do appreciate it. 🙂 Cheers, Debi
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderfully inspiring post for a Sunday morning Debi. It may be dark and gloomy outside today but inside with your words its all sweetness and light 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The late Fall of Pacific NW, yes its dark there! But, the bright side is with Christmas coming, the Lights and decorations will soon brighten the gloom. I DO miss that aspect, full on Christmas spirit decorations everywhere! perhaps you will share photos. 🙂 Thank you once again, for such kind words of encouragement Andrew. Have a lovely week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks and you too
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most inspiring indeed in a world where we are ruled by rules. We should freely explore and express because the possibilities are indeed endless! Great post!
LikeLike