I have finally had some time since the start of this new year to slow down a bit and refocus. There has been a thought in the back of my mind for awhile and keeps resurfacing from time to time. In these quiet moments it has become strong and clear in my mind. The question of why I do what I do…..Why create art? So often I go through the motions of daily studio life without being present and remembering why I started making art in the first place.

I have been interested in and practicing art for so long the reasons and intentions towards it have morphed and evolved over the years. As a young girl my main concern was the academic side of art and art history. I wanted to learn how to create something realistic. To render an object or human form and how to master and control my materials. In college I discovered art can give you a voice. Through design and choice of subject matter I could verbalize a thought, emotion, concept etc. This feature of art is powerful. An artist can create something from nothing and have it understood and appreciated by all cultures. After school life’s realities presented themselves and I had to figure out how to make a living from my art.
Today I am an artist for all those reasons. Yet it occurred to me that after all these years the real motivating factor was simply for my own personal happiness and fulfillment. I have been blessed to be able to make art through out all the stages in my life thus far. I take pride in what I create but am constantly humbled by other artists and artisans. Nothing in my life motivates, inspires, challenges and completes me quite like the simple act of making art.