For the past few years I have felt that everything I was taught to believe in has been wadded up and thrown into the bin labeled “Lost to Posterity.” While writing this post I sit here and think, “I hope I do not offend anyone.” I have become overly cautious on my words and actions to the point that my only outlet has been through art. Even some of my artwork has been tethered in the hopes of not offending. It was the way I was taught. Be considerate of others. But when does being considerate of others become censorship of self?
I have been told to paint pretty landscapes, flowers and even chickens because that is what people want. It’s safe and not offensive. I’m sorry, but I don’t do landscapes. I am a plant assassin, all I have to do is look at a plant and it will die. And the only chicken I like is what’s on my plate. If I were to paint or draw what others deem is worthy of commerce, it would be a censoring of myself. Then I would be lost.
A few months ago I had the extreme pleasure of meeting one of my favorite artists, Pamela Frankel-Fiedler. Her work is provocative, sensual, and captivating. My conversation with her encouraged me to not be afraid of what others may think and being overly cautious is a restraint of self expression.
I paint and draw because, if I don’t, I feel like I am suffocating. Art is the air I breathe. It is my voice.
In the coming months, I will be exploring this self-expression and it may shock and it may offend, but to NOT explore it would be a suffocation of the spirit. So buckle up Buttercup, we’re going for a ride!
