This is me.
Living on my art (and the generosity of strangers who don't know the difference between a painterly piece and couch art).
It's me, smiling at the ridiculous comments (by people who think I must be hearing impaired the way they speak about me as if I'm not there).
OK, it's not really me, but it might have been.
I've always been torn between two worlds: The artist that graduated with honors and desired to go to Ann Arbor to complete a Master's and the mother who wanted to fill her world with the love of her happy children.
When I go to London, I want to absorb everything. The street sounds (what is it like to live in such an alive city?), the smells and the art--musicians playing in the tube station and artists creating work others can walk on.
This woman was just outside the National Gallery (home to works by Carravaggio, Titian, Degas, Van Gogh, Van Eyck...). I hovered a little longer than most passerbys and it wasn't to stare at her chalk drawing, but instead to inhale the essence of what must be her life.
I wonder if when she looked at me, the woman with mini humans-- chattering satellites--revolving around her and contemplated a path not taken...
yeah, probably not.
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek
I come from a family of artistic women. I get what you're saying. Totally.
ReplyDeleteBTW. Did you know that having and MFA allows you teach at university? Do it.
There are times when I feel exactly the same way. Like everytime I go to the theater and the curtain call comes. I choke back tears everytime whether the show is good or not.
ReplyDeleteIt's not that I am sad about the life I chose because I wouldn't change it for the world, I just wish I could have a tiny bit of the other every once in a while.
I'm with Flea though, you should look into teaching...I have no doubt you would be amazing!
And how disappointed I was to learn it was not you afterall...I enlarged the picture, it's a masterpiece, isn't it? I'm sure you can do better!
ReplyDeleteSandi
what talent.... but to put it on the sidewalk where the foot traffic and weather wipe it all away....
ReplyDeletenow share your art and inspiration.
I think we all look at the what ifs and wonder sometimes.
I wish I was artistic. I don't had an artistic bone in my body.
ReplyDeleteWow. What must it be like to create something so beautiful that will be destroyed in such a short time? I guess that's not the point, though.
ReplyDeleteShe must think that your life is as foreign as a missionary's, and yet you've got so much in common.
ReplyDeleteYour children are your best work.
ReplyDeleteI'll bet she did.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I admire the artist -- BELIEVE me I do -- raising children contributes even more beauty and substance to the world.
This shot makes me think of Bert from Mary Poppins.
I feel similar about theater. I always wonder what could have been. But in the end I know that I am infinitely more happy with my life now than any alternate I can think of. Sure at times a life lived on stage sounds nice, but just in theory I think.
ReplyDeleteAnd the nice thing about art is that it is always there. I promise that there will come a day when you have the time for art again. :)
I would have stayed a little longer too, but I won't have the courage to pick up my camera and snap....
ReplyDeletejust today I was down in New Orleans, where I am frequently, and thinking how much I wish I lived in the CITY. I miss the city.
ReplyDeletebut i also love my FAMILY home in the burbs.
sigh.
you so had me going . . . I thought it was you. I was thinking, wow! what fun :) Here’s my photo story happy Friday!
ReplyDeleteWe had a street painting festival here for a few years. I would go and do the same, the art, yes, but the essence. I like your description of other people, how they are somehow missing something. I'm afraid I did too. Artists like that are beyond me. It was difficult to imagine them as actually being those people who were right there.
ReplyDeleteDo art!
Beautiful shot and even better prose. Very thought-provoking.
ReplyDeleteI am not an artist but I consider myself "artsy"--I am the best art appreciator out there. Love your perspective posts lately!!
ReplyDeleteDon't let go of your dreams, Jeri. They can still happen. Really they can. Your kids will get older and not need you so much. Paint or practice whatever form of art you can whenever you can while you are watching them grow up. Hold onto it. It sounds like it brings you much joy and that alone makes it worth saving. Paint something with them---pass the love onto them. Or paint them, let them be your models. :-)
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see some of your work. Perhaps you could post some on your blog. I'm sure I'm not the only one who would like to see it.
Happy Sunday to you! :)
you never know it might have been exactly what she was thinking and your children are beautiful humans.
ReplyDeleteYou inspire me with just your words..can't imagine through art!
ReplyDeletewell...it's not too late, you know! and ann arbor is only 40 minutes from my house!! and lots of yummy places to eat!!
ReplyDeletehey you!
xoxo
I have always wished to be more artistic, I have now settle for understanding that not everyone can be that cool and can now really just enjoy the creations of others and work on the talents that I do have. So to be really wordy here, I think it is great that you focus on the art around you, even when you may not have the time to be the creator of it at the moment!
ReplyDelete