On being a self-learner...

It has been hard to find time and incentive to post lately.

I have been busy painting [since I have a group show and a solo show coming up] while mulling over a statement which caused me some anxiety about how I talk about what I do and subsequently even the 'doing' of what I do.

The anxiety stemmed from a day workshop where various types and mediums of artwork was being evaluated and 'my' pieces did not fair all that well. And yes, there is the feeling that landscapes - my way - are not edgy enough or creatively experimental enough to be considered valuable art.  But I think mostly it might be because of a statement made about the importance of being 'educated' in art and the resulting assumption that, because one does not have a degree in art one does not have the language to communicate with regards to art, and by inference what they do is not really art.

Hmm...  it has taken me a bit of time to hunker down again and just get on with painting, doing it my way, being inspired by others, being guided by the writings of others, and knowing that many who inspire me are self learners...  A self-learner is not the same as "self-taught" [without other's input] but they can co-exist in the same person.  A self-learner takes what they learn through reading, workshops, experimentation, etc, [just not the university classroom!] and applies it to their work - and never mind knowing all the correct jargon!! I absolutely believe that I do not need to know the 'language of colour theory' in order to speak about art which inspires me through colour. But I will likely learn the language as I progress in doing my art.

After home schooling 4 sons who are creative, well educated, but clearly self-learners I understand the importance of learning - what sets a self learner apart mostly is that they choose to focus their learning on what is most essential to what they are doing at the moment.  From there they branch out according to interest and need.

With 10 years of post secondary education and 3 degrees I just refuse to succumb to the 'need/necessity' of another degree, [in fine art] in order to speak more intelligently about the art world, and by inference be worthy of being an artist.  I can read if I want to know more about the history of art, etc. and I will continue to do what I can to further my creativity - and my knowledge! But I will not be badgered into taking another degree in order to be more acceptable in the art world.

So - that is a bit of a rant which I just wanted to let go of!

A few small paintings for our upcoming group show.... 10x10" acrylics.

And this is "Ashley" - my newest daughter-in-law made a quilt for her 'maid of honour' and took a photo of Ashley with it wrapped around her.  I loved the photo so painted this watercolour as a gift for my daughter-in-law.