I opened my email this morning
and found a lovely surprise --
a note from a new friend!
She explained that she had seen my work at Show of Hands in Denver. And I was amazed that she took the time to let me know that she had subscribed to my blog, visited my website and ordered from my Etsy shop.
She also said she wanted me to know that my efforts to get myself out there were working.
And while the Etsy order was great, her email was better still. Her kind feedback made it a lot easier to settle down to my desk and the daunting task of the day: stitching Mary's mouth.
(so far I've done pretty well
not complaining to you about
my Nativity piece in progress,
right?
right?
But . . . grrrrrr!)
Anyway, the kindness of one fellow art lover reminded me of a piece I wrote for the TAFA blog awhile back, so I thought I'd share it with you here.
Sometimes as an artist
it is hard to know
it is hard to know
whether you are really
reaching your audience.
reaching your audience.
Long days spent isolated in the studio can translate into all kinds of self-doubt:
Will anyone understand what I'm trying to say?
Is what I'm doing worthwhile?
Would anyone ever want to buy this?
DOES ANYBODY OUT THERE EVEN CARE?!
That's why I try to leave feedback for people when I come in contact with their work. I know that when I do shows, the people who take the time to sign my book or leave a comment value what I do, even if they can't afford to take it home or have no space in their lives (or on their walls) for a long-term relationship.
Which I understand because I'm also poor and my walls are full.
But art nourishes my soul
so I am careful to take
the time to say "thank you."
the time to say "thank you."
It's so easy! Just point it out when you see something you like, or something that you feel the artist should continue to explore.
One of the most helpful comments I ever received was from a woman who told me a particular piece "had legs." From those simple words I knew I had an idea that meant something, so I worked on pushing that idea as far as it could go. (And the woman has become a very supportive friend and collector.)
It only takes a second to mark a "favorite" on an Etsy shop, or say "well done, and I especially liked that --" on a blog post.
It's the least we can do for our like-minded art loving friends who spend so much time and energy putting beauty into the world.
Just leave a little trail of appreciation crumbs as you make your way through the show or around the web -- it's sure to lead someone back to your own world and work, and you may find a kindred spirit.
At the very least, you'll be giving
an artist the encouragement
they need to keep creating . . .
an artist the encouragement
they need to keep creating . . .
. . . something from which we all benefit.
Don't ever underestimate
the worth of a well-placed word.
Some days, that may be
the most valuable pay there is.
Happy Wednesday, one and all!
(and a special thanks to YOU, writer of kind email -- you know who you are!)
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5 comments:
You often find me speaking up here, but elsewhere I'm sometimes shy to comment when perhaps I should. Henceforth I will try to "leave a little trail of appreciation crumbs" -- which is a really lovely way to think of it. Thanks for the new perspective & the nudge.
I love this post And I love your blog. Plus, you have another new fan. I sent a link to my mom for one of your posts that reminded me of our family. She loved it and said she just kept clicking to read more.
Today, someone left a comment on my blog and two people liked a comment I made on someone else's blog. It really does make you feel good.
Susan, the print “Contentment” hangs in my newly repainted/floored kitchen. Contentment holds medal of honor as the first piece to go up on the Crystal Water paint, a stunning light blue which matches the sky outside the windows and picks up in the print as well. Many thanks for your dedication to quality in your work, your shop and your blog.
LuAnne -- So glad you overcame your shyness! Your friendship was worth starting the blog for.
Jeannine -- Back at you! Your blog is one of my happiest recent discoveries. And now I hope to someday read your other writing!
Lynda -- Honor of honors! The first nail hole in the new paint. Wish I could see the color "Crystal Water." Sounds lovely. Thanks for inviting me to your re-do!
Well said, Susan. Leaving a note of appreciation is such a simple but valuable thing. It takes a lot of nerve to put your babies out for the world to see. Lots of worries bubble to the top---one of them---Does anybody care?
Best wishes on that nativity. Faces are SO tricky. I understand when Pepperidge Farm decided to put a smile on their Goldfish Crackers that it took a looong time for them to make the fish look happy and not cranky or evil.
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