The Cultivating Artist is a column that seeks to encourage and empower fellow makers. The work of an artist—that reach toward something beautiful—can feel daunting, especially at the beginning. Negative thoughts threaten to steal away sparkling possibilities. I’ve learned that by dwelling on thoughts that are lovely and true, I can fight discouragement and keep moving forward one brush stroke at a time. I want to help you fight and persevere in your work too. Here, I’ll be coming alongside you with encouragement and stories from my own life, reminding you that you’re not alone.
My husband and our two young daughters were watching TV one evening when a delightful idea suddenly hit me. It seemed to spring out of nowhere. It was an idea for illustrations and a story that revolved around some ridiculous characters whom I collectively named, The Froo-Fruffles.
There was no deep meaning behind them—nothing even remotely serious. They were simply fun, funny, and terribly peculiar. And the moment I thought of them I had such a longing to create them that I could hardly wait to begin.
First I’d better describe these silly characters so you can picture them in your mind. Then I’ll tell you a bit about the story I wrote to go with them. The Froo-Fruffles were cheerful, prim, fashionable little ladies who wore multicolored, frilly, Victorian-ish clothing. Their dresses were cinched so tightly at the ankle that they couldn’t walk—not even a little. Due to their lack of mobility, they had to find more creative means of getting around. Some stood on the backs of ostriches, others on pogo sticks, still others on house cats. And in this manner they traveled deep into the heart of the Zebra Striped Forest where they planned to have a tea party that would last a whole year. They carried the supplies for their tea party in great big stacks on top of their heads. They carried cakes, cookies, a chocolate fountain, coffee, tea, strawberries and cream, teacups, saucers, vases, flowers, and a goldfish bowl complete with goldfish for a centerpiece.
I wrote the story in rhyme and my little girls laughed with glee as I read it aloud. I can’t even guess how much time I spent on the illustrations in the following weeks and months. I delighted in creating Froo-Fruffles for countless, fun-filled hours. Their clothing and tea party supplies were so pretty they reminded me of iced cupcakes at a bakery.
One day, a woman I didn’t know very well visited my art studio. She stood staring at one of my Froo-Fruffle paintings that was propped up against the wall. I laughed as I told her about the ridiculous story that went with the painting.
“That must have taken a long time to paint,” the woman said. “All those details …”
“Yes, it took a very long time,” I agreed.
“What are you going to do with it?” she asked.
“I’m not sure,” I said.
“Do you think someone would buy it?” she wondered.
“That’s a good question,” I said. “I don’t know.”
After the woman left, I thought about what she’d asked me. Do you think someone would buy it? And I considered a second question of my own: If no one buys my Froo-Fruffle paintings, was the time I spent creating them a waste of time?
The answers to both questions came more quickly than expected. I knew without a doubt that not only would I buy a painting like the one I’d created, I would treasure it. And I knew with equal conviction that time spent merrily creating is never wasted time. With this in mind, I grabbed a scrap of paper and wrote these words:
Reaching for something beautiful is never a waste of time!
I taped the sentence to my studio wall and smiled. I’ve gone back to it again and again.
As it turned out, there were others who enjoyed my Froo-Fruffles. I sold most of them at art shows that year, but happily I kept my favorite. I still smile each time I see it.
Blessings to you, fellow artists and merry-makers. You are the work of God’s hands—His creation. He delights in you!
The featured image is courtesy of Julie Jablonski and is used with her kind permission for Cultivating.
“For me, it all starts with a story. As a child, fairytales and fantastic illustrations captivated my mind and sparked my passion for beautiful artwork and writing. Although I’ve created many kinds of art over the years, my favorite works of art are those inspired by stories. All of my art originates from the stories I write. I see my “story paintings” as windows that provide just enough to start the observer down the path but leave a little mystery to ignite their imagination. Light shining out of the darkness is my favorite and most recurring theme. I believe that artwork that reflects goodness and truth can bring light into people’s lives, encouraging them and giving them hope. My inspiration comes from long walks, rambling prayers, starry skies, and dreamy fairy tales. I enjoy a quiet life with my husband and two daughters, in a house full of treasured books and bright colors. A sleek, black cat and a nervous, brown rabbit keep me company each day while I paint.” ~ Amy Grimes
Add a comment
0 Comments