The Love of a Family Accordion

Many people feel they're just unlucky, with a dark cloud hanging over their head, or the majority of life is spent living in problems, being overwhelmed by fear and anxiety, left wondering why things never seem to work out. Happiness and contentment appear elusive.

I certainly know some folks get more than their share of misery, and it's hard to figure out why, because it seems so unfair. I admit when I was younger happiness eluded me, and I just couldn't figure out how to get it.

It was only when I accepted that I had to let go instead of holding on, attempting to force solutions, that ultimately I couldn't control or manage. I was out of control, and my life had become unmanageable. Fear and anxiety were often my default, and I let that dictate my behaviour and reactions.

I don't have any superstitious bones and don't believe so much in luck, but I do believe in the power of prayer. This certainly doesn't mean that I get what I want. More often I get what I need, and I'm not always happy about the outcome.

What has made all the difference, is acceptance, which has been the key to my happiness and contentment, regardless of my circumstance. Now mostly I control my fear and anxiety it doesn't control me, and I exercise courage.

Creativity and courage go hand in hand and is a way of life that I believe exists within the spiritual realm.

Within the last two weeks, I've had an unusual run of things happen that are all very positive and frankly if I was the superstitious kind, I might say this has been a streak of luck, or I might be holding my breath, waiting for the other shoe to drop.  But I think most has been a result of prayer, grace, and acts of love.

The most important lesson I've learned is to live a creative life by opening my mind and heart with a willing, open spirit of trust, not devoid of fear, but with courage. It's only then that I pay attention, I become grateful, happy and content.
 Living creatively is a way of life. I can never expect that material gain will lead me to this spiritual realm, no matter what we think or gain materially.

I've also learned the more I try to hold on and force an outcome, the less control I have. I want and need to be open to the creative process in every aspect of living life fully.Instead of focusing on the outcome, I focus on the creative process.

The last thing on my two week list, that happened was having wonderful visit with my cousins, both of whom I hadn't really seen in many years. One of my cousins gave me her father's, (my late uncle and my late father's only brother),  his beautiful button accordion. Accordions have a long tradition in our family, and I took lessons as a kid when the accordion wasn't cool.

I've wanted one of these button accordions for so many years, but never ever imagined I'd be so generously and lovingly given this treasured family heirloom. Out of all the blessings I've been granted this one is so very special to me and I'm deeply touched, and so very grateful for the love of my cousins and creative family.

It's Still a Wonderful World Whether Your in Grade One or Not.

Kraftwerk- Teacher Lars Reimers Grade One Class Performs Die Roboter Techno Pop Song From 1978

 As the "adults" it's easy to can get caught up in all the seriousness of art, or lost in it's arty discourse and problematic issues.

Amid so many heavy events our world, it's real important to take a time out, and to simply allow ourselves to experience some childlike joy. After all, this is a big and important part of what the creative process is about. That's just what this you tube video is, joyful, and I think you'll agree.

 The video reminds me to relax, have some fun, daydream, and live in the moment, which are the helpful tools for creativity.
It's still a wonderful world, not in spite of itself, but because of it's self. Take time to celebrate it. Kids can really help us to do this. I loved it when that one kid stands up to bust a move! So much fun! And learning should be fun!

The Pleasure of Creativity - Art Isn't Art Unless It's Shared

The Emperor - Egg Tempera of Porcelain Tile 6"x6"', 2015 - Catherine Meyers

Today I had the great pleasure of having an opening at The Art Lab in Parrsboro. The creative process of painting is a solitary thing for me. Some folks want to have the company of others when they are creating art. Not me.

Although making art is a very satisfying thing because it is solitary, sometimes you can feel isolated and almost detached from what you are doing, just you and your painting thoughts, and perhaps from time to time find yourself wondering why you are even involved with making art, and asking what it all means.

When you have the opportunity to have an opening with your peers and are able to share your work with others who appreciate what you do, suddenly it all makes sense, becoming a very rewarding and extremely satisfying experience. I am of the opinion that art isn't art, unless it is shared.

The exhibition will be up for three weeks until September 12th 2015.

Is Making Money Art? Is Working Art? Is Good Business the Best Art?

I understand how there is corruption and greed that drives much of the business and political world. I despise both.

The 'art world' is no different unfortunately. The only art world that really seems to exists today, can be found thriving within the imagination of the creative individual, devoid of the primary goal being as much financial gain and wealth possible, regardless of the cost. Instead, the creative process, art for art's sake, for change, and having some kind of moral compass, is what is paramount to many creative individuals.

I'm not sure I believe in Andy Warhol's premise of, " Making money is art and working is art and good business is the best art. "

Andy Warhol made it very clear when he stated " I'm not a social critic".
I know it is essential that artist's be momentarily well compensated for the value of their work, to be able to make a living supporting themselves, like any one else. Making money is not art, working is not art, and good business is not the best art in my opinion. Making money is making money, working is working, and good business is good business.

Artist's do need to think and learn about business. That said, at what point do you begin to sell out your integrity, and your values for the almighty dollar? At what point do you leave the art world and join the art market? It's all good if your not a social critic and you can deaden your conscience.

I was motivated to write this blog post today by this article posted by a friend on Facebook. Thanks Jerald!