It feels as if I have not posted a new blog for ages… Even though I have promised myself to just write and share things when I really feel called to it, I do also feel a bit guilty, when I neglect my blog and all you wonderful followers.
And the longer I do not get to write, the more difficult it is to decide what to write about. There are so many things I dream of sharing with you, so much art just waiting to be seen and ideas I would love to let out of the cage of my skull.
(Click on the images to see a larger version of the artwork.)
Today’s choice has been influenced by a dream I had in the night. I almost never had repeating dreams, but it was the fourth time I dreamed about a similar situation: A little colourful bird comes flying up to me, right up to my face. Without any fear, instead with full intention, trust and love. It then kind of snuggles up to my face, always on the left side, and I can feel its soft feathers, the lightness of their touch and a mix between the warmth of such a small body and the coolness of the stirred air around their wings. Every time I am surprized by this unusual behaviour and feel so honoured and happy to experience it. I wish I knew what this means!
So, in honour of the little dream birds, I will share with you a series of works on paper depicting small birds. I started painting them in a whimsical mood two weeks ago.
I shared them on my Facebook page and while some people really liked them I also got a remark by a fellow artist (whom I do not know personally) saying: Kitsch as kitsch goes…
Well, yes. It took me a lot of time to be okay with such comments. And still I get a tiny bit insecure, as I have been filled up with all these preconceived ideas of where I should fit into the art world, and kitsch was/is generally frowned upon.
But I have to admit, I have found that there is a part of me, which just feels as happy as a little playful and carefree girl, when I create or see cute, pretty sweetness, adorable animals or some gooey fairy tale magic. Yes, sometimes that gives me the warm and fuzzy feeling, which I need to submerge in every now and then, to feel complete.
I love what Amanda Palmer had to say about creating art:
“People working in the arts engage in street combat with The Fraud Police on a daily basis, because much of our work is new and not readily or conventionally categorized. When you’re an artist, nobody ever tells you or hits you with the magic wand of legitimacy. You have to hit your own head with your own handmade wand. And you feel stupid doing it.
There’s no “correct path” to becoming a real artist. You might think you’ll gain legitimacy by going to university, getting published, getting signed to a record label. But it’s all bullshit, and it’s all in your head. You’re an artist when you say you are. And you’re a good artist when you make somebody else experience or feel something deep or unexpected.”
I am getting better and better at just listening inward to who I am and what my needs are and follow them. Not caring too much about the opinion or reaction of others. I am proud of that! And I love that I can do it all in my creative expression: serious art, political art, big, small, land art, installations, drawings, prints and warm and fuzzy sweetness. After all, there are no rules. Really.
And maybe you can also use a bit of adorable cuteness and lightness in your life today?
(Click on the images to see a larger version of the artwork. Oh, and in case you do not know: all my work is for sale, unless stated otherwise. And I happily ship to anywhere in the world. )
Imke Rust 
Imke, die Vogel Bilder finde ich richtig gut. Papa
Vielen Dank, Papa! 🙂
Kitsch? That was a ridiculous comment. Someone once told me that when someone points a finger at you there are three pointing back at themselves. In other words, when they judge and unfairly/harshly criticize it is more a comment about themselves then about you.
It may not matter but I do not find those sweet little birds kitsch in any way. I am often amazed how harsh fellow artists can be when they, of all people, should understand how difficult the artistic process can be. This often happens in the writing world as well; unduly harsh criticism of another writers work, especially a newer writer, that can have the effect of stopping that writing from creating.
As one who often collapses with the weight of my own insecurities about my creations I always try to support others in their endeavors. Even if it is not my particular taste or style creating is never easy. I love all your work — the political statement pieces, the whimsical works such as these birds, and even just a little doodle on a napkin 🙂 I’m glad you got around to ignoring that comment and continue to share your work, and yourself, because you are one of my favorite places (blogs) to visit!
Unfortunatley the art world is quite a mine field with so many opinions, inofficial rules, critics and envy. I guess, since there is not the one formular for success and there are so few who ‘make it’ it is just open to all this and creates lots of freedom but also insecurity.
I believe that the more we can free ourselves from our own insecurities and our need to ‘fit in’ or please others, the better we can navigate this mine field – or circumnavigate or ignore it totally. That is the other beauty of the creative arts: we can make our own rules and there are no limits to what we can do or achieve. As long as we do not let ourselves be held back by negative critiques, opinions etc.
You are doing such awesome work with your writing, that I hope you can overcome your insecurities more and more. And thank you – it is such a huge compliment that my blog counts as one of your fav places to visit! *blushing*
Wonderful !
Thank you 🙂