Tell My Story #1

Today in my studio... listening to ethereal music by Ludovico Einaudi while a candle flickers softly in the distance, and the sweet fragrance of Nag Champa Flower incense fills my studio as my hands steadily prepare prints of my original artwork for our Art & Gift show.  I became more aware how profoundly connected I am to my art.   Each piece tells a story, it would seem to be my story since I created the art yet at the same time it is everyone's story.  I became teary eyed with that realization and a calm, peaceful feeling enveloped me.  It was as if I now know on a deeper level what I have always thought.  Me doing art is much, much more than brush strokes or pencil markings.  My art is about the story.   We are all alike, we all feel the same feelings, from time to time, just in a little different way.  My stories aren't unique.  I am simply expressing them thru my art.  This explains why people resonate with my art.  As I look back I can see that my soul was whispering this to me thru my experience at Fort Vallonia Days a couple weeks ago.  So...today in my studio... while I listened  to ethereal music by Ludovico Einaudi while a candle flickered softly in the distance, and the sweet fragrance of Champa Flower incense filled  my studio... I got it, I truly got it.

Following comes the inspiration from today's nudges.   Tell the story behind each and every piece of art.  Each story is important to share.   Perhaps you will identify with the story plus you will learn more about the artist behind the art... called ME!

This is Tell My Story #1.

June 2011
This was my very first painting.  It was me beginning to work thru the notion that I am "good enough,  just as I am".  As a child I never felt that I fit in.  I always seemed to be an outcast.  That scenario continued into my adolescent years followed by my young adult life.  It would be fair to say that I have spent a good portion of my life not believing I was good enough.  When I answered the calling in 2011 to follow my creative path it stirred many uneasy feelings.  Once again I was in turmoil over the repetitive question.  Am I good enough?  Would I ever be good enough to make it in the art world?  The pivotal difference between then and now is I know that we all face fears often in our lives, that we all feel unworthy from time to time, that we all are sad, lonely, and afraid.   For sure, you will get knocked down often, just get back up.

The answer to the question is -  if you don't fit into one vase (metaphorically speaking) that's OK.  It doesn't mean you aren't good enough.    Bloom where you are planted and improve upon it to the best of your ability.   YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH - JUST AS YOU ARE!

www.teresacash.com

Fort Vallonia Days

This past weekend I participated in the Fort Vallonia Days.  

It was a grand opportunity to show my art and to take another step in an onward direction.

On Saturday it was rainy, windy, and very cold.  Luckily my brother-in-law had provided me with 2 heating units.  We fondly advertised that we had the "hottest tent in town".   Sunday rolled around and the rain was gone but the temperature dropped even lower.  It was downright freezing!

My niece, Zenitha, was with me during those days.  It was great spending time with her.  I admire the person she is becoming.  She, also,  has a vibrant personality which drew the goofy side of me out of hiding!  Thus… this silly selfie!

The people who stopped by our "hottest tent in town" were delightful to talk with.  I was enriched with each encounter.   We had really good conversations.  We shared heartfelt stories that were provoked by a sentiment written on my art.  Some laughter, some tears, and many hugs were present in those few days.  I am most certain that friendships were sparked, too!  I was filled with gratitude that my Art From My Heart was felt within this small space.  I left that event believing, even more, that I am creating inspiring work that will help change the world, even if it's one person at a time.

Because this blog is about sharing my creative journey, it is important to be honest enough to share the other side of the story,  about the process of my creative dream coming true.  

The legendary question was asked:      "How did you do?"  This is often in reference to "did you sell alot of stuff".  The answer to that question invoked my inner critics and stirred some unsettling thoughts, that I should quit, that I am doing alot of work and not getting paid for it.  All of which seem to be valid.  Don't get me wrong because I agree that earning a living and providing income for my household is important, yet  I can't shake the feeling that this dream of mine is far bigger.  It was only a little over 3 years ago that I did not even know that I could draw or paint.  That day in August 2011 when I sat down with a pencil in my hand a drew a face was the beginning of a whole new world for me.  I am forever changed because of art.  I represent the average person, OK… older person, who has found a way to let her creative spirit out to play.  I am not in this alone, my soul has been stirred and together we can make this dream come true.  That is what fuels me.

My heart is filled with gratitude for all the people who encourage me along the way.