Tenacity

I once heard that new students at an art school were required everyday to draw boxes

Sooke River Autumn Watercolour, 14 x 21 inches  click image to enlarge

that were re-arranged daily. Soon students weeded themselves out of the class. Those who were left went on to become full time art students. Tenacity has a great deal to do with Mastery. The word brings up images of perfection. How many of us can feel worthy of that description? I have tried my best with what skills I have, to evoke in others the emotions that compelled me to record a particular place or mood. When my paintings do that, I have succeeded. For me, none of this would have been possible without discipline, perseverance, honesty, and a consuming passion for nature.

Mastery

In George Leonard's Mastery; I relate to the 'dabbler' as in 'enthusiastic', the 'obsessive' as in 'fast results' and I hate to think that I might be related to the 'hacker' in 'just being comfortable.' I'm not a competitive sort, but I'm always in need of assurance.

(RG note) More than a dozen artists wrote to say that they had read or were reading Mastery by George Leonard. This book gives an intelligent approach by an author whose black-belt discipline (aikido) is admired by many artists. It's good for mastering golf, tennis and relationships as well.

Creativity blossoms on plateaus

Plateaus are those wondrous times when you think nothing is happening. One leaves a task for various reasons. A level of discomfort with any situation--art endeavor, new physical challenge (like a pogo stick,) it is set aside on the plateau. I’m amazed that when I return to the task, I pick it up with a refreshed, enlightened knowledge of how to do what caused me to set aside in the first place. There's an innate ability for creative minds to continue to process their interests. I welcome the plateau as a resting place from which my creativity may blossom.

Part of the creative cycle

I call my plateaus 'canyons'. They always seem to have high walls, not a lot of light, and I can't see ahead farther than the next mark on the paper. What I have discovered is that these canyons are a normal part of my creative cycle, and that these are the times my heart is working out something important to the content of my artwork. I have learned to have patience and trust in this part of my creative process. I continue going into my studio and working every day. Invariably, my work takes a creative leap once I am out past the canyon walls and in the light again.

Study time is alone

I've yet to complete a masterpiece but there is always hope. I paint with other

Early Morning Palms Oil on panel, 12 x 16 inches  click image to enlarge

painters all the time but my real study time is alone. I think it is necessary for a painter to be out in the elements alone to concentrate and think. Painting is a lot about thinking.

Dabbler moves on

Today's letter was the shot in the arm that I needed. Not that I was exactly elated

Turtle On Spin Cycle Mosaic  click image to enlarge

to learn that I am a Dabbler -- after more than twelve years of writing, which I still love to do, my soul has been captured by mosaic art and for a year now, my muse has turned me from words to colors and shapes. But what did Leonardo mean by "mastery of self?"

(RG note) In Leonardo da Vinci 's mind "mastery of self" meant control and suppression of the baser instincts, management of time, and the idea of raising human aspirations toward learning, inventing, creating, constructing and demonstrating. His was the true breath of the Renaissance.

Trancelike state

As a former professional trumpet player turned visual artist, my belief has been that to achieve mastery -- there is/must be an immense love for what one does. Such that, the master dives deeply into his/her emerald pool of consciousness and gets lost in the act of creation (of every note played or brushstroke applied). Trancelike, the master creates to the exclusion of applause or critique because he/she must do so. He/she becomes an open vessel to the creative fervor of the universe.

Toward the new masterful you

Regarding mastery, I myself want to be a "good painter" while trying and growing as I go. What you described is in all of us. It's how much we want it and how we accept the process. Depression, alcoholism, food addictions, physical and other problems can all relate to each of the Dabbler, Obsessive and the Hacker. The Dabbler wants to get better (healthier) but doesn't like the idea of getting their toes wet as its just too cold. The Obsessive is trying to will themselves better...damn it! And the Hacker isn't as bad (addicted) anymore so, its good enough. The Master knows it is a life long process of patience, having a good attitude when the chips are down, relaxing and enjoying the view when you are in that plateau, knowing how far you have come, trying new skills or a different medium to keep learning. Old and bad habits die hard, for a new, happy, masterful you.

Technical and artistic mastery

There are levels of mastery. One can be a technical master - full of craftsmanship,

Yoga, lean back Photo manipulation  click image to enlarge

but not in most senses an artistic master. While technique is a prerequisite, there must be something to express and an ability to figure out how to express it using the mastered techniques.

Some of course never really master the techniques and tools. Fewer really master the ability to communicate. Some of this is in the soul, some is learned, some is induced by outside influences - sickness, tragedy, joy, just maturing. When I was young, a gallery owner told me, "You will be a much better artist when you are older." I resented it--but you know something--he was right.

Alone and lonely

An artist becomes an artist. He/she must travel the journey of life, learn by doing, and have staying power. A "Master" may not realize when the time has come. It creeps up on an artist that is simply doing what he feels needs to be done.

I've found that I create better when I'm alone. Not just alone--as no one around--but lonely. I am a loner, with a family, but I'm withdrawn in expressing my feelings. I don't have friends that I hang out with, and seldom do I go out to enjoy life. My soul is in my art and only there will you see it.

Sharing letters

Your mastery letter comes at a time in my life where mastery is being spoken of

June Original quilt  click image to enlarge

around me. I am in a small group of woman quilters, and I know some lines from your letter would make a difference to them right now. May I forward them to seven others?

(RG note) Please do Sharona and thanks for asking. Recently I received an email that included an unattributed quote (by me) from one of my letters and the suggestion that this quote might be good for one of my letters.

Unusual request for a reproduction

I have just received an odd request. An interior designer has asked me to reproduce

Run II Acrylic on paper, 20 x 24 inches  click image to enlarge

a painting, larger than the original, and asked for permission to copy it one time, and display the copy. I've attached the request below. I am willing to reproduce the painting. It would be easy and fun, I think, but I have never heard of someone asking for permission to reproduce a painting. They have offered to pay the price I'm asking for a painting of that size, but offer nothing for the commission aspect, or for the copy.

Dear Susan,

I am an interior designer, and our firm is working on a hotel expansion in Henderson, Nevada. We are interested in commissioning a custom version of Run II of dimension 32"W x 48"H. We like the painting as shown, so no need to reinterpret. We also need your permission to produce one same-size canvas transfer reproduction--this is because original art is, unfortunately, likely to be damaged in such a high-use environment. We respectfully request that you agree to execute this painting, and provide us your written permission to make one (1) canvas transfer reproduction. We are proposing a commission fee of $2,500.00 total for your services, including permission to make one reproduction copy. The deadline by which this painting must be produced and received by us is not later than September 15, 2004. If you approve of these terms, please advise as soon as possible, and we will prepare a purchase order and simple agreement regarding the terms of use, including the caveat that no additional reproductions, beyond the one requested, will be made without your consent.

Best regards,
Andrea L. Jones

(RG note) Thanks Susan. This is something we are now seeing more often. The main reasons are as stated--tendency to be damaged and also high insurance costs now current. It's the designer's choice too--she likes the image. Designers are inclined to look at walls and say: "That place needs that image, this size." Some are requesting the original to "put in their vault." Others don't even want the original. Recently near here a large hotel had all their valuable original art turned into one-off giclees.

In your case and depending on a clarification of the customer's interests, there may be no need to paint another in the size required. Your existing work can be digitally photographed and reproduced by giclee to their requirements. The original painting can then be sold through the regular channels. On the back of the painting you need to write: "To whom it may concern: A one-off, one-use only, reproduction of this work exists in the hands of…"

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