I have to write an “about me” for my website and I’m not sure what to say.  I could explain where I grew up, how I got started in the art world, what I do for a living; I could describe the materials I like to use, what my style is, and how I make my way as an artist.  All these things are entirely appropriate and commonplace for a website such as this, however, I have decided against the course of action that makes sense.  I have discovered rather recently that “what makes sense” does not really work for me, but against me.  So, while all these things are worthwhile and interesting, I do not believe that they answer the question “who am I” honestly nor do they fit the spirit of this site as I have intended it.  The truth is that I’m not really sure what “about me” as an artist is all about.  I have created art my whole life, and I am me every day, but I really couldn’t tell you what it is I do or who I am as an artist.  I have thus chosen to live with intention, paying close attention to life around and within me, and suck up whatever wisdoms and lessons these things have to teach me.  This website is the direct result of my quest for discovery and I am inviting the world to find out right along with me, should it so desire.

I am so impressed with other artists and their websites – they are all so vulnerable with problems they struggle with, honest with how much they don’t have it together.  I am so encouraged and blessed by their openness, but the way part of me sees it is that despite their imperfection, there they are anyway with all their finished artwork, their own personal style stamped upon each piece displayed in their galleries, most with items on sale, several with books published, traveling, lecturing, etc.  I finally realized that if I wait until I “don’t have it together” like they do before committing to myself as an artist, then I’ll never really get anywhere.  And since I don’t know exactly where the “anywhere” is that I want to be, this journey should prove itself all the more interesting.  I suppose I could do what everyone else is and work hard creating gorgeous works of art with framing and selling and hanging in people homes or offices, but I am unwilling to settle for second best, and for me second best right now is anything less than what is truly me, what imagination and creativity comes from within my own skin.    

This sort of open vulnerability completely freaks me out, which is one reason why I think it might be a grand idea – for perhaps the secret to success does not lie in striving for perfection, but in imperfection.  Perhaps going out on a limb and starting where I am at now, with what I have right at this moment (which isn’t really much) might not only help me get where I want to go, but will also encourage and inspire others who feel they are in the same creaky old boat I’m in.  I am out on my own armed only with my library card, links to those of those who inspire and encourage me (sometimes make me feel more normal), inspiration provided by the world around me, and an insatiable need to create glorious messes of color and line and texture – to let the wild beast of imagination show forth its lovely head and say “hear I am, this is what I can do.”  So…let’s see what we can do!