The Big Picture
Stephen Hawking has died. Brilliant, persevering , creative despite the enormous challenges he faced in life. How will we honor his contribution to science and humanity? On an individual basis, as an artist, my intent is to never give up.
It's a funny thing about motivation. The longer you think about doing something, the greater chance you won't do it at all. 'He who hesitates is lost' vies for priority over 'Look before you leap.' The internal editor, in my case, the voice of my mother, urges the latter. But I take after my Dad. Life is short, tomorrow is promised to no one. Say yes when a desired opportunity presents itself.
I have been inspired by Van Gogh's letters to his brother and his wondrous paintings. I have been inspired by Picasso's beautiful simplicity. I have been inspired by Nicholas Wilton's on-line posts and videos to take risks with painting. I have been inspired by Tim Packer's gorgeous use of a red background.. I am inspired by all the quotes posted by artists like me seeking inspiration.
And I am inspired to paint by Stephen Hawking.
Last year I took The Working Artist course offered by Crista Cloutier. This led me to the creation of this website with the immense help and encouragement of my daughters,.
I look around the room at our weekly Sagebrushers art group and I see professional artists, mingling with beginners and everyone, including me, in between. The opportunities to learn and experiment are priceless. We are all getting better by degrees. I have all of my senses, my fingers, hands, arms and legs work and I am healthy. What can stop me if nothing could stop Stephen Hawking?
In Marianne Williamson's words,
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us."
It's a funny thing about motivation. The longer you think about doing something, the greater chance you won't do it at all. 'He who hesitates is lost' vies for priority over 'Look before you leap.' The internal editor, in my case, the voice of my mother, urges the latter. But I take after my Dad. Life is short, tomorrow is promised to no one. Say yes when a desired opportunity presents itself.
I have been inspired by Van Gogh's letters to his brother and his wondrous paintings. I have been inspired by Picasso's beautiful simplicity. I have been inspired by Nicholas Wilton's on-line posts and videos to take risks with painting. I have been inspired by Tim Packer's gorgeous use of a red background.. I am inspired by all the quotes posted by artists like me seeking inspiration.
And I am inspired to paint by Stephen Hawking.
Last year I took The Working Artist course offered by Crista Cloutier. This led me to the creation of this website with the immense help and encouragement of my daughters,.
I look around the room at our weekly Sagebrushers art group and I see professional artists, mingling with beginners and everyone, including me, in between. The opportunities to learn and experiment are priceless. We are all getting better by degrees. I have all of my senses, my fingers, hands, arms and legs work and I am healthy. What can stop me if nothing could stop Stephen Hawking?
In Marianne Williamson's words,
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us."