As I wrote my last post about putting yourself ‘out there’ and sharing your art, I was feeling the warmth of acceptance and appreciation for doing so. On Christmas Eve the latest issue of CPS arrived and I quickly learned the sting that sometimes comes from being ‘out there’ in the form of a letter to the editor.

I will admit that it hurt. As artists we are very sensitive about our work, whether it be in the form of art or writing about art. This is what makes all of us fearful at times to share our creative side with others.

When I write an article sharing a new product or technique, I truly want to encourage, teach and share what I’ve learned to hopefully inspire and help others on their own journey which in turn inspires me to keep pushing ahead.

When I pick up a magazine I do so knowing that not every article will be ‘for me’ and still can appreciate the time and effort the person writing put into it. We don’t have to share, we want to and there wouldn’t be wonderful magazines if everyone was fearful of rejection and decided against sharing because their work may not please everyone.

I wasn’t going to address this issue, but I feel the need to be honest and if I’m going to talk about the positive aspects of sharing, I need to also address the sometimes negative aspects as well.

It has made me reflect on why I share and the need to continue on despite an occasional negative response.

I appreciate all of the support you all have given me and look forward to an art-filled New Year, sharing my journey, good and bad.

The new year will bring the birth of my first grand baby and my first book. These are the things that propel me forward and help me not to spend valuable time worrying over things that really aren’t important.

Bless you all in 2010!
xoxo

These and more have just been listed in my Etsy Shop