The pear on the left sells for about $5,800 CDN. The pear on the right sells for about 58 cents. I painted the one on the right, and I was not aware of the existence of the pear on the left when I did my little painting. They look similar, but a pear is a pear is a pear.The pear on the left is oil on canvas and is wonderfully and masterfully painted, while the pear on the right was sketched very quickly with some pencil crayons on a piece of pink cardboard. But somehow there is a little voice deep inside my head that tells me the pear on the right is almost as good as the pear on the left. Maybe not worth $5,800 CDN, but perhaps $5.80.
Lately I have been considering going back to school, studying art and finding out whether or not I can actually be any good. I am always intimidated by talented artists, and then I think, well, what the heck, if they can do it, why can’t I? What is it they have that I don’t have? Well, the only way to find out is to actually do it, right? And there is the conundrum. I am a procrastinator. I procrastinate.
I enjoy the boring, safe little routine of my life, and I find excuses not to push the envelope. My life is on autopilot, and I am comfortable that way. Go to school? Do something different? Change my routine? Whyever would I do that?
So, I have decided 2009 is the year I am going to be daring and do things I have never done before. Maybe quitting my job (gasp) and going back to school might be one of them.
Is there anything you have always wanted to do your entire life, but have been too afraid or intimidated to do? Now’s the time to do it.
Congratulations of being a blog of Note!! I wondered what had hit me when I was named. The influx of mail was astonishing.
ReplyDeleteYour really do deserve the name, as your blogs are neverfailingly interesting, & of "Note"!!
Depending on the size of the artwork. I'd say you get get $58.00 CND!
ReplyDeleteCheers.
Thanks for your postings that the word of " Now's the time to do it."
ReplyDeleteYes, I'v been myself too afraid or intimidated to do it....
New 2009 ...i wish i'd build a small cottage for myself....already prepared a small lands several years ago....but...
but....too afraid.....indeed....right.....thx.........
Yes! Congratulations on being a 'Blog of Note', you deserve it. And yes again, this is the year to go for it, whatever 'it' may be for you. You are very passionate about art, you have talent, and the only thing stopping you is you!( o.k., o.k., you need to pay the rent and eat)I hope as you begin creating more art , you will share it with us.
ReplyDeleteEveryone has some inborn talent Jo...only you know what it is. That talent will roundly curse you 'til you take the steps necessary to develop it.
ReplyDeleteBeing good or noteworthy really isn't the goal is it? But the silencing of those "I shoulda" and "Wish I woulda" voices is. The only way they get quieted is to allow them room to breathe.
I like your post, it is inspiring. I believe that you have talent that should be perused. But really, does it matter if your any good? If you love it and have always wanted to do it...what is stopping you? You have one life, just do it!
ReplyDeletepear is inded a pear! nice post
ReplyDeleteDo you really live in a tree house ?!
ReplyDeleteBlog of note. Congrats! Going back to school? Pat on your heart and ask ... do i want to ...
ReplyDeleteFantastic! For me, it has so far been a year of planning! and more planning and wastage of resources.. and now, im thinkin.. maybe, just maybe.. i could do what I wish...:)
ReplyDeleteHi! Congrats! It's really awesome to see the similarities...maybe your pear is the reincarnated one :)
ReplyDeleteYou should go for the art school! Maybe take a part-time course? I took a 3 months weekend make up course two years back (i always loved making up people) and resigned from my horrid job a year later..I'm not a master makeup artist(yet) but it's all worth it!
bravo from africa, botswana.i love your points of views and maybe i should take this time to say something about the scream painting u have displayed here.in 2005, i saw a documentary about this painting on bbc and by that time i was going to norway for my studies.well i felt it was worth seeing one to one.Coincidentally where i stayd there was a painting similar to this one and i really felt sorry for the artist.It was not the painting that i was drawn to, it was the story behind it.
ReplyDeleteyou also make an interesting metaphor to the scream as noise and i say the type of silence and lack of noise that i felt in Norway was the most eeriest silence ever, i had expected noises in public transport, schools, classes.i vividly remember a time in a bus and along the way we saw a naked strong tall man strolling towards the direction of the bus, it was bitter cold with temps around negative 7.Thinking there would be some form of reaction, i took my neck swayed it around to see the man who obviously appeared abnormal only to be met by indifferent cold faces facing not at the man but where the bus was going.My neck, face turned away as soon as possible and wondered and pondered at what could have happened.During this sorry spectacle which took some seconds, im not sure about the speed of the bus or i would count how long it took for ti was as fast as the speed of the bus.The fact that there was no movement, no scream, no noise like please stop? Help, call the police etc was but amazement at how cultures may sometime differ.
I personally feel that there should be a balance to everything, neither do i like noise nor silence.well its complex.
"If you can't find your inspiration, discover your ability to inspire!"
ReplyDeleteSo go for it!
yeah i would like to answer the last question, there are so many things that i always wanted to do and well may be so far i have succeeded doing it n may will sure take a similar decision this time too.
ReplyDeletei liked the post and the self introspection n courage of taking such a decision!!
riddhima
Firstly, congratulations for being a Blog of Note, how exciting is that. Guess what? I think your wish is going to be realised!!!!! And as for your painting if you hadnt told me the story I would have selected the one on the right because of the colours. Art is such a personal thing so go for it - its all in the eye of the beholder. Congratulations again!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI like your pear.
ReplyDeleteVery nice blog.
ReplyDeleteI like your pear too! Just do it.
ReplyDeletecongrats on being a blog of note. Loved this post. I would tell you to go for it. I to am an artist and get intimidated by others' work as well but do it for yourself and for your own satisfaction. you won't know till you try. You can do it!
ReplyDeleteyour pear will deffinitely be valuable, im poor so i could never afford it
ReplyDeleteYou have something that you really want to do - so lucky! Go for it - let your horizons expand. I envy your ability to know what you'd like to try. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWOW! You're my second blog friend to make it onto the Blog of Note list within a month or so. Congrats. And you wanted to quit blogging... This is a great way to start the year, and perhaps a sign of thing to come for you this year. I forsee a great year ahead for you. Well done.
ReplyDeletePs. Try selling your pear now that even more people have see it.
There is definitely "no time like the present" when it comes to going back to school. Especially if you have wanted to for a long time. Just make the decision and go for it. That's what I did!
ReplyDeleteVow! your blog is very interesting, and now onwards I am going to follow the blogs you write. I have been writing blogs but I am sure mine will never be chosen to be the blog of note. I like your thoughts too. Cheers....!
ReplyDeleteGo for it! I love your pear, I think you have talent. Even if you can't do the school thing full time,
ReplyDeleteI've found that just taking a single class has been very worthwhile. So now I take a single class every semester....it adds up, and I keep building on what I've learned....
Whether .58 or 5800 the happiness in completing it is the same. Additionally 'the blog of note'. It is certinly a great way to begin the year.
ReplyDeleteWhether .58 or 5800 the happiness in completing it is the same. Additionally 'the blog of note'. It is certainly a great way to begin the year. nosle.com todd
ReplyDeleteFollow your heart, Jo. And your instincts. And should those conflict, follow good advice. And for goodness sake, put some of your art up for sale right now. Your audience has just grown by leaps and bounds and your work is beautiful.
ReplyDelete: )
ReplyDeleteI d'on't really know what I should write, mostly because English isn't my first language (he he, a French comment would be better) but I really loved your blog! First, I learnt how to say a "poire" in English, and then because I am also a procrastinator affraid of art school, what my parents can't understand! I can't understand everything and that makes me feel miserable, because all I can read is interesting! (I can't find the right word in french x)
ReplyDeleteWell done, and "continuez ainsi!"
May God help you for your daring achievements of 2009..
ReplyDeleteDon't sell yourself short! Maybe you should offer your pear or other artwork for sale either through this blog, or Ebay or some other forum. Judging by the posts, you have many fans, and while you might not rake in $5800, you might earn yourself some money to put towards some art suppies, or tuition on a class or two.
ReplyDeleteThis is a year of transition for me as well, and while I'm nowhere near wear I want to be in terms of the goals I have set for myself. I feel like I am on my way, and that is a great feeling!
Do what you want to do, and everything else will fall into place.
I found your blog yesterday and wanted to tell you I really enjoy it! :) I mentioned your blog in a tag that was sent to me this morning (I hope that's ok). I just think the people that read my blogs would enjoy yours too. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteA kiss from SPAIN...good blog
ReplyDeleteI like both pears. I decided when I turned 50 to get myself a few things I've wanted for a long time. If not now, when?
ReplyDeleteWow! I have been standing in line for about 2 hours trying to get in to your blog!! Heh!! Talk about popular!!!
ReplyDeleteI hope 2009 turns out to me all you want and more! Okay, okay, okay!! I am moving!! Quit pushing!! (Don't these people have any manners?!? heh!) Okay, okay!!
Talk to you when I can get close to you again! Maybe in 3 or 4 days! (Weeks?!?) Okay, okay! I'm moving! Stop pushing!! Heh!!!
Going back to school might be a surprising yet wonderful experience. I myself am planning to take my Master this year! Hopefully both our plans push through. :D
ReplyDeleteLovely Blog - !
ReplyDeleteI agree, they both look bout the same. You obviously have talent!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful painting and beautiful point of view. Follow your heart and you will never regret :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Discovery!
I'm a photographer. I get lots of pats on the back and "you're such a good photographer" comments. When asked, I tell them my secret. TAKE LOTS OF PHOTOS.
ReplyDeleteTo you I would say paint lots of pears! You never know which one will be the really great one. It may still be inside you!
I like your pear better - more colorful. Nice blog.
ReplyDeleteI think if you want to go back to school, you should! You don't necessarily have to do it full-time, you could take a class here and there In addition, I don't think you should do it to see if anyone else will think you are good, but rather do it for yourself. It sounds like you think you could be great, so I think you need to give yourself the opportunity. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHi there, greetings from bottom end of Africa. Thanks, your blog is really well put together, you deserve the BON! My experience of Canada was the CN Transcontinental (Toronto-Vancouver in 3 days & 4 nights), and a tour of BC. Oh, and Ontario and Niagara falls (what else?). I once thought of living there, and could have done that when more junior! Ciao.
ReplyDeleteJo, I love the colors in your pear! If I were in the market for pear art, I would want yours. :) As I read the rest of your post about following your dreams, I was thinking of a little quote I have hanging near my desk. It's a 16th century Latin motto: Aude aliquid dignum, or 'Dare something worthy'. What a wonderful goal for 2009!
ReplyDeleteGo back t school and follow your dream - life does not afford many opportunities to do so.
ReplyDeleteThis is the kind of blog post I needed. I have always wanted to pursue writing but have always been too afraid to do so. You are intimidated by other artists, but I am intimidated by my own audience. I am going to try and do more with writing this year. I have started by launching my own blog, where I can just share my thoughts and the things I love with other people.
ReplyDeletehttp://onehappypanda.blogspot.com
Check it out if you get the chance. I've enjoyed what I have read of your thoughts so far. And hey, congrats on being a "blog of note". It's how I found you, and you will be going on my bookmarks. Good luck with your art!
I did just that...I went back to school to get my college diploma at age 47. This was my first week and I loved every minute. I encourage you to do the same!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations for all your blogging successes. You really should go to art school. Kudos to you for thinking about trying something you've always wanted to do. You're an inspiration to all of us. Please let me know if you would be interested in being featured on my blog. You'd be a great addition.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Kat&Corie
thanks for the comment back. we'll be condensing you into a sentence quite soon. if there are objections to that, please email me within the next couple of days.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful blog! Thank you for sharing. I just did decide to go back to school - - starting an online accelerated degree program on Jan. 20th - -excited and a bit fearful, but I have arrived at a time in my life's journey where I am eager to learn as much as I can and it will certainly be different! Thanks for your introspective contributions.
ReplyDeleteI'm starting to do what I want to do here: http://cowritten.blogspot.com/ - care to join me?
ReplyDeleteI want to learn to love myself. That's something that I need to do but I'm not sure how to go about it.
ReplyDeleteDid you know that this is a dream for some. I am restless until I grow up, get a little bit old,and settle down to live that wonderful life you live out there.
ReplyDeleteI rather love your version of the pear than the other one..really! its vibrant and fresh looking.
ReplyDeletecongratulations...not only on being a blog of note but also gearing up for a challenge.
ReplyDeletehttp://ljpaints.angelfire.com/atcs/index.album/little-green-pear-traded?i=31&s=1
ReplyDeleteMy Green Pear... :)
Glad I found your blog.
Can I make link whith you?
ReplyDeletehttp://yafyr.blogspot.com/
I'd totally pay $5.80!!! It's a great looking pear for sure!
ReplyDeleteAll the best in 2009!
Great blog!
I'm visiting you for the first time because I happened upon the "blogs of note" tab on my blog reading list... didn't even know I had one of those as I've been at blogspot for about three months, an aol journals refugee, I suppose. In read here that you are considering going back to school... I haven't read many of your posts yet, but am going to add you to my follow list. And your interest in art gives us something in common. I haven't even checked your age yet, so don't know where you are in your life, but I just started teaching art about 1 1/2 years ago, a change in career for me. I was in a comfortable place when I decided to return to school at the age of 46 back in 1996. I started teaching in 1999, and the role of art teacher came to me just recently. I think what separates those artists you admire or are intimidated by is not their talent, nor who they know or where they live... but possibly it is that they are not just thinking about making arat, but are making art. And they have to conquer their fears as well, the fear of failure as well as the fear of success. If this is something you seriously want to pursue, take action now! You can do it... Yes, the only way to find out is to actually do it, and you said it yourself. Push the envelope, get out of the boat, walk on the water, take a chance, leap into the dark unknown, have faith "that if you don't land on solid ground, you will learn to fly"...not my words, btw! Ten years from now you could be remembering how in 2009 you took the first step. Good luck and God bless. Bea
ReplyDeleteDO IT!!! I hope you go back to school. I recently started painting again after 10 blasted years of procrastination.
ReplyDeleteCongrats of being a blog of note!
ReplyDeleteI think your pear is just as gorgeous, and if it is what you want to do then I am hoping you have the courage to do what you want this year! It can be hard to follow your heart sometimes.
I have made the same decision as you for 2009 and, through blogging, have learned that the reason I don't "make art" is because I am afraid. So. . I decided to peel that layer off and just do it and put it "out there" and believe me, I am a real beginner! But this desire keeps coming back over and over again. I think your art is wonderful! I just discovered your blog a few days ago and I LOVE reading it.
ReplyDeleteI see those two pears and those two houses in the other post, and it seems to me that.......
ReplyDeleteWell, I like to watch different versions of the same movie, just to see how the characters and tone and mood are interpreted.
Best example for me is “Dangerous Liaisons” with Glenn Close and John Malkovich and the earlier version, “Valmont” starring Annette Bening and Colin Firth. Like in a painting, such a difference in shading and light. Every move is a decision, and how different those decisions can be.
Second example: ”Cape Fear,” the original or earlier one starring Robert Mitchum and the latest one starring Robert De Niro.
I enjoy comparing movies this way, not to see which is better, but to see how a script can be so differently interpreted and how reality can be so shaded.
-Lorna
Hi.... do u know that an online exhibition is a great innovation and revolution in today’s world in the field of exhibitions and trade-fairs. An Online Exhibition is a gateway of promoting your company & their products worldwide to the huge audience at a single click. In contrast to the physical trade-shows, www.made-from-india.com is a unique platform for online and virtual exhibition in India.
ReplyDeletefor more detail kindly visit Website: www.made-from-india.com
I'm nearing my graduation from college, and there are so many things that I want to and wish I can do. I'm sure many of them will come to pass, but at the same time I wonder if I'm courageous or outrageous enough to follow through.
ReplyDeleteBe an inspiration for us wandering souls. Follow your heart.
Jo, your image of the pear is great and I encourage you to follow your heart - go to art school and develop what is quite obviously a talent waiting to grow. Congratulations too on your Blog of Note - it truly is one and you deserve the accolade!
ReplyDeleteI understand what you are going through. We're supposed to take care of financial needs, but every time we see someone else's work - jealousy and regret comes crashing over us. And it only gets worse with time. You won't be able to avoid it much longer.
ReplyDeleteFor a few days you'll have to sit down and debate the idea. It will be more about understanding Who you are than defining "desires" and "needs".
If you finally decide to go through with it- your motivation will be challenged non-stop and your resolve will waver often.
When it does, just ask yourself this - wouldn't I recommend others to do this? Wouldn't I cheer them on and help keep them motivated? If you answer yes, then be reassured that if you can do it for others, than you can do THIS for yourself!
Goodluck
If it helps, most artists are procrastinators... at least art students (as I know from experience). I think it is intrinsically built into us.
ReplyDeleteRight now I want to go back to Germany. And it just about scares me to death.
ReplyDelete