Thursday, July 7, 2011

Growth

Recently, I was able to visit the studio of one of my favorite artists, Dennis Campay. The man is amazing, and his wife is one cool chick. I want to be them when I grow up. His art is so alive, and so fantastic. He is such a generous man. He discussed the mindset of a creative person and how to open yourself to what is really in your soul and in your heart. I felt like a lightening bolt had hit me. There was a true, giant, all encompassing "AHA" moment-Oprah would be so proud.

I came home from Dennis's funky, urban place of inspiration and looked around my suburban, white bread home filled with old english furniture. My surroundings cannot dictate my creative flow!! At least for now it will have to do. I ran upstairs to my in home studio and whipped out a wild and crazy painting with drips and scraping and splatters. I was scared, appalled and excited. What had I done?? One of my galleries had called needing more art. Dare I? I didn't have much else so I did. I took that wet & wild painting in there, full of trepidation and more than the usual insecurities. My friendly gallery owner took a look at it, kind of mumbled and smiled, then moved it to to the side of my pile of art.

At least I had tried to release that creative, wild thing inside of me. It was scary but I heard Dennis in my head saying "It's only paint-what are you afraid of?" Halfway home I got a call from my gallery. The piece had just sold.

There is paint now splattered everywhere in my studio. It reminds me of the first time I tried to cook spaghetti. I have strange things scattered around that I hope to use in my paintings. My next few attempts have had mixed results, but I am raging forward, opening that part of my self that is a little scared to come out. This painting is 24 x 36, and now dried and recovered from the violence of its creation and is available by contacting me at jschultz05@comcast.net.

2 comments:

Denise Rose said...

So cool Jenny! And so true! Dennis is right about the fear thing!

Lana Manis said...

Jenny, I found you today by searching for 2013 Norcross Art Fest artists... as I am one of them and quite nervous about it! Your art is amazing... inspiring... and like you, Carol Marine and Karin Jurick are artists I admire. Now I can add you to that list! I look forward to seeing your gorgeous art at Norcross! :)