A few years back, I read in a book by John C. Maxwell that one of the things that fosters success in life is to study successful people in my chosen field, study their history and everyday life, and then think of practical ways to apply it to my life. I took this admonition to heart quite literally. My chosen would-be mentor was Nelson Shanks, the great contemporary American portrait painter. I read every internet and magazine article available, studied all of his painting images in print and online, and aspired to go to the US to participate in his Studio Incamminati under the watchful eye of the Maestro himself. My admiration of Mr. Shanks 
has not changed, but my direction for my art has.
This change in direction is primarily attributable to life. The everyday, get up out of bed, go to work, deal with problems, rejoice over the good things kind of living. Back when I imagined someday painting like Nelson, my plan was predicated on my then three teenaged kids and two twenty-something adult children enjoying a productive, relatively trouble-free, make good choices kind of life. I did not anticipate all the health concerns, the big wedding, the birth of three grandchildren (and not by the couple in wedded bliss either), the devastating relationship break ups, and unexpected(and costly) changes in tertiary plans. Then, of course, we addressed the issues caused the tragic stroke of my brother back home. And we cared for aging parents, both mine and my husband's, with costly and time consuming journeys taken to offer support.
Indeed, Oil Change and Noble People, Treasured Land, two solo exhibitions of which I'm really pleased, were realised during this trying period. But, still I dreamed of retreating into my sanctuary studio and shutting my family out, with all their problems, for a solid 8 hours a day, 5 days a week painting Valhalla. This fantasy included Puccini arias lilting through the atmosphere, ala Nelson Shanks, with Bill graciously offering warm refreshments at the end of a mutually enriched and productive day. (According to one article I read, Shanks loves enjoying Opera whilst painting; his wife guards his painting sanctuary, occasionally proffering edible sustenance . This is not suggesting, however, that this is all there is to Shank's phenomenal success and talent!)
Instead, I faced morning after morning cognizant that I would forgo spending any time in studio in favour of helping a family member with another pressing problem. And, dear Bill!!! He spent hours patiently listening to my lament. When is everything going to settle down? When will everyone let me paint? When will our loved ones make "right" choices?
Now there are the economic realities. I do bring in income, but nothing near what I did as a Project Manager. There is also the world money crisis to consider!!! My vision seems so distant...so unrealisable.
In my quiet moments of reflection, I groan with the teacher of Ecclesiastes, agreeing that all pursuits do seem to be a chasing of the wind. Job reminds me that whilst my family has problems, they are still in this world, and I still have possessions, unlike his catastrophic losses. And yet he still believed. Intriguing. Psalms, a book of praise and heart felt response to the human condition, was largely written by David, a hot blooded man who murdered a man after sleeping with that man's wife. He really had enemies, including his own son and his kingly predecessor. Yet, I read where Jesus holds him up as an example of one who sought after God the most.
So, what does Jesus say about difficulties? He agrees that, indeed, in this world you will have troubles! What is His great philosophical reply to this dilemma? "Cheer up!" Basically, get up, get over it and move on. Yes, pray. Do what you know to do. Then leave it in God's hands.
This is not always easy for me, but I find it does bring a sense of relief and peace. Is my life any less hectic? No. In the past three weeks, three people back home have gone to the hospital for various life-saving procedures, and we still cope with physical and emotional situations from time to time in my New Zealand family. People continue to come around to visit at inconvenient times, and cars, dishwashers, and refrigerators still break down(and all in the same day). And money is still tight. Oh, and our Bichon lovely dearSuzy-Q was killed early this month...and she was set to breed soon. There goes another source of income. But I believe. God is faithful.
So, how does this relate to an adjustment in artistic direction? Well, I've become very philosophical. Most of the perceived problems I have are problems of prosperity. Poor, destitute people do not worry about not having enough time to paint artwork. They don't bemoan the time and resources required for a joyous wedding. I'm glad for friends, and, aging parents are a blessing. Poorer societies are often plagued with high early mortality rates. They worry about not having enough food. I remind myself to be grateful for a refridgerator that does occasionally break down. And I make sure I give to help the poor.
I mull over the importance of what I do with my life. What do I do each day that justifies the price paid? That price is the time I can never get back. I can "make" money, but I can't "make" time. Why should I spend it worrying? Humans have worried for millennia. Across the centuries, those worries, not matter how dire they may have seemed to the individuals or societies, have died with those people and civilisations.
Another aspect that has changed in my thinking is this. There are always going to be "things" that clamour to get in the way of my success. There will always be problems to solve. Now, I resolve to not let them stop me from moving forward. I have determined no matter what, I will move forward everyday towards achieving my dreams and goals.
I believe that my contemporaries suffer unknown setbacks and challenges. Yes, I enjoy looking at their beautiful artworks and studios, but I can't help but smile to myself imagining about all the stuff they probably stuff away as well when visitors come to the studio.
I'm more prone to listen to Stanley Clarke, Jean Luc Ponty, Pat Metheny, Al DiMiola or Billy Cobham or enjoy Sebelius, Mozart, Beethoven, or Bach on my computer speakers while I paint. And my husband, well he brings me coffee in bed on Saturdays, and is very likely to go out in the cold, dark, night to fetch a needed ingredient from the grocery store for me without complaint.
I choose for my mentors those like Abraham Lincoln who started out poor and experienced many failures and political setbacks, and was saddled with a spouse notorious for her difficult disposition. He struggled on and eventually because President. I think about Harry S. Truman. Harry had a clothing store that went bust. Instead of claiming bankruptcy, he vowed to repay all the monies owed to his creditors. He kept his promise and went on to become "The Buck Stops Here" President of the USA. I also look for modern-day innovators. I admire Gary Vaynerchuk and his "crush it" attitude and appreciate his willingness to share his thoughts about the power of social networking and the opportunities the internet offers. John C. Maxwell and Joyce Meyer continue to be heroes as well.
I search out other artists as well, contemporary and historical. Just the fact that I can go to my paint drawer, grab out a tube of beautiful paint and start painting is certainly nothing compared to the preparatory routine of ancient masters who had to grind their own pigment and mix it with oils. They boiled rabbit skins and added lead powder for gesso to use as support primer, before they could even think about painting. And, they did NOT have cameras. I can't even begin to imagine creating art without using my camera for reference shots.
In summary, I realise life is short, and my life is good. I want to make my life count. I want my art work to be significant, to have meaning, and maybe even be a bit controversial and thought provoking. I will not allow my problems or inconveniences to stop me from accomplishing my goals. In reality I have few. These thoughts on this post helped birth and shape the concept for "Ephemeral Perception". I invite you to my website, BeverlyClaridge.com to read the Exhibition Statement to learn more.
I suppose I'd better post this now and get on to more paperwork so I can get back to painting tomorrow. I've had a great but challenging day of painting, with more interruptions than you could shake a stick at...but I always returned to my easel. For that little action of returning...I am victorious...again!
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