10 Things Art and Sex Have in Common

Interest - Regardless of skill or experience, if you have a sustained
interest in any pursuit, most likely you will do it well or learn to do it well.  Talent without interest fizzles, and ability without interest is just stone cold.  Enthusiasm, excitement and confidence are vital in evolving interest into passion.
Committment - Making art that expresses who you are requires time to learn how your own technical knowledge and emotions interact with both the subject matter and the materials at hand.  It requires committment.  Having sex with someone with whom you have a committed relationship is better than with someone you hardly know, which is not true intimacy, but more like having fast food when you could have had gourmet.  While I'm not implying that every committed relationship automatically means better sex, I am saying that it allows you the time and unfolding to learn your partner's emotional, physical, mental and spiritual temperament.
Freedom of Expression - You have the idea, you have the feelings, you have the desire.  You may express yourself however you wish, either in making love or in making art.
Spirituality - Spirituality is the level you reach during the phase where art makes itself - where eyes, hands and mind work in unison without self-conciousness or mental prompts, where color, form and all elements become one.  Enough said.
Creativity - When making art, it is exciting to approach each new work with a sense of joy rather than duty.  Each new work will have your own signature, but will be individual in its originality.  It is possible to approach intimacy with your partner in the same manner, with a willingness to be creative and varied in your activity.
Fulfillment - Satisfaction can be temporary, while fulfillment suggests permanency, while still challenging you to continue to strive for your highest.  This applies to many areas of life, including art and sex.
Health Benefits - Whenever I am involved in the process of painting with focus and committment, the results of my efforts invariably are felt afterwards.  The completed work leaves me with a sense of well-being and energy.  Over time, this has influenced my overall health.  Being in a committed relationship with someone you love and share a healthy sexual relationshp contributes to good physical and mental health, as well.
Communication - The process of making great art requires not only a robust constitution, but also a heightened sense of connection between yourself and your tools.  Heart, head and hands must be keen in communicating through dialogue between the artist and the work, reacting as the moment dictates.  The same is true in maintaining a fulfilling relationship with your partner.  Good communication includes the ability to truly listen, responding appropriately with sensitivity to what was said.
Passion - In many cases, the passion for making art can endure as long as you're an artist, even though, gradually over time, the physical aspect might limit your productivity.  The same could be said of a sexual relationship. 
Development - Great art must be developed over time.  Some people have given me funny looks when I have stated that this is such an overlooked area of intimate relationships.  It is my belief that a sexual relationship should also be developed over time.  I believe that the loss of sexual interest in your partner often results from failure to develop the emotional, mental and spiritual aspects  - as well as the physical aspects of a relationship.  Focusing on the physical alone can result in constantly seeking new partners, or even becoming sexually addicted.  A good sexual relationship cannot thrive strictly on physical attraction. 

    

Appreciating Art by Children

When my now eight-year old grandaughter was five, she often sat next to me making her own art as I painted or sketched.  There was a period when she was quite prolific, cranking out colorful abstracts as well as a series of "girl" drawings which she obviously enjoyed making.  Each one of these girls had serious hair and a common stance, which I assumed she was attempting to duplicate from "Top Model," her favorite television show at the time. 

I was so enthusiastic about these small drawings that I carefully framed and mounted them in a montage arrangement over my kitchen desk.  Of course, my grandaughter was thrilled about this.  Whenever she came to visit, she went straight to the kitchen to look at her paintings.  Although they were raw and undeveloped, they were unique, colorful and made with lots of love.

Once, when I was preparing to take some paintings to a potential client, my grandaughter asked me, "What's a client?"  When I answered they were someone who bought paintings, she said, "Wait a minute!  Take some of my mine because I'm sure she'll want to buy them!"  Is that not confidence?

Parents, teachers and relatives can instill confidence in their children's artistic abilities - or even just passing interest- by showing appreciation for their creative renderings.  Every effort is praiseworthy as well as pure because a child's vision is spontaneous, genuine and innocent.  Some of  the art I've most enjoyed has come from children.  Whenever I look at it, I can feel the initial response that brought it into being.  Usually, this response is a sense of  wonder and excitement about the work itself.

As an adult artist, it is this feeling that keeps me painting, keeps me returning to the drawing board.  Often, I am aware that it is this feeling of excitement that I want to re-capture each time I start a new painting. How wonderful that children get to experience that feeling each time they make art.

Art made by children can be viewed at exhibitions presented by schools, libraries and community centers, among others.  These works are also available online.  Two of my favorite sites of art by children are ArtSonia and http://www.kidsart/.  When you visit the latter, be sure to click 'visit the gallery.'  Enjoy! 

*Note:  I wanted very much to post a photo of my grandaughter and me, as well as some of her art work, but was unable to do so because of technicalities.  I hope you enjoy this essay just the same.    

Leaving Winter

Even as the snow continues to cover the ground and the temperature drops at night, something has shifted in my winter perception.  I am thinking spring.  As I continue my pattern of rising just after dawn to write or read, I am no longer feeling restricted by winter.  Instead, I am thinking about walking outside again, maybe taking a swimming class and attending that monthly networking group I have missed all winter because of the cold.  I am also thinking about how much fun it will be to shop for and wear spring clothes.  Yea! No more looking like Lenny the Lumberjack!

The cardinals that frequent the feeder at a friend's house must be feeling spring-like, too, because the male and female have been playing "bird tag"  every time I visit. They know winter will have to leave soon, whether she wants to or not, because spring is patiently waiting just beneath the surface of the snow.

Despite my occasional complaints about the weather, I realize that the season of winter is necessary in order to enjoy and appreciate the warmer seasons.  I believe that winter is a metaphor for the major challenges of our lives.  The fact of winter helps to  build character and endurance, as we would probably be "fluffy" rather than solid people if it was spring all the time.  That which is too familiar is often taken for granted.

As winter is leaving, I am mentally bidding her goodbye in subtle ways.  I am noticing that the trees continue to be beautiful, even when bare.  And even though I dislike driving in snow, it is pleasant to view from inside, especially when the house is dark. 

Yes, I know that winter is notorious for throwing curve balls.  During the fickle month of March is when she is most likely to get weird on us, mixing all kinds of unlikely elements , "Ummm, what about  some fog with that ice!  Or a bit of sleet with the fog - haven't done that one in a while!" 

Still, when your time is up, it's up.  We are now closer to spring than winter, and soon it will be time to say......

".....goodbye, winter....hello,spring!"      

Navigating Facebook

It's been almost a month since my account has been active on Facebook, and I'm not surprised that, despite a few annoying occurences, I am enjoying the experience.  I think my experience has been mostly positive because I am aware of my primary reason for being on the site - to promote my art.  Making friends along the way would definitely be an added bonus.

To date, here's some of my favorite features of Facebook: 

Friends - My list includes friends, other artists, musicians and family members.  Taking it slow when it comes to adding people makes my list relatively small in comparison to others who have added thousands. Also, I'm happy to say that I ACTUALLY KNOW or at least have met most of the people on my list!  It's a delight to connect with people I have not seen in years, and I look forward to finding more of these connections on Facebook.  Also, it's thrilling beyond words to connect with relatives in other states.     

Inbox - I love that I can send private messages via my inbox.  Since I enjoy one- on- one conversation, I use this feature regularly, mainly with people with whom I have had a "real life" connection. 

Status Updates - There is a section for viewing the most recent comments and activities of people on your friends list as well as updates about businesses, products, websites and celebrities you have added to your Pages.  Such an interesting treat!

Pages - This is one of my most used resources on Facebook.  I have become a fan not only of favorites I have used, but also a few that I want to learn more about.  I like getting updates about these favorites.

Artist's Groups - There are many I would like to join, but have only joined one thus far.  It's so much fun conversing with the other artists there and viewing their work that I haven't had time to check out the others.

This is all I have to say right now.  I think my Facebook experience will continue to be positive if  I remember that it is an enjoyable PART of my life, and not my  ENTIRE life. 

Already I have made some connections with people from my past whom I might still have been searching for had I not joined Facebook.  This makes me glad.   

Art and the Fifth House of Leo

Criminologists have sometimes employed professional astrologers to draw up charts to study cerebral commonalities in serial killers.  Being naturally curious, I have studied  astrology in a lesser,  but more than cursory way in order to observe personality,character traits and various interests and pursuits in myself and others.    

It has been my observation that a great many artists are born in the month of July, the last part of which rules the sun sign, Leo -specifically July 23 to August 22.  This sign is ruled by the sun, it's symbol is the lion, and in scientific astrology,  governs the fifth house of art, leadership, children and creativity.  Even if an artist is not born within that exact time frame, some significant aspect of his chart is probably strongly influenced by the fifth house of Leo.

For example, the major aspects of my own chart are dominated by fifth house placements.  Although I was born with the Sun in Sagittarius, Moon in Pisces and Aries rising, many other planets such as Mercury, Mars and Uranus are ruled by other signs as well as Leo placed solidly in the fifth house.  

What does all this mean?  For me, it simply means that I must express my emotions through creative pursuits in order to be happy.  I'm sure it means the same for other artists, as well.

Some famous artists born in July include Gustave Klimt, Frida Kahlo, Marcel DuChamp, David Hockney, James M. Whistler, Edgar Degas, Thomas Eakins, Jean DuBuffett, Marc Chagall, Andrew Wyeth, Rembrandt, Alexander Calder, Edward Hopper and George Grosz.  There are probably many others.

I must also mention that the polarity of Leo is its opposite sign Aquarius, and there are many artists born under that sign, as well.     

If an artist is born at any time in July, he might be a Cancer or a Leo, but based on what I know about astrology, would still have strong placements leaning into  Leo and its fifth house.  He would be artistic, expressive, somewhat dramatic in speech, perhaps a chairman or president of a club or committee, and would probably have at least one child.  If not an artist, he might be an art lover or a gallery owner.  He might a Scorpio art dealer with his Moon in Leo or a Leo Rising or a strong fifth house placement.

For the record, President Barack Obama is a Leo and is a eloquent speaker.  He and his wife, Michelle Obama are art lovers who have two children.

Just some fun info, ya'll.   I want every Leo who reads this to leave a comment. 

How Ideas Come

Subjects  for my paintings and poetry are generally based on my beliefs, thoughts, life experiences and observations.  However, specific ideas are often generated through inspirations such as cinema, literature or music. These ideas might come slowly as a process, spontaneously at any given time or in a dream, just before waking.

Ideas that come slowly as a process first manifest as a strong feeling I might have about a movie I've just seen or an unusually inspiring piece of music.  Like most of us, I  am most likely to have feelings about whatever I relate to - that expresses something I've experienced in my own life.  I felt justly moved the other night after hearing Jennifer Hudson singing, "Let It Be."  The words to that song always resonate with me, but her rendition was particularly impressive.

The strong feeling then flows into desire - the desire to retain the feeling by manifesting it into art.  This is a gradual process that might begin with sketches,  more sketches, and then a final drawing, which is used as a reference for the painting. 

Spontaneous ideas invariably come when I'm in a very relaxed mood with making art the last thing on my mind.  I might be doing a mundane task, such as vacuuming the floor or doing laundry, when - pow! - a poem insinuates itself into my brain.  Or an idea for a painting demands an immediate sketch.

Ideas that come in dreams are what I call gifts because they arrive full-fledged, rich with color and complete in design.  They are paintings delivered by angels during sleep.  Their only demand is that a pencil and pad is nearby.  Otherwise, they will be lost forever.

Oops, I forgot another way an idea might come - through sitting down and sweating it out of your brain......it's called..... force.  This one requires lots of time - say days or weeks.  

Staying Healthy While Creating Art

 "Objects of Healing #2" / Acrylic on Canvas

When  just starting my professional career several years ago, I had a discussion with an established artist which has stuck in my mind to this day.  When I asked him how he was able to spend long hours in his studio working on his beautiful pointillism works, he cited long distance swimming as the key to his stamina.  He said the best advice he would give any artist  is "stay healthy in order to continue creating art!" 

As I realize now more than ever that "the more creative I am, the more creative I become," I also realize that a high level of energy is necessary in order to continue producing at the rate I currently enjoy.  My goal is to be like Pablo Picasso, who died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 90, after painting until 4a.m.

Barring unforseen circumstances, if I am to realize that goal, I know what to do.  The trick is to do it consistently:  1)Eat "right", which for me includes fish, poultry, raw and cooked vegetables, whole grains, fruits and water. I eat these foods every single day, but not always in smaller portions.   2) Get enough sleep.  Six hours is the most  I can muster.  3) Exercise.  When I'm not painting or making art, I'm constantly moving about, but I don't have an exercise routine. 4) Take vitamins.  I take them, and they make me feel a lot better than I would without them.

If I were to give myself a grade in following through on all of the above, I would give myself a B-,  even though I feel healthy most of the time. I have not had a cold, an ache or a pain in eight years.  Still, it bothers me that I could do better, but don't.  

Why don't I do it consistently?  Because I'm busy painting, ya'll!!!  Yes, I know.  It's a real Catch22.  But I have promised myself to get better with this.

And I'm thinking that I will.   

The Compassionate Sun

 "The Compassionate Sun"  / Acrylic on Canvas

 "As I continue to acknowledge those who are living with cancer or have overcome cancer,  I offer this painting and poem.  Both were created two years ago for my mother, who died in 2002 from ovarian cancer, a rapidly-growing form of that disease.  Shortly following her diagnosis, my mother suffered a stroke, which left her unable to speak throughout the reminding three months of her illness.  She had a room with a pleasant view.

See how the sun loves your heart,
Which faintly beats, yet still does beat
How fickle pain now does depart
How earth warms your chilly feet
As sun rises high, bright with heat

Sun knows you have lived with grief
Stored your faith in darkest keeping
Today's presence might recall your belief
To summon on days when he is sleeping
To hold on days that find you weeping

Your heart and soul feels torn and bled
You miss the sun whom you love so dear
First came rain, now the dread
No comfort of sun to soothe your fear
Only shadows of illness lurking near

See how the sun loves your face
Then pleases the trees with his smile
How he illumines morning like grace
Then comes in kindness to visit a while
To please you, also, with his smile

Much attention he has given the flowers
Such days of pleasure nature has known
For you, he rises to soften your hours
With this new light, your spirit has shone
Today he smiles for you alone

See how the sun loves you
This beautiful day is an embrace
With rays of hope that washes through
And illuminates morning like grace.

Offers this day that feels like Grace. 

copyright 2009, Georgette Jones

Cancer Survivor

Cancer came quietly, a subtle thief

In wait, lain for all those years

A downward spiral, a slow-falling leaf

To target the center of my fears

To target the eye of my major issues

The place where lessons take shape

Negative emotions hidden in tissue

Reveals truth without hope of escape

This, coupled with addictions of choice

Used by me in times of frustration

Growth now spreads this foreign voice

Whose presence increases my desperation

Why was tobacco used to cope

With the sorrows of a mundane life?

Or food used like a kind of dope

To get me through times of strife?

To leave faces of familiarity

Is not my longtime vision of now

Although I accept my mortality

There must be an answer, somehow

Could I pray for a quiet remission?

To give me a decent second chance?

And ask only for higher permission

For cancer to exit and me to enhance

The gifts of my life with a stronger heart

Based on all I belatedly understand

And walk the ways of a fresh start

The gifts of my life held firmly in hand

Then, through prayer plus action of power

Of equal intensity where cancer fed

Overrides the density where disease flowers

And bequeaths precious life instead

Though my understanding is most abstract

Of how this healing came to be

That miracles are possible is a fact

Of both scientific reasons and Divinity!

copyright 2009, Georgette Jones

*This poem was written two years ago, and is dedicated to all my friends who have beat cancer.  The painting, "Dreams of the Trinity" is in the permanent collection of Providence Hospital in Novi, Michigan.  

Fond Wishes for 2010

Good Day, Everyone!  And a Good New Year!  Let's all hope and pray for a better new year. May you all be blessed with your fondest good wishes.  Here are some of my own:

- That our troops will return home soon.  Is peace a possibility for this world?

- That there will be more protection for our children.  There are too many of them missing!

- That our elderly, our poor, our sick and our homeless will receive the services they need.

- That our lagging economy will soon recover.

- That the iminent health care reform will be true reform, beneficial to all.

- That art and handmade items will gain a firm footing in the global market, most desired ......(and bought... hee, hee).

- That, as artists, we will begin to document more of what is happening during these historical times, thereby leaving records for posterity.

- Speaking of  health care, that our pocketbooks be fat, but not our asses (mine included, ya'll).  Yes, I can be extremely spiritual, and say that word sometimes! 

Peace and Blessings to All!