one milestone at a time
I did it. I submitted my artwork to the church’s International Art Competition. This is the first art (not design) competition I’ve entered in about 14 years, probably - I did submit one item to a juried show back in ‘94 (didn’t get in).
“Sanctification”, Encaustic on panel (Diptych)
detail 1
detail 2
And, though I still feel like I am just getting started, I also feel I made a good effort. This is a huge step for me - first, to have actually taken enough time to finish the piece by the due date, and second, to have gotten myself to the point where I’m not really worried about whether or not I get in the show… truly a milestone for me. I’ve always been highly demanding of myself, especially when it concerns my artwork/creative projects. I had a hard time accepting less than the best in recognitions, etc. But, I’ve gotten through that now, and it feels so GOOD. It feels good to be painting again AND it feels good to not be worrying about the outcome of the competition.
BTW - the piece is better in person, because it’s easier to see the contrast between the textured area and the super smooth area.
**The recipe competition is still on with two weeks left - see previous post. Please note - rice is ok, and beans are ok. Rice & beans together - let’s avoid for now (we already eat a few dishes like this and they’re not favorites). Thanks!**
Creativity Question: Do you allow yourself to create “imperfect” pieces, knowing that each imperfect work is a step toward mastering that skill?
I’m learning to accept the in-between stages, and loving it, and savoring it for what it is. That doesn’t mean I don’t get frustrated occasionally in the midst of the learning curve, but I’m learning to enjoy the process.
October 12th, 2008 at 12:52 am
I’m fortunate in that the kind of “pieces” I do can be revised easily and repeatedly. The drafting process is still hard for me, because I don’t like feeling that what I’ve done isn’t perfect. And getting feedback can be very painful. But if I tried to make it perfect the first time, I would never get anything written.
October 12th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
That piece is beautiful! I wish I could see it in person! Good luck in the competition, keep us updated.
October 13th, 2008 at 2:04 am
I love it. I look at it and that is exactly how I feel after I’ve repented, like all the harsh, dark stuff inside me just goes away into something light and beautiful. At least that is how I see it.
I am still working on the not caring about perfection thing, or what other people think of my work. I know it holds me back alot, but I am working on getting over it.
October 13th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Lovely. I’m so envious of your talent.
October 14th, 2008 at 3:19 am
Amy, you are so talented. I’m glad you decided to enter the contest. Your work is beautiful.
I rarely worry about what other people think. But I also feel like I am my own worst critic. I do worry about perfection too much. If I’m not happy with it then I don’t want to show it to other people.
October 14th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Amy, it’s beautiful! Good luck with the competition…one of these years I’d like to enter something too. You’re good with the encaustics. I love how you’ve integrated texture into the piece. Beautiful!
October 15th, 2008 at 8:22 am
That is beautiful even just digitally. It must be breathtaking in person.
And no, I’m not so good yet with the imperfect, in-between stages of things. Hopefully NaNoWriMo will get me out of that particular box!
October 15th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Amy, I really like it. It is a wonderful depiction of the “sanctification” process. Thank you for sharing it. I only wish I could see the original. You are such a talented, thoughtful and beautiful person.
October 15th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
I am Dana’s friend. She thought I might like to see your work, and I am glad she showed me. It is really interesting. I love texture, and layers. Good luck, and if it comes to SLC, I will go see it. The color is really amazing also. Nice job!
October 17th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
It’s a beautiful representation of moving into the light from darkness, peeling away the things that are holding us back from the Lord’s presence. Good job!
October 21st, 2008 at 1:52 am
I love it! I’m proud of you! I was going to enter the contest also but…I kept putting off the fact that I needed to contact someone about copywrite stuff. Oh well. I wish you the best!
October 22nd, 2008 at 11:40 pm
Thanks for sharing. I think that encauste (spelling?) really suits you as a medium. When you first told me about it I was anxious to see how you would apply it. I think that it’s an exceptional piece.
October 29th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
Amy, you are so stinking talented! I still love the painting you did for my birthday! It’s beautiful! I sure miss talking to you!
November 8th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Amy, I love your art work. You are so talented.
Love from Hannah