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My Art is a Lie


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Most artists will tell you that true art comes from within. And this is accurate. Unfortunately, many artists close the door to their inner artist in an effort to please the masses. I am 100% guilty of this.


I want to gain recognition. I want to be admired. I want to pay my bills. For these reasons, I take on commissions or do portraits of celebrities that I think people will want. While this is all well and good and I'd still rather be doing this than waiting tables or working in an office, it's not my truth.

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I've had lots of ideas for art series or studies. Many of these ideas involve controversial topic such as sexuality, religion, the homeless, etc. I really want to make a statement with my art...but I'm scared. What if people don't like it? What if they judge me? What if they don't get it?


I see so many artists who don't appear to have such concerns. Many of them make waves, but it works for them. I've never been one to make waves. I am a people-pleaser. I'm a caretaker. I just want everyone to be happy.

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But I need to be happy, too.


In my future artistic pursuits, I intend to unlock the door to my indifference and do what I want to do. Even as I write this, I'm terrified of what you will think. However, I've always believed in facing my fears.


So here we go....



 
 
 

Friday Feature: Trump, Who?


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I've never really enjoyed talking politics. Who does? I'm not even sure politicians enjoy talking politics. It usually results with people getting mad at each other because no one is willing to bend or see the other person's point of view. Nothing is resolved. Nothing changes. Unless you're actively involved in it, it doesn't seem to do anyone any good.


My boyfriend and I have opposing views on many topics. Early in our relationship, we just avoided them completely. As we've gotten to know each other better, we can discuss some of the hot topics, but I find that it just stresses me out.


So, for my own sanity, I've decided to retire from discussing politics. I'm not saying I'll totally tune out if I'm with a group of friends and it comes up. I just don't want to get into any heated debates about policies that I have no control over. I'll still vote and I'll still educate myself on current events and issues, but it won't be a huge priority in my life.


Instead, I'm going to focus on bettering myself. Instead of listening to NPR during the news segments, I'll listen to an empowering audio book. Instead of reading the news, I'll take an online class. Instead of engaging in heated arguments over who's puppet is better, I'll lift up my discussion partners by encouraging them to follow their dreams.


I'm sure I'll get plenty of folks who say I'm part of the problem by not being part of the solution. However, I think that if more people focused on bettering themselves instead of complaining about things they aren't actively trying to change, maybe we wouldn't have as many problems as we do. People would be happier and more content with themselves so they wouldn't have to project their insecurities on everyone else. I'm gonna give it a try and I'll let you know how it turns out. I encourage you to do the same. Peace.


 
 
 

Shout-Out Sunday: Eli Ruhala Don't Need No Stinking Canvas


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I have to admit it. When I first saw Dallas-based (we're practically neighbors!) contemporary figurative oil painter Eli Ruhala's work, I didn't get it. His broad-stroked portraits on medicine cabinets, mirrors and pillow cases - while strikingly beautiful and disarmingly personal - didn't make sense to me. And then I read the stories behind them. Taking a stroll through Eli's Instagram page (@ruhala_arts) is like watching a coming-of-age film. Eli's story unfolds before you through his art. He opens himself up to you, giving you a glimpse inside his head, leaving you feeling a bit like an eavesdropper but unable to resist wanting more. Cool hues bring on feelings of an oncoming storm...or perhaps one that has just passed. At times, his themes make you feel sad and lonely. Other times, they bring about feelings of calm and hope. His story is just beginning. I won't give it away. You'll just have to check it out for yourself. I look forward to following him and watching him grow throughout what I'm sure will be a fruitful art career and a happy life. To purchase his art, contact him through Instagram or visit the galleries in which his art is currently being shown.

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Q: Who are your favorite artists? A: Favorite artists are Felix Gonzales-Torres, Gustav Klimt, Egon Schile, and Jenny Seville


Q: What's your preferred medium and why? What are the best and worst things about working with this medium? A: Preferred medium is Oil Paint because it has such a diverse arrangement of application. Oils can be thinned to act like watercolors or applied thick to create texture and depth. One of the best and worst factors of oil is the time required for the medium to dry. It’s slow drying process allows for one to rework an area to their content bust can also create a gap of time in between stages of a painting.

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Q: What's your trademark? A: My Trademark is the heavy use of blues in my figurative paintings. It pushes contrast between the warm highlights and cold shadows that ultimately create form.


Q: How has your style changed over the years? A: As of recently the work I’ve been doing has changed drastically. For years I had painted on flat surfaces such as panel and canvas, but my work has shifted toward viewer interaction. Now most of my paintings are done on domestic objects to further a relationship with the viewer.


Q: What's the best advice you've ever received? A: The best advice I had ever received came from my high school art teacher. He told me to pursue what I was passionate in and dissuaded me from going into a field of work that I would not enjoy just for financial reasons.


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