Oooh I love today's post! And also read Just Kids last month—such a romantic book of committing to a life of art. Being an artist is making art, but it also includes existential struggles such as these so I like to think it's all part of it!
I was blown away by Just Kids! And how Patti Smith wasn’t even trying to become a rock star! She just wanted to be a poet! And also make some drawings! Singing seemed like an afterthought. And then she wrote a whole book about it! And another! She is extraordinary.
I love this! I always wanted to be a writer. I recently came across my 6th grade report card wherein the teacher wrote: Sharon has a literary future—if she doesn’t neglect her writing. He also wrote that I needed to work on my arithmetic. 😂 60+ years later and both are still true 😂😂
Wow, Sharon! How cool that he predicted your “literary future” and how prescient to add the key for all of us: “if she doesn’t neglect her writing”! Thanks for sharing!
Just Kids is a great book. And this is a great post. I did a degree in fine art in my 20's... graduated "with distinction" and was even told by one of my teachers that I "could be one of the next great Canadian female artists" (???...such a stupid thing to say to a student). Still I struggled with making art for decades, and didn't truly feel that I could call myself AN ARTIST until I was in my 60's and had the exhibit Life's Work: A Visual Memoir that you checked out recently on my website. I thought I had reached a pinnacle and would finally lead the life of an artist (whatever that is) for the rest of my days... no problem. But life had other plans and threw some major wrenches into the works for a couple of years, and now I find myself once again trying to get back to making art. Still, through the last couple of years, I didn't lose my hard-earned "I am an artist" feeling. I now know that I'm 100% an artist, even if I'm not making art at the moment. But man it took a long time.
Wow, that's quite a story! Just curious: Why couldn't you call yourself an artist until your 60s? Did your life/habits change, or did your definition change? I'm glad you're no longer wrestling with labels--that you know who you are and what you're about, whether you're making art in the moment or not.
Well, I suffered from every artistic block in the book, so I'm sure that was part of it 😅. A lot of it was very unconscious at the time, like being raised to see art as frivolous, plus an unconscious fear of surpassing my mother at winning at life (that one would take too long to unpack here, haha). Plus some stupid belief that well, I'm never going to be Picasso, so why bother? That one is just an excuse my brain pulled out of its hat to throw in the mix, I think.
After finishing my degree I moved across the country and had a kid, so once she was a bit older and I'd finally found time and space to pursue artmaking again, I was super rusty and unable to rise above all the aforementioned barriers. But I suspect that the bottom line with regard to the issue of calling myself an artist was the fact that I wasn't doing it! The belief was that if I were a "real" artist, I'd be doing it no matter what. Therefore, how can I call myself an artist?
I didn't have my first solo show until 2009, which was 20 years after I'd left art school. But even then, I didn't feel fully confidant calling myself an artist till a couple years ago. I get the impression it's quite a common problem.
Also... addendum... as I was writing this I was thinking, "I've just written about this somewhere else recently. Where?" And then I went to work on next week's newsletter, and it was there 😅👀
While I love the story of my daughter schooling me about the act of painting as the definition of being a painter, I respect the idea of having some standards for what it means to be an artist/painter! When I was getting my PhD in English/Creative Writing, I had too much respect for actual writers to call myself a writer, but honestly once I did, it was very empowering, like something I had to live up to. Who knows! I’m glad you’ve found your way!
Thanks Kelcey. Your comment makes me think of a handful of people I know who quite suddenly decided they were artists and started producing (what I thought were) ridiculous, sub-par paintings. And of course selling them! 😂 So yes there is that other extreme... the people who too easily call themselves artists or writers. There's no accounting for what people will do...
I also enjoyed Just Kids, and I love every post you create, Kelcey. Even though I haven't sold a novel yet, I now consider myself a writer. During the years I wrote how-to quilting books (books that were published and sold 1000s), I thought of myself as an author.
Thanks, Marianne! It’s funny, I never thought much about the distinction between an author and a writer, but a few years ago I was in a workshop where the writer Rebecca Makkai told us to call ourselves authors instead of writers. I think the context was that we were all about to publish books, so “author” would signal that we have published books vs. “writer” which might just imply that we are unpublished? But I understand that those who write other forms of nonfiction feel like “merely” authors…with “writers” being those who create novels or other literary works? Maybe?
Thanks so much, that was such fun to read. Each generation has to grapple with how art has changed and the definitions as well. My mother was an artist of every medium imaginable from 2 years old until 87. She said it was a compulsion for her to create and if others found the work she did to their liking, so be it. I feel similar with poetry. I do it because of a similar compulsion and whether it's any good or not is mostly in the eyes of the beholders.
Yup I agree that it was a real gift to live adjacent to a completely creative person and have a father who adored her and supported her so completely. Kelcey, you are an inspiration to me as well. One day I will illustrate my children's stories as I see them.
Oh wow, even better to also see a supportive father! Thank you for your kind words, Weston! I look forward to seeing your illustrated children’s stories one day. ❤️
Okay, good, I had to make sure as her own father was a miserable bastard, a stingy, mean spirited, jealous, petty, bitter....the list goes on, and so she married my father, everything her father wasn't.
When my granddaughter Macy was little my husband made the comment that she was an excellent artist. She started crying and getting very upset. She yells at the top of her lungs, "I'm not an artist, I'm Macy." We laughed at that one. Just wanted to share the story with you. 'Berta
Oooh I love today's post! And also read Just Kids last month—such a romantic book of committing to a life of art. Being an artist is making art, but it also includes existential struggles such as these so I like to think it's all part of it!
I was blown away by Just Kids! And how Patti Smith wasn’t even trying to become a rock star! She just wanted to be a poet! And also make some drawings! Singing seemed like an afterthought. And then she wrote a whole book about it! And another! She is extraordinary.
Lucky daughter and lucky mother ♥️
🥰❤️🥰
I love this! I always wanted to be a writer. I recently came across my 6th grade report card wherein the teacher wrote: Sharon has a literary future—if she doesn’t neglect her writing. He also wrote that I needed to work on my arithmetic. 😂 60+ years later and both are still true 😂😂
PS: I am a writer!
Hell yeah!
Wow, Sharon! How cool that he predicted your “literary future” and how prescient to add the key for all of us: “if she doesn’t neglect her writing”! Thanks for sharing!
I LOVED this! Thank you very much for this affirmation and for your story!
Thanks so much, Jeni!
Just Kids is a great book. And this is a great post. I did a degree in fine art in my 20's... graduated "with distinction" and was even told by one of my teachers that I "could be one of the next great Canadian female artists" (???...such a stupid thing to say to a student). Still I struggled with making art for decades, and didn't truly feel that I could call myself AN ARTIST until I was in my 60's and had the exhibit Life's Work: A Visual Memoir that you checked out recently on my website. I thought I had reached a pinnacle and would finally lead the life of an artist (whatever that is) for the rest of my days... no problem. But life had other plans and threw some major wrenches into the works for a couple of years, and now I find myself once again trying to get back to making art. Still, through the last couple of years, I didn't lose my hard-earned "I am an artist" feeling. I now know that I'm 100% an artist, even if I'm not making art at the moment. But man it took a long time.
Wow, that's quite a story! Just curious: Why couldn't you call yourself an artist until your 60s? Did your life/habits change, or did your definition change? I'm glad you're no longer wrestling with labels--that you know who you are and what you're about, whether you're making art in the moment or not.
Well, I suffered from every artistic block in the book, so I'm sure that was part of it 😅. A lot of it was very unconscious at the time, like being raised to see art as frivolous, plus an unconscious fear of surpassing my mother at winning at life (that one would take too long to unpack here, haha). Plus some stupid belief that well, I'm never going to be Picasso, so why bother? That one is just an excuse my brain pulled out of its hat to throw in the mix, I think.
After finishing my degree I moved across the country and had a kid, so once she was a bit older and I'd finally found time and space to pursue artmaking again, I was super rusty and unable to rise above all the aforementioned barriers. But I suspect that the bottom line with regard to the issue of calling myself an artist was the fact that I wasn't doing it! The belief was that if I were a "real" artist, I'd be doing it no matter what. Therefore, how can I call myself an artist?
I didn't have my first solo show until 2009, which was 20 years after I'd left art school. But even then, I didn't feel fully confidant calling myself an artist till a couple years ago. I get the impression it's quite a common problem.
Also... addendum... as I was writing this I was thinking, "I've just written about this somewhere else recently. Where?" And then I went to work on next week's newsletter, and it was there 😅👀
The ideas are in the air! 😂⭐️
While I love the story of my daughter schooling me about the act of painting as the definition of being a painter, I respect the idea of having some standards for what it means to be an artist/painter! When I was getting my PhD in English/Creative Writing, I had too much respect for actual writers to call myself a writer, but honestly once I did, it was very empowering, like something I had to live up to. Who knows! I’m glad you’ve found your way!
Thanks Kelcey. Your comment makes me think of a handful of people I know who quite suddenly decided they were artists and started producing (what I thought were) ridiculous, sub-par paintings. And of course selling them! 😂 So yes there is that other extreme... the people who too easily call themselves artists or writers. There's no accounting for what people will do...
Haha, yeah, part of me wanted to go in that direction in this post, but I realized it was more about feeling disconnected from my own practice…
Today's post is awesome. I love your visual storytelling.
Thank you, JarieLyn! (cool name!)
You’re Welcome!
Oh this is SO GOOD!!! And loved our little Capitol Hill morning. ❤️
I did too, Haley!!! You are a gem! 🥰
I also enjoyed Just Kids, and I love every post you create, Kelcey. Even though I haven't sold a novel yet, I now consider myself a writer. During the years I wrote how-to quilting books (books that were published and sold 1000s), I thought of myself as an author.
Thanks, Marianne! It’s funny, I never thought much about the distinction between an author and a writer, but a few years ago I was in a workshop where the writer Rebecca Makkai told us to call ourselves authors instead of writers. I think the context was that we were all about to publish books, so “author” would signal that we have published books vs. “writer” which might just imply that we are unpublished? But I understand that those who write other forms of nonfiction feel like “merely” authors…with “writers” being those who create novels or other literary works? Maybe?
So fun!!!
Thank you!
dear kelcey,
the fact that you went as an artist for halloween as a child, wearing a beret and such, is adorable AND it is ART!
also that story about your daughter being a painter is PERFECT!
"if-you-do-it-then-you-are-it" is correct! the doing is the thing! the doer is simply the one who is doing!
this whole piece is wonderful. thank you for sharing as always!
love
myq
Two months ago, I stumbled into creating art. Off the back of a joke with my 11-year-old.
So far, I'm fully embracing being an artist. And I love the story of your daughter. She absolutely, definitely IS an artist.
And so are you. Let's art!! 🎨💚🎨
Love it! Here’s to art, here’s to kids and the accidental lessons and jokes that last! ⭐️
Hey Kelcey, dig this post. As ever, you tell the story so well in both words and pictures. Sweet.
So good Kelcey!
I remember the moment earlier this year where I told myself (and my readers), “I’m a poet and artist.”
Still feels a little surreal sometimes lol
I like to think it came to you as an erasure! ❤️ But I’m so glad you embraced it.
Thanks so much, that was such fun to read. Each generation has to grapple with how art has changed and the definitions as well. My mother was an artist of every medium imaginable from 2 years old until 87. She said it was a compulsion for her to create and if others found the work she did to their liking, so be it. I feel similar with poetry. I do it because of a similar compulsion and whether it's any good or not is mostly in the eyes of the beholders.
Love that! What a gift to have your mother as a model! ❤️
Yup I agree that it was a real gift to live adjacent to a completely creative person and have a father who adored her and supported her so completely. Kelcey, you are an inspiration to me as well. One day I will illustrate my children's stories as I see them.
Oh wow, even better to also see a supportive father! Thank you for your kind words, Weston! I look forward to seeing your illustrated children’s stories one day. ❤️
Well, in her case is was her husband, my father.
Yes, I understood that! It's great for you to have seen both her model and his!
Okay, good, I had to make sure as her own father was a miserable bastard, a stingy, mean spirited, jealous, petty, bitter....the list goes on, and so she married my father, everything her father wasn't.
When my granddaughter Macy was little my husband made the comment that she was an excellent artist. She started crying and getting very upset. She yells at the top of her lungs, "I'm not an artist, I'm Macy." We laughed at that one. Just wanted to share the story with you. 'Berta
We always talk about getting older and wiser, but kids definitely have a type of wisdom too. They remind us of the truths we've forgotten.
Totally! This kid has been teaching me for a quarter century!