City Emerging
©Vickie Martin
“The effort to see things without distortion takes something like courage and this courage is essential to the artist, who has to look at everything as though he saw it for the first time.” Henri Matisse
I am taking a break today from the The A to Z’s of Art series I have been working on. Today I am writing about courage, along with 12 other courageous women from around the globe. At the bottom of the page, there will be a link so you can continue the blog circle!
Courage comes in many forms. For an artist, it is the courage to continue to break out of creative ruts. It is the courage to leave comfort zones and trying something new.
For many, it is simply the courage to be an artist and following their heart.
“Courage is the resistance to fear, the mastery of fear, not the absence of fear.” Mark Twain
The definition is having the mental or moral strength to venture, presevere and withstand danger, fear or difficulty.
I found this phrase – Illegtimi non carborundum (click on to learn it’s history – I’d never heard it either). In short – “don’t let the bastards grind you down”! I love that – I’m going to make a sign to put it in my studio. ILLEGTIMI NON CARBORUNDUM!
During a difficult period in my life, I had a counselor tell me “have a love affair with yourself”. That was, and still is, the best piece of advice I ever received. We all need to have the courage to be our own hero. Be your own champion! Have the COURAGE to believe in yourself!
By being your own champion, other are more likely to look at you with respect. Then make realistic goals for both your art career and your personal life. Pursue those goals with passion and most of all with COURAGE. As Lady MacBeth said “We will not fail”.
And, have the courage to embrace your failures. Use that COURAGE to learn , and continue onward!!!!
Now, keep moving around the globe and the circle. Check out the blog that Jennifer Vitale in Philadelphia wrote today titled “She Gives Me Courage”.
So love that idea of having an affair with yourself, of being your own hero. Because at the end of the day, we are the ones who can save ourselves.
Thank you for this beautiful reminder!! 🙂
Vickie, what a great post on courage. Something an artist needs everyday that most people don’t even realize. You said this so well! And your painting is fabulous by the way!
Thank you both!!!! i can’t wait to do another circle!
ILLEGTIMI NON CARBORUNDUM!
Love that! Yes, a sign for the studio is in order!
The mastery of fear, yes courage is… I like the quotes!
Thanks for sharing your insights to courage.
I’ll work on it.
Chandra
Love your painting. It is very encouraging to be reminded to champion ourselves and be our own BFF.
Thank you all! I did so enjoy participating in this!
It all boils down to being able to leave our comfort zone in order to try something new. I really enjoyed your wonderful blog post Vickie.
What a great post Vickie and I love “City Emerging”, The idea of having a love affair with myself is a wonderful idea and think I’m going to try it.
Thank you all!!!!! glad you enjoyed it!
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