Taking the first step...

[Susie Barstow aka ArtBySusieQ]

Taking the first step... This is like my real official step to blogging. Even though I have an entry from months ago, I had no idea what I as doing.

It's sort of like staring at a big blank page of watercolor paper. Exciting and a bit scary.

I guess mostly we should be talking about creating. Maybe the process, maybe life in general, philosophy, or whatever flies into my brain.

Will make this first one short.

Helloooooooooooooo to everyone out there, if anyone is reading this..lol.. I have no idea =D xxsusie

[Susie Barstow aka ArtBySusieQ]

Hi Kathleen, Wow.. I am excited, I thought I was just typing in these words and they were floating out into oblivion. Thank you! I often wondered how it would be for two creative peeps to be together. I haven't had that good fortune yet. But certainly open for it to happen.

I am so sorry you have lyme disease. Your visualization on the demons is a very effective and proven treatment.. keep it up. How wonderful to hear about how your art has helped you through all of the problems of lyme disease.

I think blogging can be a part of creating, writing is creative and I used to journal everyday. This is sort of new. Can't tell you how much I appreciate your responding to me and reassuring me.

Sometimes I think artists can get very deep into what they are doing and isolate themselves at times. Even when I connect with friends, if they aren't creating, sometimes they don't understand my imperative to create, or when I am blocked, or when something isn't the way I want it to be, etc. I could be speaking a foreign language.

However, I have come across some peeps who have actually been muses who do not create and have encouraged me in my process, etc., but see something sacred in the fact that I paint. That can freak me out a bit at times. It seems they want to put you up on some pedestal, and I am the kind of person that wants to walk beside other people, not in front, not in back, nor above...lol..

[Deborah]

Suz! See what I mean? People DO read these blogs. They might not always comment, but.....

[Kathleen Wade]

The big blank page - how ominous - I just rattle on my blog but it is actually a part of my creating. My family consist of my mate and he was a commercial photog when I met him - so lucky me - my "stuff" all over is looked at as part of creating rather than just a "mess". Our visitors don't always see it that way but hey "life's not fair - theres the door". I have "used" my art to keep me sane and help me through 6+ years of Lyme disease which is still going on. Sometimes I think the seriousness of it shows through too much - I imagine I have billions of little demons (bugs) in me and everytime I create it helps kill some of them off. sorry for too graphic an example! LOL Thanks susie - I am here and reading! kathleen

[Susie Barstow aka ArtBySusieQ]

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE: We are having a membership drive here. The most exciting thing for me to do is to create and guess what the next most exciting thing for me to do is...... HELPING OTHERS create in their own style and in a way that is comfortable for them. I hope you all join in to help us get new members so we can all encourage and support them!!!!!

I wish there would've been a site like this when I first started out creating. I got no support from my family of professionals. Art was appreciated if it was by the masters. When I started deciding on college courses art was not too be considered even as an elective. Golf was chosen by my family of excellent golfers. Since they had me golfing for a long time, it wasn't much fun. I won trophies which is one of the few times I was supported and appreciated by my family.

I think golfing and college saved me from being the blackest sheep in my family due to my interest and desire to create. Showing horses was the other saving grace, but it wasn't a college course.

It's difficult when a when I was young and impressionable and loving art made me feel like I wasn't part of the family.

That's why I like helping and supporting others with their art. It's a joyful process for me, especially when I get positive feedback.

My father decided to take some art lessons as he became older and he took it from a teacher who had studied and copied the masters all of his life. My father seemed to think this was what art was all about, he art was so close to the masters. I am sure only the most skilled people could tell the difference.

I think we can learn a lot by recreating the beautiful artwork of the masters, but at some point I feel we need to express ourselves in what fits for us, what our soul longs for and what makes our spirit rise.

xxsusie =D