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When One Thing Leads to Another

12/29/2022 1:16:12 PM | By Gail M Gallagher | Comment on this

Greetings from a beautiful, wintry Sag Harbor.

There are a couple of podcasts that I listen to on occasion: Eric Rhoads' Plein Air Postcast and Antrese Woods' Savvy Painter Podcast. A few months ago, a breakfast listen of the Savvy Painter inspired me to get a book by Sam Bennett. The Episode 16 interview with author and inspirational speaker, Bennett was both compelling and inspiring.

Get it Done

One topic that Bennett reviews are the many reasons that artists delay beginning a project. I had a few projects of my own in the back of my mind. Sam's book helped me move them to the front.

Procrastination is Genius in Disguise. Because the pain caused by procrastination reminds you that your projects are important to you. Procrastination is your friend, tapping you on the shoulder and saying, "Hey, remember that idea you had? Remember how much you cared about it?" .... When your desire for a project stands the test of time, you can take that as a sign that your project truly is part of your life's calling. - Sam Bennett

After the procrastination chapter comes the "Which of Your Thirty-Seven Projects to Tackle First?" - HA! The section on overcoming perfectionism was a much needed read, as not having the perfect amount of time is one of my excuses for not starting a project. "How Many Kinds of Artist Are You?" another great chapter!

You are your verbs. Painters paint. Actors act. Writers write. Sewers sew. Latch-hook rug makers latch-hook rugs. If you are doing your verb -- at any level -- you have earned the right to call yourself that noun. Other peoples approval doesn't not make you an artist. "getting paid for it" does not make you an artist. Good reviews, awards, publishing deals, having an agent -- none of these things makes you an artist. Being famous does not make you an artist.... So, even if you know you are still learning your craft, please -- stand tall in your verb. - Sam Bennett (emphasis mine)

I can't tell you the number of times that I have hesitated to call myself an artist because I don't make a living as an artist.... from now I will stand tall in my verb! I am an artist!

Mom's quilts in our backyard this summer.

I recently completed a book of my Mom's quilts. Just in time for Christmas! The book, a catalogue raisonne´ of Mom's work, is comprised of over 500 photos collected by family and friends. It includes photos of quilts, friends and family members, reminiscences and a family recipe! I had begun working on the book after a Mother's Day visit and was able to collaborate with Mom and my siblings to create a wonderful memoir. I am anticipating a second edition as we continue to collect photos and recollections.

It took me twenty six years to follow through on another idea. Twenty six years ago my Dad passed away. Dad was an avid bird watcher and photographer. Each Christmas he would draw a bird for the family Christmas card. Hugh and I took a beginner drawing class from Vermont artist, John Pitcher, shortly after Dad's death. I was thinking that I would continue the bird card tradition.... Other art lessons followed, but it was not until THIS YEAR that I finally created a card with a bird to continue the family tradition.

Black-Capped Chickadee - Charles Hedblom 1986

Christmas Chickadee - Gail Gallagher 2022

I used Minted to make our card.

This cover art for Loreen McKennitt's recording of the Huron Carol also served as inspiration.

2023 is just around the corner! I have accepted an art challenge for the month of January from my Thirty Squared group. This year will be a hybrid adventure! Follow me on the Insta to see how I do.