I started making these Foundlings back in 2007 and by the time 2008 came around I had created four pieces. I jokingly suggested that I would make a hundred pieces before I would assess how successful I was in expressing my voice and where I was going with this work.
I have now created a hundred pieces. I have included 80 of these in two self-published books; have had a half dozen shows; received relative success in entering art shows; and have sold over 20 pieces. Am I successful? Have I met some imagined goal?
I don't have any hard and fast goals but I have learned several things. I really enjoy creating these pieces (and as an aside, I have more skills using tools then I ever thought I would have). The exploration of the creative process has been helpful in my transition from graphic designer to fine artist. Having a creative objective rather then merely a monetary pursuit has been very freeing. And lastly, fulfilling a life-long dream of being a fine artist fills me with a peace that I have seldom found in my life as a graphic designer.
I owe so much to Marie who has helped me in this endeavor. She has been an inspiration, a business partner, a muse and critic. I am just not sure that I would have been able to go so far without her.
If there is a "down side" to being a fine artist, it is the solitary aspect of the pursuit. As a graphic designer, I had a skill that I would frequently offer to friends and family. There is something very satisfying in the offer to help the important people in my life. It made no difference if I was making a resume, creating a logo for a friend starting a business, or making a wedding announcement. To give, to make another person's life a little better (or just a little prettier), has seemed both trivial and profound.
Thank you to all of the friends and family who have been so inspiring and so helpful in this quest. I could not have gotten so far with you as well. In the end, to paraphrase John Lennon, the beauty you take is only equal to the beauty you make.
Now to see where the next 100 pieces leads me.
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