It has its own light.

How can we share our own lights best?  I come from my writing session and move into my studio to work on my ‘art quilt.’  I feel clumsy and unskilled.  I am uninspired.  I don’t know what to do nor how to do it.  When I try to make narrative art, it is too vague or abstract or confusing.

Perhaps I need to save narrative for stories.  What I’ve deemed successful in my artwork generally isn’t story-telling either in its genesis or intention.  Sometimes — rarely — it ends up that way, but I think my strongest art is clearly non-representational.

And that makes me, yet again, ask myself (age-old question)– how is it that I call a work successful?  Does it feel complete to me?  Is it understood by the viewer?  Does it get into a show?  Does someone buy it?  Certainly for me the last condition is not required.  I have pieces that have been shown, that hang in my house, that give me and others pleasure.

It all comes back to that.  Does it bring joy or recognition or understanding or beauty?  Does it get your attention, quietly or loudly?

This orchid has my attention.  Thank you, Nature.  Thank you, Gardeners.  Thank you, Balboa Park.  Thank you, city of San Diego…etc.!