I think it’s always important to share both the dark and the light, so people can relate to either thing. You share so much of yourself through your art…but you should share whatever you are most comfortable with, and speaking for myself, I appreciate whatever you do.
I really appreciate your art. The grays on your darker piece are sublime. Also, I hope getting those voices out and onto a page does them get them out. Maybe they weren't all yours to begin with? Sometimes the darkness is just passing through...
I think part of the problem has been “needing” pretty. Real life can be full of joy and yet full of deep hardship. To see the darkness as something not terrible, but part of the journey, that because it often feels bad doesn’t make it all bad…because it presses me to find healing. Learning to embrace ugly as much as the pretty…because it’s all of me.
Jenny - the dark tunnel drawing is compelling me to print it and hang it where I can see it every day. I love your other drawings - they make me smile and think. This one - especially with the prominent “this isn’t real” IS reality to me. Helps. Thank you.
You know, there's a reason Jordan Peele, one of the most hilarious comedians of our time, is also one of the most profound new voices in horror.
"The brightest light casts the darkest shadow." (I tried to find who said this, but it's attributed to literally half a dozen people in the first page of google hits, so...)
I relate more to the tunnel and I appreciate that you can put on paper what I cannot. Please always continue to draw what you feel, we need all of it❤️
Pretty. Ugly. And everything in between. It’s all part of life’s mash-up. And it’s all beautiful in its own way. We should count ourselves lucky that being creative allows us to offload.
Show the dark picture, then show the beautiful one! We can identify with both, but the pretty picture will remind us that the darkness is fleeting! Sending hugs!
I've always thought that having to hold back parts of ourselves, whether it's through only expressing emotions that are happy or joyful or sharing art that's more likely to be labeled "pretty" is a bit like being given a piano and told we can only play certain notes. We need the entire range so we can fully express who we are. Thank you for sharing those parts of yourself with us.
I am not naturally creative. But I do calligraphy and I embroider. And I sew little animals and tiny foods out of felt. But it’s like paint by number.
I’m just following instructions.
I destroy most of what I create. Because I only see the flaws.
Or feel like a fraud because I didn’t actually create anything. I just copied what someone else created.
I admire anyone brave enough to share their works of art or creations in any form, because to me it takes immense strength to share something that is a part of you, knowing it opens you up to criticism and rejection from the anonymous masses.
Kathy, this internet stranger wants you to push back against the urge to say you’re not creative and what you’re doing is “just” anything. You’re making beautiful things that didn’t exist until you came along. You chose the tools, the paper and ink, the floss and fabric, the felt and the moment. You may be following someone else’s guidance, but it’s still an act of creation. I’m primarily a knitter, and while I’m following a pattern, I’m choosing the yarn and the needles and building the object stitch by stitch, and what I’ve created at the end IS a creation, unlike anyone else’s. Flaws make them unique! And honestly, as someone with a powerful inner critic, most of my knits go to my spouse or kid, who only see how beautiful and special it is and cannot see the flaws even if I point them out. If you can’t look at the things you make, give them to someone who can. Share them with family or friends or sell them on Etsy or leave them on a park bench with an “adopt me” sign. Put your beautiful, creative wonkiness into the world and let it love you back. ❤️
Ps…Anna I have shared your comment with a couple of close friends. And they were also truly touched by your kind words. Thank you for taking the time to validate a few of us. We plan on sharing your words with as many people as we can. Best.
Art isn’t always about an aesthetic. The story, the message, the concept drives the viewer to experience emotions, and hopefully ignites their internal thoughts, and opens them to another’s experiences. It allows us to make connections, and realize that we’re not alone. Your darkness is a catalyst for finding the light. 🙂
i love them both! beauty is in the eye of the beholder, some things we all agree are pretty, but some things sparkle in the dark & not everyone appreciates those things..
I think it’s always important to share both the dark and the light, so people can relate to either thing. You share so much of yourself through your art…but you should share whatever you are most comfortable with, and speaking for myself, I appreciate whatever you do.
I really appreciate your art. The grays on your darker piece are sublime. Also, I hope getting those voices out and onto a page does them get them out. Maybe they weren't all yours to begin with? Sometimes the darkness is just passing through...
I think part of the problem has been “needing” pretty. Real life can be full of joy and yet full of deep hardship. To see the darkness as something not terrible, but part of the journey, that because it often feels bad doesn’t make it all bad…because it presses me to find healing. Learning to embrace ugly as much as the pretty…because it’s all of me.
Jenny - the dark tunnel drawing is compelling me to print it and hang it where I can see it every day. I love your other drawings - they make me smile and think. This one - especially with the prominent “this isn’t real” IS reality to me. Helps. Thank you.
You know, there's a reason Jordan Peele, one of the most hilarious comedians of our time, is also one of the most profound new voices in horror.
"The brightest light casts the darkest shadow." (I tried to find who said this, but it's attributed to literally half a dozen people in the first page of google hits, so...)
That hallway - I have a lithograph with a hallway and a figure standing outside. This is haunting. I got chills when I saw it.
The rose made me cry because it is simply beautiful.
I love the dark ones and can easily relate. It's always good to have both.
I relate more to the tunnel and I appreciate that you can put on paper what I cannot. Please always continue to draw what you feel, we need all of it❤️
Pretty. Ugly. And everything in between. It’s all part of life’s mash-up. And it’s all beautiful in its own way. We should count ourselves lucky that being creative allows us to offload.
Show the dark picture, then show the beautiful one! We can identify with both, but the pretty picture will remind us that the darkness is fleeting! Sending hugs!
I've always thought that having to hold back parts of ourselves, whether it's through only expressing emotions that are happy or joyful or sharing art that's more likely to be labeled "pretty" is a bit like being given a piano and told we can only play certain notes. We need the entire range so we can fully express who we are. Thank you for sharing those parts of yourself with us.
I am not naturally creative. But I do calligraphy and I embroider. And I sew little animals and tiny foods out of felt. But it’s like paint by number.
I’m just following instructions.
I destroy most of what I create. Because I only see the flaws.
Or feel like a fraud because I didn’t actually create anything. I just copied what someone else created.
I admire anyone brave enough to share their works of art or creations in any form, because to me it takes immense strength to share something that is a part of you, knowing it opens you up to criticism and rejection from the anonymous masses.
Bravo to all of you who keep sharing.
Kathy, this internet stranger wants you to push back against the urge to say you’re not creative and what you’re doing is “just” anything. You’re making beautiful things that didn’t exist until you came along. You chose the tools, the paper and ink, the floss and fabric, the felt and the moment. You may be following someone else’s guidance, but it’s still an act of creation. I’m primarily a knitter, and while I’m following a pattern, I’m choosing the yarn and the needles and building the object stitch by stitch, and what I’ve created at the end IS a creation, unlike anyone else’s. Flaws make them unique! And honestly, as someone with a powerful inner critic, most of my knits go to my spouse or kid, who only see how beautiful and special it is and cannot see the flaws even if I point them out. If you can’t look at the things you make, give them to someone who can. Share them with family or friends or sell them on Etsy or leave them on a park bench with an “adopt me” sign. Put your beautiful, creative wonkiness into the world and let it love you back. ❤️
Anna, you are an angel. Thank you for reaching out to a stranger with love and encouragement. We need more people like you. Thank you. ♥️
Ps…Anna I have shared your comment with a couple of close friends. And they were also truly touched by your kind words. Thank you for taking the time to validate a few of us. We plan on sharing your words with as many people as we can. Best.
I could see the rose as being a fantastic quilt.
Art isn’t always about an aesthetic. The story, the message, the concept drives the viewer to experience emotions, and hopefully ignites their internal thoughts, and opens them to another’s experiences. It allows us to make connections, and realize that we’re not alone. Your darkness is a catalyst for finding the light. 🙂
Dark and ominous is wanted too.
i love them both! beauty is in the eye of the beholder, some things we all agree are pretty, but some things sparkle in the dark & not everyone appreciates those things..
Both are important, yes. Also the drawings that may fall in-between, or create a new genre within Jenny's creations.
Regardless, thank you so much for sharing with us; I love them!