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Artist's Statement
“When standing before a blank canvas, I’m filled with the
anticipation and excitement of creating something new and original. It is the
process to surrender unto, and sometimes wrestle with, that is most important
and I welcome the adventure. In many ways, my art is a healing journey and I
work best when my motivation and subject matter evolve intuitively, each piece
taking on a life of its own. Inspiration comes from the ‘realms’ within, as
well as visual responses to my myriad surroundings, life experiences and the
mysterious ‘unseen’.
Primarily acrylic on canvas, my work has been described as
‘enchanting…alive with color and (e)motion…a meeting of the earthly and
spiritual’. Like many artists, I am inspired by Mother Nature’s incredible
color palette and her never-ending beauty, intensity and drama. It is certainly
a joy for me to blend colors and behold the variety therein. Music also plays a
big part in my life and I enjoy painting while listening to certain pieces,
depending on my mood. But, usually, I create in ‘silence’ or without obvious
outside influence or motivation.
As a natural, self-taught artist, I believe
it is important to possess skills that allow me to portray, on paper or canvas,
whatever I see and feel. Though I’m drawn to create something new and unique
rather than duplicating or re-creating the world around me, I feel it’s
necessary to have the tools and technique[s] at hand for displaying a
wide-ranging and varied body of work. These days I’m most attracted to the
freedom I experience while painting abstract expressions. Most of my pieces
continue to contain some hints of realism, however, while my [prior]
representational and figurative pieces always seemed to contain abstract spaces.
I have a lingering inclination to ‘make’ something specific happen or
something ‘familiar’ appear, so I often describe my work as a ‘combination
of intuition and intention’. I prefer not filling in all the blanks or
completing the picture so to engage the viewer’s imagination, allowing them to
be part of the process.
Some pieces evolve more easily than others
and ‘mistakes’, sometimes, prove to be breakthroughs. I can be working on a
painting one way and by turning the canvas a different direction a more powerful
image and/or feeling takes place and I’ll go with that. It’s important not
to get stuck in a rut. Take chances and challenge yourself as an artist! Because
of the time and energy I put into each piece, it’s easy to become
‘attached’ and I’ve been reluctant to part with certain paintings; I do
have my favorites. On the other hand, I’m always eager to start a new
creation, so I’ve learned to say ‘so long’, gracefully, trusting they are
in good hands. Some pieces remain, however, decorating the walls of our home.
I’m often asked how I know when a painting is finished. Most of the
time, I just have a feeling, a sense of balance in color, form, space and
movement, or that I’ve conveyed a certain message. [Being a Libra], I’m
drawn to create something aesthetically pleasing, beautiful and balanced.
Certainly, I hope for that ‘aha’ moment when everything looks and feels
right, but I’ve also embraced an ‘I-can-live-with-that’ feeling, knowing
that a painting is ‘perfect’ as is.
Sometimes, people comment that being an artist, living the artist’s
life, is ‘easy’, ‘lucky’ or ‘not REALLY work’. I guess that could be
true if you are independently wealthy, living on trust fund and/or creative
pursuits are just a past-times or hobbies. Maybe you are actually ‘lucky’
enough to impress a wealthy benefactor who funds your efforts. Certainly, it’s
a blessing to be able to use your natural gifts and talents. At the same time,
being creative, applying your skills and imagination with integrity and
consistency, takes practice, persistence and patience. There is the creative
time and energy in and out of the studio, not to mention the expenses and
‘business of art’: supplies, framing, prints and reproductions, advertising,
self-promotion, exhibiting and pricing, shipping and handling, managing a
website…and ‘life’ in-between.
While selling one’s work is necessary, it is important to remain true
to yourself when figuring what each piece is worth [to you] and what you may
have to ‘settle for’ in terms of working with a gallery’s consignment
contract. It can be challenging, especially in today’s economy. We must earn a
living, though, and agreeing to a gallery’s usual 50-50% split, or higher, is
not ‘easy’. The artist may have to adjust the worth/price of their effort
and product, accordingly, so the gallery owner can actually sell their work and
make his/her own living as well. We have to learn to negotiate and be
‘flexible’. Things were a lot ‘easier’ in that respect when my husband,
John, and I operated our own gallery! Of course, there are other options and
venues to consider, like upscale restaurants, lounges, hotels and banks, that
are happy to exhibit good art and usually ask only a 10-20% consignment fee.
Some ask nothing except for the pleasure of showcasing your beautiful work on
their walls! You can invite clients to view pieces at your studio space as well
or get involved with your local artisan’s market or cooperative. Be inventive.
And, if you want to do the research, there are [still] options out there
available to artists needing financial assistance via scholarships, fellowships,
gifts and grants.
In some ways, the ‘charmed’ existence of the artist can be more
stressful than the ‘norm, the more conventional ways of earning a living.
Income from one’s work can be very sporadic, if at all, and no pension awaits
retirement; structuring and organizing your time in a beneficial way, while
allowing your creative energies to flow, is always a ‘balancing act’; the
long hours [years!] spent at your craft can tax certain body parts as you age;
and, constantly, putting your very being and talent on display, baring your
soul, is not such an ‘easy’ thing to do. Being an artist can also carry the
weight of social and moral responsibility, as well as the commitment and
awareness, of being: a vehicle of inspiration and conscience, past, present and
future; a visual and/or historic reference of the times; a voice of reason,
warning or insight; and, with knowing or without, a harbinger. So, although
‘blessed, not stressed’ is a wonderful and workable affirmation, an
artist’s life, or anyone’s, for that matter, is usually both. It takes a lot
of work, determination, vision, luck, and, for the most part, talent to be
successful at anything you choose to pursue in life…or what chooses you.
My life has been shaped by deep sorrow and
tragedy. I have suffered many losses. I’ve also known times of true happiness
and pleasure. Most creativity is borne of pain and struggle, the agony, as well
as the ecstasy. My personal life has affected my career choices. I’ve always
had varied interests and could have gone in many different directions, some for
which I received education and job experience, including television and radio
news [reporting/anchoring], costume and interior design, acting, singing,
creative writing and photography. Any of these might have provided me a more
consistent income and/or a more social, adventurous lifestyle. Who knows? Some
are still possibilities. Meanwhile, I am fortunate that my abilities, and
destiny, have allowed me to share my talents through the visual arts, poetry and
music, my own clothing designs and creating sacred home & garden spaces.
It’s all a matter of soul expression and I’m privileged that my ‘work’
speaks to others on many levels.”
Brooks
Garten/Artist