During long art history lessons in university I often found myself flipping through my text and looking at the colour plates of various paintings. I was always moved by the works of Artemesia Gentileschi, especially the gruesome Judith Slaying Holofernes painting. The strength, the anger, the gore of him with his slit throat and the determination on Judith's face. Artemesia devoted her life to her passion for painting. Her story, as told by Susan Vreeland, is filled with emotion, bravery, and pure devotion to her love of her daughter and her art.
This story really made me question my love for art. I give so little time and energy to something I value so much. Life goes by and I put off making time for art more and more. When I do pull something together I prefer to call it craft.
Calling it Art must be saved for a time when I can give works my full attention and efforts. Art comes from deep passion, the things I do now are creative bursts. This story made this all so clear. Artemesia's story made me hungry to find my passion but it also awakened a patience in me. I'll stop fretting to find my medium or outlet. I will remember to enjoy my creative spurts, to play with them, and to incorporate them into my life's schedule as much as possible without taking time from my boys.
One day soon time will open up, the chaos will slow and I know I'll miss it dearly. Those will be the days when I can open my mind and find my art again. This book made me realize how much most great artists sacrifice for their art, and that my friend is something I am not willing to do right now.
Right now I am passionate about planting the 500 or so Muscari (or Grape Hyacinth) bulbs I bought at 75% off today. I might not be painting these days but having lovely clumps of my favorite spring bulb cluster our property in the spring is certain to bring me mounds of joy.
Muscari in bloom...I was tempted by the daffodils but I decided to just go heavy on my most beloved spring bulb with a fresh, fruity fragrance. They are also fairly tolerant and should colonize well here.
Here is some more information on The Passion of Artemesia from Chapters/Indigo. The book is available from their link button on my left sidebar...













