My Goal...

So I've taken the first week of Katycourse and I am truly loving it.  I am learning so much more than just what is being taught.  I'm realizing that we are all the same.  That we all just take it step by step.  No one is really an expert, knowing everything.  We all just are learning as we go.  But we don't always know what the outcome will be.  We all are just doing what we can, and hoping for the best results.  It feels good to know that others are learning too.  That even the people who have "made it" are also still learning.  There is no real "way". That fact gives me confidence.
 I love how generous artists are and how we all want to share information with each other and hopefully make it easier for someone else.  This field of art is so awesome because everyone is so unique.  It seems to take away the feeling of competition.  There's no "better" than him or her.  Art is in the eye of the beholder, and you just don't know who the beholder may be.
So part of this weeks lessons are how to focus.  One of the questions is "what is it that you want to DO with your art?"  What is your goal and what will give you satisfaction?"  These are very deep questions...not just surface stuff.  You can't make good art without going deep, (even if you don't know you are, you're probably hitting some deep spot hidden somewhere inside!)

So I've asked myself this question and my answer came out of me.  I'm going to put it here in my blog first, because I think it is a little too much of an answer to give to the class.  They all might think I'm a bit crazy.  But here it is....

When I create something, I do it with purity.  When I'm making art, I feel so clear and pure and innocent.  I have no worries, no anxieties, no ulterior motives.  It always feels wonderful when I am in "the zone".  I treasure that feeling, that place of bliss.  I don't know where I would be without it.

For many different reasons, I've come to realize that creating art is my calling.  I feel so lucky to know this.  What I hope to do with my art is really pretty simple...I want to touch this world gently and calmly. I want to leave it a better place because I was here.  I want to bring happiness and peace to strangers.

When I look at the work I've already completed, I see a vulnerability in each piece; each face.  No matter what the subject, each expression appears pure to me.  I hope it looks that way to others also.

If purity was more a part of the world, I think it would be such a sweeter, kinder place.  I know that idea sounds a little childish and naive for reality, but oh how I wish it were true.

I am not a very religious person.  I believe in God and Angels and miracles.  But I also know that fairy tales don't come true.  All I can do is my part in this world.  Even if it is a small part, I believe I am here to do it the best I can.  That is what I want to do with my art.  I want to reach as many people as possible and leave them with a feeling of pureness and calm.  I want to touch the world gently and sweetly.

Kelly Lish
5-7-2010