I have a private student right now who gave me permission to talk about our classes. Her name is Betty and she’s so amazing to me. She’s 77 years old, has always wanted to express herself creatively, to paint, but has only done it sporadically. So she’s taking classes with me. We’re not painting yet. My specialty is guiding people to their interior vision, their inner artist. To do that there’s a lot of debris that needs to be cleared away—old lessons and messages that don’t support the creative process. That’s what we’re working on now.
We had an interesting class recently. Betty was under the impression she would have to let go of herself completely in order to make “real” art. But that hasn’t been my experience. I find the opposite is true. In order to get to my art I have to come to self, not abandon self. That’s where art lives, I think, deep in the core of us. It is why art making is not for the faint-of-heart. It’s nothing less than a journey of the soul. We often have to strip away layer after layer and it’s not easy. To make real art we must be real.
And that’s what’s so magnificent about Betty. What she’s doing is difficult. It’s challenging. A lot of people wouldn’t be willing to do this depth of work at all, let alone later in life.
There is an exchange in The Artist’s Way between Julia Cameron and her students that’s pertinent. The students ask, “But do you know how old I will be by the time I learn to really play the piano/act/paint/write a decent play?” and Julia answers, “Yes…the same age you will be if you don’t”. How very true.
I fear in this youth-oriented culture our elderly lose their passion and what a shame that is. Those of us getting up there in age know it is the perspective of years lived which can develop into wisdom. How much better to take our wise selves into painting classes, dance lessons, the Peace Corps, college, on bike rides, than to a recliner in front of the TV. Picasso said death would simply interrupt his work. It is a great ambition. I’m with him.
I celebrate Betty’s courage and her journey. It is a privilege to watch her do this work, to see her face herself, to grasp the reasons she’s blocked her artist and to watch her set herself free. There’s no telling what kinds of paintings are being born in her right now as she nurtures the creative that’s been eager to come out and play for all these years. The woman is remarkable. She inspires me. As a matter of fact, she’s one of the reasons I’m doing this blog.
Jeane, you are a opener of human potential. Thru your struggles and triumphs you gain skills in aiming others at their own unfolding riches:) Since I met you in the 80’s fashion industry, I have always been astounded by your diverse and abundant gifts. Such high intelllect, humility, deep compassionate heart, confident businesswoman, animal steward and so many more assets. It seems your beautifully accomplished artwork is a spin off of the depth of your soul and its yearning to share compassion and openings to bloom with others now, rather than a end goal.
I am so pleased you see this about my paintings. i consider them my babies. I birth them so they can go out in the world and live their potential–to sew the energy the universe asks of them. I’m just the vessel getting out of the way so they can come into being. You are so right that the painting itself is not the end goal.
I have been blessed to be allowed to touch peoples’ lives as a guide to their truths. I believe it is possible because of my life experiences. And, I think, because I have walked the path I’m asking of them, they’re more willing to go there.
Yes, I’m certain those who are graced with your attention are aware that your compassionate encouragement comes from respectful appreciation of the invited task. I reckon they are appropriately aware of the gift that you are – and invite them to come to know as them selves.
Peace be with you in this and every day:)
Grace
I think we’re all here as guides–each and every one of us. My students are my teachers too, as are you.
Have a peaceful and beautiful day!
What a beautiful, inspiring story! I hope that Betty will share her work with us here.
Blessings,
Sheri Ponzi
There are more stories about Betty’s creative discovery on the blog under the “Artistic Process” topic category. I don’t think she’s in a place of wanting to share her work with many people yet. It’s all a part of her finding freedom to be in the process and not be concerned about a final product. Meaning to support her, some of her friends told her they wanted to own and frame these beginning works of hers. That just got her so concerned about making something that was “good”. So, mostly, Betty is practicing keeping her work to herself for awhile, until her inner artist isn’t so concerned about pleasing others–just her own artist’s eye.
I completely understand! Hooray for Betty! I’ll poke around more for more stories about her.
Well, let me help: If you click on the topic “Artistic Process” and scroll to the bottom of the page, you’ll see there are 5 pages in the topic. To read the posts about Betty in order, go to page 4 and click on “Sunrise, Sunset and the Glorious In Between”, then to page 2, “Painting Progresses 2” and finally to page 1 “Affecting Effective Change.” Let me know what you think!
Thank you! Checking them out now.