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Author: Brian_Simons, Contributing Editor
| Myth#1 The Artist is Special
The ROLE the artist plays in society is certainly unique and special, but the artist himself is not. The myth is that for years people have thought of artists as “special” or “gifted”, over and above everyone else. Artists themselves have bought into this Hollywood, romantic idea and often have suffered because of it, and those who don’t feel as “gifted” wind up feeling intimidated and frustrated, being relegated to the ranks of the mediocre and mundane. How absurd and insane is this thinking in light of the realization that “the artist” is actually within everyone. Many years ago, I attended a seminar with approximately 350 participants. The speaker asked everyone who thought that they were unique, special and different from everyone else, to raise their hands. Well, ALL the participants raised their hands! In that moment, it was obvious that yes, everyone WAS unique and special, but at the same time, we were really all the same. No one was “special” because of their uniqueness! Having seen many people take these workshops, some of whom came with absolutely no previous experience or knowledge or special gifts, and watching the work they were able to produce, I am convinced that anyone can paint. We have all seen the marvelous work children do with no training, experience or instruction. Their work, if not corrupted by those in the “know”, is genuine, authentic, joyful, creative, spontaneous, colorful, honest, and literally laughs in the face of the critic. Recently, at a workshop on Saltspring Island, British Columbia, the room was full of framed paintings by students 7-12 years old who were under the instruction of a very wise and loving instructor. I was so inspired to see this work and at the end of the workshop I realized, that I could not critique any of those paintings. For me, it was a real joy to be in the presence of such authentic creations. Each of us has been endowed with the ability to create. Some have actualized this ability more than others and manifested it in many different ways other than painting. We are all creators and exercise our “gifts” in some form or other. Many people I know were discouraged early in life from doing anything artistic and adopted beliefs about themselves that made it impossible in their minds for anything “creative” to come from them. These same people were in for a real surprise in the workshops when they allowed some of these barriers to be removed and witnessed with their own eyes wonderful things happening on their canvases. Some were so excited and surprised, I found them shaking in front of their easels! "Help children to get through their childhood and out of it without shutting down their creativity or their inner spiritual connections. Help adults to reconnect to their creativity if it is in your realm to do so. Help yourself by doing whatever you need to do to get clear of all cultural suggestions that you cannot succeed at your Art. Never give up. By fully connecting to our Fire Nature and Passion for Life, all things are possible." J. Bruce Wilcox www.briansimons.com |
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| B i o g r a p h y | |
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Canadian Artist Brian Simons conducts highly successful Acrylic Painting Workshops on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. He has recently publish a book called: "7-STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL PAINTING" which is available on his website in wire-bound, full colour book and pdf ebook formats. His workshops explore many of the myths associated with painting. The course is inspirational and fun. No previous painting or drawing experience required. The course is available for both beginner and expert. His articles on WETCANVAS are exerpts from his book which is available at: http://www.briansimons.com/id14.html The artist also runs a BLOG with many of his students as contributors: http://www.artistbriansimons.blogspot.com The artist's website is: http://www.briansimons.com |
| BIOGRAPHY Being a self-taught artist, I have derived much of my inspiration from the "GROUP OF SEVEN", the French Impressionists and the Writings of Baha'u'lla'h (Baha'i Faith). My family and I moved to Vancouver Island from Alberta, where I first began to paint approx. 20 years ago. Prior to that, I focused mostly on drawing and sketching. I began showing my work in 1988 and have been represented by numerous galleries on the Island. From 1993-2000, I painted on a full-time basis and have had many successes and confirmations in that period, including numerous commissions for a television production company, commission work for architects, several corporate and private sales both in Canada and the United States. Aside from my website, my work can be seen at: KURBATOFF GALLERY, VANCOUVER , BC,THE AULD KIRK GALLERY, SHAWNIGAN LAKE, B.C. SOUTHSHORE GALLERY, SOOKE, B.C. , WILLOW GALLERY, TORONTO, ONTARIO, ARBUTUS GALLERY SIDNEY, BC | |
| E-Mail: briansimons@hotmail.com Web Site: http://www.briansimons.com | |
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