I just want to share something personal with you whilst it is fresh in my mind and is I think very pertinent to why I am fostering these connections.

This morning I met with a friend that I have known for about 20 years. Although, we only meet once or twice a year. We do communicate occasionally on instagram.

I met my buddy playing at a badminton club in Dorset. We quickly built up a rapport having both an interest in art and the fact that we went to neighbouring schools in Berkshire and are of a similar age. We both felt drawn to each other.

I have watched with admiration and interest as he has built his own creative path.

This morning we met for a cuppa. This isn't something I would generally be doing on a week day. As I would make work my priority and even at other times make excuses why I am too busy for frivolous things like meeting up with friends.

That is the danger of being a freelance artist. You can become so dedicated to working and being self reliant that you become insular. Ignoring the fact that most of us do better from being social now and then.

Having a shy inclination the temptation to avoid socialising (which I do for several reasons including chronic tinnitus) exacerbates isolation and a self-dependency. Which, I foolishly think of as strength.

So my friend and I were sitting chatting in a café when suddenly, his simple but sincere words shot like an arrow into my heart. I found myself crying! Within a few minutes I had composed myself but was changed somehow.

 He was saying how he had picked up on how I was really feeling from our messaging. That was the trigger for me. His act of kindness in reaching out and suggesting a met up, had touched me so deeply. Suddenly, I knew that this lovely fellow really understood what I was feeling behind the veil (the face we use to shield away from the world). And had taken the time to check in with me. His compassionate act gave me a visceral and cathartic release of emotion. I was not expecting this in a million years.

I am sharing this everyday story because I think it is important to acknowledge our vulnerabilities as well as strengths. To me it speaks to our immense capacity for kindness and community.

It is actually the reason why I paint. I have never painted for love of money. I paint to communicate my love for nature, for people, for life itself in all its crazy wonderfulness. The business side of art is only there to enable me to thrive and fulfill my potential as an artist.

We all have times of feeling overwhelmed by circumstances and pressures. Some are real and some are imagined.

The secret is to be brave and ask for help when you need. To react with kindness to people we encounter. And to allow grace into your own heart.

What has this to do with art? It has everything to do with art.

I believe art like compassionate acts, no matter how small, do make this world a better place.

Thank you to my artist mate for reminding me of this today.

12 Dec 2024