I think many artists have their favorite artist(s) from the past or present, that they gravitate toward, or style they love. For me, there are two such artists and one of them is Georgia O’Keeffe. It isn’t her subject matter that captivates me, but who I gather she was from her writings and lifestyle choices.
I visited the O’Keeffe house, walked in her studio, saw her kitchen, glanced at her living room and took a rock from the path that leads up to her house. I visited Ghost Ranch. I swam in Abiquiu Lake and looked at the mountain, O’Keeffe called hers. It is her spirit of commitment that resonates with me and it is one of the many reasons, why I chose, “commitment” as my word for 2013. It just feels good living in that word.
Art Journal Page – Mixed Media
“I grew up pretty much as everybody else grows up and one day seven years ago found myself saying to myself–I can’t live where I want to –I can’t go where I want to–I can’t do what I want to –I can’t even say what I want to. School and things that painters have taught me even keep me from painting as I want to. I decided i was a very stupid fool not to at least paint as I wanted to and say what I wanted to when I painted as that seemed to be the only thing I could do that didn’t concern anybody but myself — that was nobody’s business but my own.”
~Georgia O’Keeffe
What artist (individual) or artist’s (individual’s) life inspires you to live to your fullest?
Arlene said
I am also inspired by Georgia O'Keefe – your post about her was really interesting. You were very fortunate to have visited where she lived and worked – that must have been so amazing. Great word for your year too!
indigene1 said
Arlene, thanks for dorpping by! I knew we had a lot in common. 🙂 It was an amazing trip to NM and I still have the 700+ photos to drool over. 🙂
Bella Sinclair said
Go, Georgia! What a lady. 🙂 I'm embarrassed to admit that I don't know very many artist biographies. I'm most familiar with Frida Kahlo's story. How can you not be inspired by her courage and passion!
Have a great weekend!
indigene1 said
Hey Bella, thanks so much for stopping by. We'll have to change that, especially since there are some great women artists out there. 🙂
Linda Hensley said
Wonderful quote. Words for us all to live by. Sometimes I think about Rembrandt. He made a lot of money with his art, lost it, started over… I love his paintings, but his resilience inspires me even more, especially when I'm not feeling very resilient. There was also a woman artist (Italian?) who I can never remember her name who painted when women didn't get to paint. She had some anger issues, and put her rapist's head on a tray in a painting about Goliath. I appreciate her boldness and how she used art for therapy. The list of inspiring artists is endless. It's a good pursuit to follow when we aren't actually painting ourselves. I love your oranges and blues!
indigene1 said
Thanks Linda! Rembrandt appears to have been a great businessman for his time…heck for our time, too!
I think the female artist you're thinking of is Artemisia Genyileschi, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemisia_Gentileschi). I think her anger issues were justified, if she's the one you're speaking of. Being rape and going to trial during the 17th century probably proved a harrowing experience (as it is now). She was an amazing artist and her life was a testimony to an artist endurance and talent. Anyhow, check her out. 🙂
Lisa Hoffman said
I'm going to have to go with my heroine, Maira Kalman. Her paintings speak to me…the simplicity and colorplay. Her brilliant thinking and writing. Her collecting and down to Earth love of books and snacks. Yes, she's my Love, so to speak. Living here in Colorado, we are deeply acquainted with Georgia. I went o her Santa Fe Museum as soon as it opened. What a bold and brave woman. Excellent example. And thank YOU, Indigene for inviting people to really think about things broad & deep.
indigene1 said
Hey Lisa, love it, when my "peeps" stop by! LOL! Maira is fantastic and alive, so she has so much more to show us. Thank YOU! !