and what falls out

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Just Me

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A small Coastal town called Saint Marys, Georgia, United States
Hi, my name is Ronnie. I am an American Contemporary Folk Artist. I conjure up images, then paint them on canvas. This makes me happy. Nice to meet you.

Inspiration from Brilliant Minds

Inspiration from Brilliant Minds
Painting is an attempt to come to terms with life. There are as many solutions as there are human beings. - George Tooker

Monday, March 23, 2009

What DO you DO?!

The blueberries are blooming. Isn't that just swell.?
And here I am needing to blow off a bit of STEAM! I thought I would be relieved when the season arrived. Instead, I'm feeling like the rope in a game of tug-a-war! I'm running up against what most artists experience. Maintaining your priorities and proper balance in your life with that old nag playing in your head that says, "Making Art isn't all that important! What you need to do is clean up that garden! Your screened porch could use a good hosing! And those windows! Ohhh (shiver)!"
I discussed this dilemma with my youngest son this morning as he stopped by to fix the computer for me.
Using the huge, log-sized branch that has fallen from the ancient oak tree in the front of his house as an example, I began...
"Drew, does that log, that's been laying in the front yard of the farmhouse, nag at you when you drive up? (Andrew lives in the old farmhouse I'm renovating.) Because it sure bugs Me!"

Basically, he said it wasn't high on his priority list. He knew exactly where it was and if he needed some handy firewood he didn't have to go all the way to the woodpile to get it. He explained it was a time saver leaving it where it fell and his neighbor was not bothered by it either.
His top priority was his livelihood (which happens to also be his passion) and those other things, well, they just weren't.

I've been making some form of art my whole life, a back burner activity that I promised myself I would someday drag to that big front burner.
So, that's exactly what I decided to do in Summer 2008. I began painting once again and offered my work to a beautiful local gallery. Next, I created the Etsy shop and this blog.
As a result, I have been encouraged by the support of the gallery, my family, Etsy buyers and all you wonderful bloggers.

With every piece of art I reveal on the blog, you all are right there with your encouragement and humor and appreciation. This means so much to me and I thank you all so much!

Arranged by Arts Clayton, one of my painting is now displayed at the new National Archives building in Georgia! Scoop magazine featured my work in their March/April edition. I've been chosen for a juried art show planned for May. I am thrilled and stunned by all this. I feel like I'm finally making art a priority.

I'm leaving on Wednesday for St. Marys to pressure wash the little yellow house for Spring, lay new mulch in the flower beds, wash windows and plant annual flowers. I enjoy this kind of thing, especially in St. Marys. I have four days to finish, be back home, then ready to start again in McDonough where I have left outdoor chores far too long.
I'm feeling a bit like a one man band! In my mind, I see myself holding art supplies in one hand and in the other a hoe, a rake or maybe a broom and my head is spinning like Linda Blair's in the Exorcist.

With Spring, all the things that were the primary focus in "My Previous Life" are rearing their eager little heads, "Pick me! Pick Me!"
This has me worried and scared that my art will be relegated to that simmering place at the back of the stove.
Could I leave a log laying in the front yard for a month? No.
Could I leave a partial pile of mulch at the end of the driveway all Winter? Yes, because I have.
Perhaps I've already begun to find balance!
It's a glorious day outside and the yard looks like hell. The Gallery has made a "call for art" to be delivered this Saturday.
I'm goin' for it!!!
As they say in Georgia, "That mulch pile ain't goin no where! It'll be there when you get back!"

Have a joyous Spring, loved ones.
Ronnie- also known as Joe's stove operator.

ps...
Two artists I know in bloggerland had very good weekends.
Folk artist Mystele
and
Author Dave Ebright
Check it out! It'll make you smile!

14 comments:

Renee said...

Ronnie how is it you can pull off that face and still look gorgeous?

You first and whatever that is on any particular day is what gets done.

So there.....

Love Renee

B said...

Finding that balance is a tricky one isn't it? And for the record, I'm glad art is on the front burner for you. I love seeing what you create and how you look at things.

Rebecca Ramsey said...

I'm thrilled for you and am so glad you started this blog! Otherwise I wouldn't have met you and that would be so sad for me!

You're an awesome lady and I'm so glad we're friends!
Becky

Susan said...

I quit work two years ago to do art full time and I do find that I still need structure. I portion my day into blocks of housework, yard work and then artwork, so I don't have anything nagging at me. Not having to punch a clock enables me to work as late as I choose. Looks to me like you have it "going on". It's just spring fever, it will pass. You do such fabulous work. We all know that whatever you are doing is working. So keep doing whatever it is. Take care, Susan

Sarah Sullivan said...

LOl - I'm with Renee - great picture and you still look stunning!!!!
Balance - yeah I struggle with that daily. I'm working towards full time art. But still hve to eat in the mean time....
Have a great day!! Sarah

twolefthands said...

You are so darn cute, i enjoyed this article so much! I have had a bucket of Spic and Span sitting on my countertop all day with the intention of cleaning out the cupboards....instead I made a Mossie!

Kimmi said...

I enjoyed visiting your blog! I'll be back :)

David Ebright said...

Ronnie - Becky Ramsey's reply was perfect. You're a fantastic person, terrific artist & I'm glad we're friends.

It's tough to juggle our art with family demands, life, jobs & the day to day chores - but it's so satisfying. Congrats on your own success. I'm thrilled for you.

By the way, you've been an inspiration to Deb as well & she's going to be putting her own art out there in the upcoming weeks. (I can't imagine the entertainment value of watching you, Deb & Becky all yacking together. I have a feeling it would be hilarious.)

Keep up the great work & keep an eye on that stove.

AngelaMichelle said...

Yes, toothpick dolls! What else do you do with toothpicks?

I'm glad you found me - I love your blog! Your work is quite whimsical :)

Renee said...

kisses xxx and hugs ooo

Love Renee xoxo

Ronnie said...

(((Thanks EVERYBODY!!!)))
It is amazing how my brain can reform itself like protoplasm from overwhelmed crabbiness to skipping thru the tulips after reading all the solid advice and sweet comments from you guys. My heart is smiling because of it.

StudioCherie said...

You are so cute! I love this post.

Affirmation Two said...

I like your art it makes me happy. I;m glad other peopel get to see it in a gallery too. i heard it said that clutter is good for the creative mind,, or something. nothing can be to perfect after all,who desnt like a paint splattered sink, think, if it was clean, youwould worry about getting it dirty :D

Ronnie said...

I couldn't have said it better, Mercy. You take care, girlie.
Love to you.