In my professional work, I listened to many people talk about their goals, their problems, and occasionally, those things they really loved doing. More often than not, the things they really loved were not the work-related activities they considered essential to earning a living. They relegated their personal passions to sometime in the future, when “the kids are out on their own when I can have time to myself.” Many gifts seem to be pushed into the background to earn a living. One can understand, certainly, but what a price we pay.
I think each of us is responsible for developing our gifts and talents. And yes, we also have a responsibility to support our families. And yes, life does interfere with developing our skills. HOWEVER, I have observed that most of us, at some time in our lives, manage to heed that inner voice and develop our talents.
I taught art classes for many years, often in retirement communities such as Sun City, AZ; I worked with many budding artists who were finally tapping into their artistic gifts. Whether their creative talents were just appearing in the lifelong developmental process or the artists finally acknowledged their artistic bent, I have no way of knowing. But, at last, the budding ar ists were listening to their inner gifts demanding to get out. At 96 and with macular degeneration, one painting student never missed a watercolor class because he was determined to “paint well.”
I was able to have a grandfather who was an artist and an engraver. From the time I was 3 yrs. Old, he encouraged me to draw and regularly critiqued my creations. When I was about 10, he added a nose extension to one of my ballerinas, to this day, I am conscious about drawing people with plenty of noses.
As for today, I am thankful for the gifts I have been given. I work hard to develop my art gift and do something artful, thinking, and planning every day.
I believe that gratitude is essential as a mindset. I think it helps avoid arrogance, the sense of self-importance, and depression. In art or other artistic endeavors, I believe it leads to a willingness to experiment, try new materials, and grow as an artist. (Reprinted lecture JPC)
The essence of all beautiful art, all good art, is gratitude.”“”” Nietzche.
As part of her lifelong interest in and enjoyment of art, Jo Pomeroy-Crockett, Ph.D., for many years, has been painting in watercolor and water media, including marbling and inks, pastel, and collage. In combination with her freelance writer and educator work, her painting allows her to continue developing her creativity and technical skills.
Pomeroy-Crockett works primarily wet-into-wet and strives for dramatic value patterns. Bright colors, an emphasis on the play of light, and a touch of whimsy mark her paintings. Her work includes florals on unusual painting supports such as yupo, a paper made from recycled products, challenging glass-like surfaces, and birch bark. When asked what she likes to best paint, she answers “Anything that will hold still for a few minutes.”
Pomeroy-Crockett was a juried member of the Arizona Artists Guild and is currently a juried member of the Watercolor Society of Oregon. She has exhibited in numerous juried art competitions. Her work is in private collections in various parts of the U.S., England, Canada, and Switzerland.
There are no barriers to art this month – Seaside First Saturday Art Walk for May 2 will be 100% online!
So, here it goes, the May 2 Art Walk will be a concept of gallery-coordinated virtual exhibits.
Seaside galleries remain closed until further notice as we continue following the stay-at-home order.
However, a few galleries have gone online and are committed to assisting you with your art needs during this time via e-mail and social media platforms. The virtual tour movie will be released on May 2. Thank you for following the arts in Seaside.
Fairweather House and Gallery, 612 Broadway St./online until further notice.
A curatorial virtual NW exhibition titled “In Full Bloom.”
Fairweather House and Gallery combine works in various genres and interpretations, grouping them into an online spectrum of themes and cocolorsFeaturing art by Jo Pomeroy Crockett, Christine Downs, Bev Drew Kindley, Dorota Haber-Leligh, Greta Lindwood, Melissa Jander, and Carmela Newstead.
In response to the beauty of nature, the artwork by Jo Pomeroy-Crockett celebrates hope, appreciation, and the goodness of the world around.
Her work includes botanical realism, abstraction, and surrealism.
Art can be purchased and picked up by curbside appointment or delivered free locally.
Contact gallery curator @fairweatherkd@gmail.com
Visit http://www.fairweatherhouseandgallery.com or contact@fairweatherhouseandgallery.com
