from the editor
defining moment
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: an occurrence that typifies or
determines all related events that follow
Defining moments. Was there a particular
moment in your life that confirmed you were
meant to be an artist? The first time you held
a camera, your first paint set, your first easel,
your first art class in college or your first time
going to an art exhibit?
What I love most about artists I meet is that
they know they are meant to be artists. They
aren’t floating aimlessly in life with art. While
their regular income might be from a mundane
job that they’d rather not hold (but we all have
to pay our bills!) they feel a purpose or a calling
with art that cannot be silenced.
I can get lost for hours working on my craft. I
can skip meals without even noticing how much
time has passed and then suddenly I notice
the time and think, “Where did the day go?” Of
course, because I love what I do, the day never
feels wasted or lost. I just can’t believe how
quickly the time passes when I’m passionately
working.
Being a passionate artist and being a
successful artist don’t necessarily go hand-inhand. Because art is often created from our
passion it’s also heartbreaking when it isn’t
received with as many accolades as we feel it
deserves.
Do not despair. Do not give up.
Keep creating.
Did you know that these artists became
famous after their death? El Greco, Henry
Darger, Henry David Thoreau, Edgar Allan Poe,
Emily Dickinson, Franz Kafka and Vincent van
Gogh.
Imagine if Vincent van Gogh gave up hope
and stopped creating after making a few mere
sketches. It’s important that we, as artists,
continue doing and creating art whether we
become world-renowned or known only among
a small collection of fans.
I think it’s also importan t to help create
the next generation of artists. Our passion for
art transcends our work and our words. Have
you considered working with children or teens
who may like to learn your craft? You may find
that volunteering to help younger people will
help your passion for art grow and you may
just become someone’s defining moment in
becoming an artist.
Keep creating!
LMarelli
Liesl Marelli
Editor-in-Chief
@LBMarelli
Keep fueling your soul through art.
wom
en
ART
page
7