It wasn’t that long ago that I first touched clay and felt the incredible wonder that it brought to me. Make something out of nothing, get messy, be almost powerful. I had no idea then how important clay would be in my life. I had no idea how deeply I would love this medium or how empowered I would be by the success I had with it.
It wasn’t that long ago that I was in seventh grade and proudly viewed my first piece of art hanging in a public building that was NOT the school I created it in. It was the first time the world seemed so much more at hand. It opened my eyes and inspired my ambitions.
It wasn’t that long ago that I first painted with such tenacity that I didn’t actually notice that I had a few splatters here and there. Did I ruin the shirt I was wearing? No, I declared myself an artist. (though quietly, I admit)
It was just yesterday that I diligently prepared a body of work to be evaluated by a panel of judges to determine if I was good enough to enter art school or not. I remember feeling that inside panic as if I could never be good enough. I also remember the sheer joy in their praise.
It was just yesterday that got into my first art gallery where the owners gently took me under their wing, encouraged me, guided me and inspired me. It was a dream come true, it was success in hand, it was baby steps that would later inspire larger steps.
These steps were just the beginning of my artistic journey, but they were so vital to the foundation of my vocation, my career. These were the building blocks of my artist heart and fueled my big dreams.
THESE steps are why tomorrow night my gallery will open hosting the work of students that currently are working on their art at West Irondequoit Central Schools. This is the third year in a row I am honored to host these incredible young artists. I do this because maybe, just maybe, I will be honored to be a small brick in their foundation.
I hope you will join us-
Blessings and love,
Susan
