@Danny Gregory i first came across your book Everyday Matters in our local Oxfam bookshop about 3 months after my Father’s accident when he broke his neck rendering him tetraplegic. Your book was an inspiration and I started to teach myself to draw. 6 years on and I now have regular market stalls and get so much from the creative process. My dad came to my most recent art fair and claims my creative journey has been the silver lining to his injury. So thanks for the help along the way.
I love my art supplies too. Most recently it’s been Holbein watercolors, regular, luminous,and ones for painting flowers, birds, etc. today I spent my day painting with oils that I haven’t touched in over a month because all I was doing was watercolors. It makes me happy!
I’m reading a book titled “How to hold a cockroach” by Matthew Maxwell. I’m reframing and relooking at my art purchases and the guilt that can accompany a purchase which I might not use today. Or looking for permission to call myself an artist. I can hear Danny’s voice narrating the story of the little boy and the cockroach in this book. 👋🏼
I have had much of this conversation with myself, regularly. Talking myself into these corners, and yet every day or so the sketchbook reappears, we begin again.
I have filled sketchbooks and notebooks my whole life. I have a shelf of them. Two shelves actually. I draw every day. I am 86. Many of my friends at the same age spend a lot of time wondering what to do with themselves. We were all successful in their professions — scientists, lawyers, physicians, business executives — but in the end, I have something they do not have. A career that just keeps going and keeps me challenged, alive, and happy.
I love this post. Your words remind me how special it is to be an artist.. even when you’re not feeling particularly good about it! Thank you for sharing this ✨
I remember when I was young my grandmother taught me so many things with crafts sewing art typing, a lot of enjoyable moments . I think art is so important . I love pens & paper❤️
I used to read your stuff at work when I was supposed to be working - on my work email. When I retired (wife had stroke) they took my email off me. Cue : chaos, havoc, daughter dying, caring …. Only just rediscovered you and I remembered your grieving … just a bloke trying to find meaning in an unsympathetic world
@Danny Gregory i first came across your book Everyday Matters in our local Oxfam bookshop about 3 months after my Father’s accident when he broke his neck rendering him tetraplegic. Your book was an inspiration and I started to teach myself to draw. 6 years on and I now have regular market stalls and get so much from the creative process. My dad came to my most recent art fair and claims my creative journey has been the silver lining to his injury. So thanks for the help along the way.
I love my art supplies too. Most recently it’s been Holbein watercolors, regular, luminous,and ones for painting flowers, birds, etc. today I spent my day painting with oils that I haven’t touched in over a month because all I was doing was watercolors. It makes me happy!
EXACTLY and then some!
I’m reading a book titled “How to hold a cockroach” by Matthew Maxwell. I’m reframing and relooking at my art purchases and the guilt that can accompany a purchase which I might not use today. Or looking for permission to call myself an artist. I can hear Danny’s voice narrating the story of the little boy and the cockroach in this book. 👋🏼
Not everything needs to be monetized. It's okay to spend on yourself is what I tell myself with my art spends. 😀
Great writing Danny, is this describing nearly every artist ever?
I have had much of this conversation with myself, regularly. Talking myself into these corners, and yet every day or so the sketchbook reappears, we begin again.
Beautifully said!
I have filled sketchbooks and notebooks my whole life. I have a shelf of them. Two shelves actually. I draw every day. I am 86. Many of my friends at the same age spend a lot of time wondering what to do with themselves. We were all successful in their professions — scientists, lawyers, physicians, business executives — but in the end, I have something they do not have. A career that just keeps going and keeps me challenged, alive, and happy.
I love this post. Your words remind me how special it is to be an artist.. even when you’re not feeling particularly good about it! Thank you for sharing this ✨
Thank you for this so moving post. You have described so well most of what it is to be an artist or creative.
I remember when I was young my grandmother taught me so many things with crafts sewing art typing, a lot of enjoyable moments . I think art is so important . I love pens & paper❤️
I used to read your stuff at work when I was supposed to be working - on my work email. When I retired (wife had stroke) they took my email off me. Cue : chaos, havoc, daughter dying, caring …. Only just rediscovered you and I remembered your grieving … just a bloke trying to find meaning in an unsympathetic world
Wow how did you peer into my head and read my mind - your piece really resonates with me - thank you for sharing this 😌
Love it. You told your story well. 🌻
You put into words, everything we go through as artists, yes, the cost, confusing times, enlightening times, despair and rewards. Great essay!