Sunlions

I started to comment on this post. Then realized I had so much to say that I should just write it here. First, can I get an amen for the sunshine that Kal pours into to the world every morning? I LOVED what she had to say about being yourself and how that's always enough. One of the reasons why I love photography is because it's such a metaphor: WHAT YOU CREATE DEPENDS ON HOW YOU SEE. Whether it's a photograph, or your life, your perspective creates your reality.

I also loved what she said about how expectations, and the (illusive) quest for perfection KILL. I learned this the hard way when I started college (forever ago). Without a doubt, I had wanted to be a graphic designer, so much so that I completely overwhelmed myself with the desire to be successful ("perfect"). The self-inflicted pressure DEMOLISHED my creativity and I ended up dropping out of the program. It's still a regret today. But I love the lesson. That trying to be perfect makes for a very sucky and frustrated existence.  

And speaking of that, this painting (minus the quote of course) is one that I did about a month ago. I'd been looking everywhere for dandelions to photograph with no luck. So I decided I'd paint them. After all, how hard could it be? A stem with a white fluffy ball on top. Well, I worked ALLLLL day on it. Then Jason came home and said innocently, "Hey, I love your sunflowers!" It was a little disappointing to think that they only looked like dandelions to me. But then I thought, just like Kal came to the realization with her shoot, that THIS IS HOW DANDELIONS LOOK TO ME. And they made me happy, which is not only enough, but it's the whole point.

Comments

[melissa jill]

I love your dandelions...and your vulnerability :).

[k]

i am so amazed i'm related to you. thanks for that post.

[Kareen]

Love your painting.It would make a great card.

[Kal]

I love your painting - straight up. How much to buy that??? It matches my kitchen

[Chasity]

first of all....jason obviously doesn't know what a dandelion looks like because as soon as i saw that painting i thought...."OH I LOVE DANDELIONS!!!!" but you're right, everyone has their own perspective and their own reality and seeing it differently from one another is so much fun! (and yes a little frustrating at times) that's why i love art so much....i can look at something someone created and see the world differently than the way i see it each and every day and it breathes new life into me! it's refreshing and exciting! good stuff!

[Paige]

Maile-
I totally knew they were dandelions, and they are awesome. Daily Relish and LoveLife are the first two blogs I read in the morning so it's fun when they overlap like this! You are both very inspiring and a wonderful start to each day. Thank you for that!

[arizaphale]

I also knew they were dandelions! What do blokes know?