20 Comments
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RobC3's avatar

Thankyou so much for this post, it is an answer to my question I’ve been asking of myself about what is my purpose in life, I very nearly gave away my art work this week, but this has changed everything !!

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Clintavo's avatar

Thank you for sharing this! To have inspired another in their art is the greatest thing a writer can feel.

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Jean mazur's avatar

I echo RobC3! At 69, I, too, am looking for my purpose in life. Beyond my family and friends, being able to touch others with my God given creative skills would be such a blessing! I think if my art does sell then someone purchasing is blessed as well. Thanks, Clintavo, for your inspiration and encouragement.

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RobC3's avatar

Our gifts are to be shared, Jean, that’s our purpose I’d say

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Clintavo's avatar

Thank you for sharing!

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Tarran Caldwell's avatar

Thank you for your message today. As I read it I felt like I was receiving the answer to a prayer. At 81…art has been my way of life and now a new part of the journey in art begins 🙏💚🎨👏

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Clintavo's avatar

Thank you for your comment. I do believe actually that we often are, for each other, the way that prayers are answered. I actually talk about that a little bit in this past post: https://clintavo.substack.com/p/the-call

What each of us feels called to do, might just be someone else's call for help.

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Mary Mansey's avatar

So interesting and moving!

"Art is something that makes you breathe with a different kind of happiness. " Anni Albers

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Clintavo's avatar

I love it!

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Esin Bozdemir's avatar

The aura that flows from the artist's soul during the creative process and emerges when they meet the viewer demonstrates the true success of that art. Portraiture, in particular, is a powerful communication tool used to represent the human figure and convey emotional expression.

As an artist, I aim to create portraits that are not only visually captivating but also deeply moving. Through my paintings, I aim to evoke emotions, recognizing that our emotions shape our very existence. 'Blue Sadness in Your Eyes' This particular portrait invites the viewer to consider and empathize with the difficult struggle of a young child.

https://www.esinbozdemir.com/workszoom/5645108/blue-sadness-in-your-eyes#/

Dear Clintavo, thank you for your appreciation and contribution to art.

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Beth Barger's avatar

A very thought provoking article that now has my brain spinning on so many themes. I find that my inspiration and motivation comes from within and are based on my own life experiences. The ones that sell are not always my best, but they seem to be the ones that speak to the collector. All of that is the sacred spirit of painting, the passion for living, the beaming of energy - nothing more, nothing less. For me, where that starts to veer into a more materialistic direction is mass produced decorator art and prints. Sure affordability is a driver, but somehow nothing mass produced can come close to the energy an original painting beams into our souls.

Here’s one of my recent “beams of energy”. I was inspired by the life-affirming springtime flowers after a cold wet winter and the juxtaposition of the refreshing pops of energetic flowers against the backdrop of a non-descriptive old house. https://www.bbargerart.com/workszoom/5958326/southern-spring#/

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Clintavo's avatar

Thank you for sharing this!

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Laurel Hart's avatar

As an artist, this incredible article has answered my question on whether it is a worthy endeavor to keep putting so much of my time and energy into painting. I truly believed my art had to be a means to an end, to justify my efforts. You completely erased my worry! So many gems in this brilliant piece of "human" writing, Clint, that I had to read many sentences over and over—like taste testing and savoring bites of homemade, not manufactured desserts. Thank you for the greatest gift you have just given me—permission to keep creating art with a clear conscience!

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Clintavo's avatar

I'm glad it helped! You have made my day with your comments.

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PJ Peek's avatar

Hear, hear!

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Sandra Pearce's avatar

This touched my soul. No words for my thoughts at the moment; mindful as I begin a new piece. Thank you

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Clintavo's avatar

That is the greatest compliment a writer could receive. Thank you so much!

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Elisabeth Seeger's avatar

I only paint that which makes me stop in my tracks - something that can be small, enormous or fleeting. Art to me expands my spirit. If it is captivating enough for another person to want it - wonderful, but I do not this late in the game want my survival to depend on prayer in paint. I wish everyone who does depend on their art for their income every success and joy. Am grateful for FASO and hope to investigate Squarespace too. Sharing is fun.

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Clintavo's avatar

Thank you! By the way, we also offer Squarespace sites as an alternative to FASO. In most cases we recommend FASO but if you need or prefer Squarespace, our pricing on that is generally better than going direct plus you keep some extras that FASO provides.

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Esin Bozdemir's avatar

Thank you so much for this wonderful, inspiring and enlightening article.

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