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The hardest word to pronounce: ARTIST

I have been engaged in art since I was a very young child.  In elementary school, I was one of the kids who "could draw".  Through high school my work was chosen for competitions, for school exhibits, and along with a few others, I was one of those "artsy" kids.  It was never considered something I would do when I grow up.  As a struggling single parent in Israel, I taught English in exchange for painting lessons from some wonderful artists.  I upholstered chairs with fabric I brought from South Africa, painted old tables in glorious colors, held soirees at home for local galleries in exchange for a painting.  Art was always there.

When I was able to devote all my time to art, years later, I would always consider myself a mother who liked art, a teacher who enjoyed drawing, a wife who experimented with a needle and fiber. Never an artist.  As a result, I did not want to hang my work on the walls of our homes, and if I did, they were always hung on walls that were almost hidden from view.  I could not, no way, say I was an artist.  

Only a few years ago, no more than 3 years ago, I was filling out a form that asked for occupation.  I wrote ARTIST.  Then, with great discomfort, when asked what I did, I managed to get the words out: I'm an ARTIST.  Can you believe it? It's still hard.  It is the hardest word to pronounce: ARTIST.

I wanted to show you what I did this week.  I hung my work on a wall in our home  in plain view!  When you walk into our home, you see the wall loud and clear.  There is my work, standing proud.  I am an artist.  I am an artist.





MeganH  – (January 9, 2011 at 1:43 PM)  

I understand your reluctance. The word "artist" seems to come with a lot of baggage with it. (That's my reason for not liking to use it, anyway.) I prefer to say "I have hobbies"

Your wall looks just wonderful!!

Anonymous –   – (January 9, 2011 at 2:48 PM)  

Hurray! You deserve the name. Own it!!

Nancy

The Chilly Hollow Needlepoint Adventure  – (January 9, 2011 at 3:48 PM)  

Better add a second title-Master of Color. You certainly are that also.

Jane, your fan in Chilly Hollow

Angela  – (January 9, 2011 at 6:28 PM)  

They are stunning and you are an ARTIST...

Suztats  – (January 9, 2011 at 7:58 PM)  

Yes!! Your art looks beautiful on your wall! Hurray!

Orna Willis  – (January 10, 2011 at 4:10 AM)  

Thank you so much for the beautiful comments and supportive words. I am so lucky to have wonderful people follow my blog!
Humbly
Orna

My Mother's Samplers  – (January 10, 2011 at 12:09 PM)  

I never knew you doubted it. I have never thought you anything else.

Yvette Stanton  – (January 10, 2011 at 12:12 PM)  

Yes you are.

Its funny the things we come to believe about ourselves, isn't it? Ones that we have to work so very hard to overcome. Congratulations on your triumph over your old beliefs!

Sara Leigh  – (January 12, 2011 at 6:55 AM)  

I wondered where all your needleart was when I looked at the story on your home on arttherapy. I'm so glad you're displaying it proudly now. It's gorgeous!

Coni  – (January 12, 2011 at 9:31 AM)  

A is for....attitude! And you, my dear Orna have ALL of the goods to proudly proclaim to the world: "I am an artist!" in full-throated voice!

Make no apologies! Take no prisoners! Create with impunity!

Woo Hoo!

Sharon Field / Inky A*Muse-ment  – (February 6, 2012 at 1:56 AM)  

LOL... why do we resist what comes naturally! Typical Artist!! Love your blog and your art, your title is well deserved!

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