November 2022

Being YOUnique

Afraid you're a copycat?

“The things that make me different are the things that make me ME."

-Piglet  as A. A. Milne


Norman Rockwell’s "Freedom From Want" appeared in the March 6, 1943 edition of the Saturday Evening Post, it depicts a white, middle-class family seated around a crisply adorned dinner table. As was common for Rockwell, his models for the painting were his friends, family, and neighbors in the town of Arlington, Vermont, whom he photographed in his studio and painted into the complex composition individually (they never sat together).

You were born an original. Your unique set of characteristics, traits, talents, interests, and skills has never been seen before you arrived and will never be seen again after you depart. When you follow the crowd and copy the trends you will never get the chance to be who you were born to be…


Learning something new starts with imitating others. As children, we copy our parents, friends, teachers, and role models. Copying is a critical step in the learning process but too much imitation becomes boring and cliche. 


Did you know November 3rd is National Cliche Day? Cliches are terms, phrases, images, or even ideas that may have once been striking or thought-provoking but have now become obvious and overused. How remarkable and funny that we have a national day to celebrate the opposite of originality! 


Just because a phrase is overused doesn't mean it's a cliché, and because a phrase is a cliché doesn't mean it isn't true. A cliché conveys an idea or message that is easily recognized and understood but loses its point through over-usage.


The first conclusion people jump to when they see clichés is that the artist is unoriginal. While that may not be true, you don't want to set yourself up to be knocked down.


Here are some overused examples of verbal cliches:

  • Time heals all wounds
  • All that glitters isn't gold
  • All for one, and one for all
  • Kiss and make up
  • He has his tail between his legs
  • And they all lived happily ever after
  • Cat got your tongue?
  • Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed
  • We're not laughing at you we’re laughing with you
  • A diamond in the rough
  • The calm before the storm


The same is true for certain cliche images.  

  • The Big Family Thanksgiving Dinner with a Turkey
  • The path which divides into two
  • The nude woman on a couch
  • A lighthouse on a cliff
  • Palm trees along a beach
  • A vase of red roses 
  • Women with shopping bags
  • A man slipping on a banana peel
  • Praying hands


Notice how many of your first ideas for new projects are actually cliches. 

Because cliches are easy to understand and recognize we often start our search for a topic with something familiar. When I work with students I like them to come up with about 20 variations for their assignments. It is usually around the 6th attempt when boredom sets in and frees the creative mind to really play with the idea and introduce something a little outrageous. That’s when the excitement begins…

Playing with cliches can be fun. You can take a cliche idea and find your unique way of conveying that meaning without recycling words and images that have been used a million times. I had a blast finding these parodies of Norman Rockwell's painting.


Being the first one to have a thought isn’t what matters. What’s important is that you take a thought or idea and make it completely your own. Your interpretation should relate to what you already know and your idea should wear the color, the precise shade, and the distinguishing marks, of your own way of thinking.


A vase of flowers could be generic and cliche, or it could be exciting, new, and fresh with your personal imprint.

Finding a worthy role model to emulate, whose characteristics you wish to adopt as your own is a great way to elevate your character and expand your artistic repertoire. You are not a copycat when you copy to extend your capabilities. You are not a copycat when you reference the work of others.


Austin Kleon, the author of How to Steal Like an Artist explains it this way: ​​“You don’t get to pick your family, but you can pick your teachers and you can pick your friends and you can pick the music you listen to and you can pick the books you read and you can pick the movies you see. You are, in fact, a mashup of what you choose to let into your life. You are the sum of your influences.


The German writer Goethe said, "We are shaped and fashioned by what we love."

Since it’s November let’s reconsider the cliche Norman Rockwell image of the big family sitting down at the table for a giant Thanksgiving turkey dinner. You've seen some examples of what others have done.


How might you play with that image to make it your own? What does Thanksgiving look like in your home? Is it Norman Rockwell-esque? Is your family entirely white? Does your turkey dinner arrive in a bag from Whole Foods? Does your family eat out? Are you home alone with a TV Dinner or a turkey sandwich? Do you work in a soup kitchen serving the homeless? 


If you replaced the people in the image with turkeys what might they be serving on a platter? 

Being original is defined as being creative in thought and action; the source or cause from which something arises. When you cultivate your own history, style, tastes, and personality, not only are you genuine and authentic, you're more exciting and attractive to others.


Let go of fear and embrace your uniqueness. Make your art and your life an expression of who you are.


 According to EssentialLifeSkills.Com some of the benefits of “Being an Original” are:

  • You are true to yourself, therefore derive greater personal satisfaction and fulfillment.
  • You are more noticed, interesting, and attractive to others.
  • You are willing to take risks, think originally and be creative, therefore are open to greater career opportunities and advancement.
  • Due to a willingness to let go of convention, you live life to the fullest and on your terms.
  • Whether in your career, the arts, or in your community, you offer a fresh, new, diverse perspective.
  • You are usually a trailblazer, set new trends, and discover new ways of doing things.

Wiki How suggests these steps if you would like to cultivate your own uniqueness: 


How to be original:

  • Embrace who you are
  • Acknowledge your uniqueness
  • Have confidence in who you are

Express Yourself Creatively:

  • Try new experiences
  • Have a creative outlet
  • Develop “your” style
  • Take risks and let go of perfection
  • Present yourself uniquely

Think outside the Box:

  • Brainstorm your ideas
  • Take action on your ideas
  • Take breaks when you get stuck
  • Notice what you like in others’ work - develop your taste
  • Collaborate with others
  • Work with a mentor*

Before you can be yourself, you must know who that is, and then be true to that self. Centuries ago Socrates wisely observed that self-knowledge is the pillar of all virtue. Without it nothing else is genuine.  


How do you arrive at self-knowledge?


Trust your intuition and instincts. Part of knowing who you are is trusting your intuition and instincts. We all have an inner gauge that guides us along our most fulfilling path. For me, things that are aligned with me create a warm, vibrating resonance deep in my gut, things I should stay away from are like a cold, hard stone in my lower belly. I have to turn off the voice that is always "shoulding" on me to perceive my own truth.

Reach Out to Me

Look deep within to find the answers to your life. No one is better at knowing what you need and want from life than you. Express yourself by cultivating your own style, tastes, and personality. 


*If you are looking for help in uncovering your inner artistic voice I would love to work with you. Please reach out to me with your comments and thoughts. I welcome the conversation.




With Light and Delight,

Susan Convery
Visit my website
P.S. If you didn't get the chance to download your free gift from me: Here is my "Inner Artist Inspiration Package" - a series of illustrated quotes in watercolor based on flower photos taken by family and friends.
Inner Artist Inspiration Package

Quote:


These words were taken from a Donna Ashworth poem.  I couldn’t find it again to check if I got the words right, but I send it to you this way as my blessing for you all in this month of Thanksgiving:


Say your truth

Live your own way,

Be yourself

Share your dreams

Honor your desires

Chase your ambitions

Let yourself be peaceful

Let yourself be accepted by you

No one else matters

Let peace be your goal every day


  •  Donna Ashworth


November Events

BLISS YANTRA

Live and In Person Workshop

at my Plantation Home

Saturday, November 26, 2022 | 2:00pm –5:00pm

If you're in the Fort Lauderdale area please join me

Yantras are the visual embodiment of an audible, vibratory mantra. They are geometric symbols imbued with a color and shape frequency that contains the energy pattern of a deity or planet.   Yantras are used in meditation as a centering device and when finished to breathe the desired energy into the space of your home or office.


This sacred class will begin with an invocation of the feminine energy of Venus to open ourselves to the five senses of sight, sound, scent, taste, and touch.  We will color a Venus/Bliss Yantra as shown above. Meditation on this yantra transports you into a blissful state. This design stimulates the feminine impulse of creativity and the play of the senses.  This yantra connects you to your heart center through love, beauty, and the arts.  It's an excellent choice if you feel the need to reconnect with the sensuous, and sensory aspects of your life.


The sound vibration for Bliss is: Om Shum Shukraya Namaha.



Light snacks, tea, and water will be provided.


Investment: $50

Limited to 6 Participants

Count me in

Gold Coast Watercolor Society

Artist Demonstration by

Susan Convery

Tuesday, November 15, 2022 

7:00 Pm ArtServe Fort Lauderdale


I will be demonstrating botanical mono-printing using a gelatin plate.


https://www.goldcoastwatercolorsociety.com/

October Events

Leaf Peeping Road Trip

I drove from Martha's Vineyard to Florida, with stops in Connecticut, Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio, and Georgia. The foliage was breathtaking, especially along the highways where I couldn't stop to drink it all in. This trip was all about deepening friendships, creating new possibilities, and being present in the miraculous every day. Plus, I got to squeeze in visits to my alma mater, Georgetown University, the National Gallery of Art, The Cincinnati Museum of Art, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Garden, and the Eden Park Botanical Garden


BLINKCincinnati

October 2022

Sitting at the crossroads of innovative art and new technology, BLINK embodies the spirit of world-building, connecting artists who craft their own unique environments within the Cincinnati cityscape.

So glad I was able to witness at least some of this amazing annual 4 day event!  

Broward Art Guild 72nd Annual Members Show

"Apple Pie" wins BEST IN SHOW!

 

This painting received BEST IN SHOW at the 2022 Broward Art Guild 72nd Annual Members Exhibition!

This show was held in Gallery Six at the Broward County Main Library on Andrews Blvd from October 1st through November 1st. Thank you, Judge Timothy Leitner.


2023 Portugal Retreat

Burgau Beach Hotel

Western Algarve

June 17 - 25, 2023

My Portugal Women’s Art Retreat is Here! 


Save the dates of June 17 - 25, 2023 when I will be bringing you to the town of Burgau in the Portuguese Algarve. 


Burgau is a small fishing village on a pristine beach near the Costa Vicentina National Park. 


The Western Coast is considered to be the least spoiled, least touristy and most scenic part of the Algarve. It’s made up of rugged cliffs, a national park, and numerous small, often empty, and incredibly beautiful beaches. 


From our comfortable base in Burgau we will explore nearby villages, the caves and cliffs as well as a famous pottery studio.


There will be daily painting time, optional early morning yoga and meditation as well as delicious food, great company and conversation.


Please let me know if you would like to attend as spots are limited.

All the details!
Hold a Spot for Me!

Private Art Retreats

Private Art Retreats


A personalized experience, full of art and discovery, for those who….

  • are traveling alone, or with a couple of friends
  • would like a much more flexible, and free experience, and lots of fun, too, tailored exactly to your needs, interests, and experience level
  • may want to combine painting with organized discovery trips and tours and really get to know the ‘real’ South Florida
  • would like to book in for a shorter or longer time than most workshops
  • don’t want to have to bring a mountain of supplies in their luggage


Private Art Retreats
Private Lessons and Events
Master Classes for High School Students
Private, highly personalized classes in mastery for artistically-minded US & international students virtually on Zoom or in person at my home.

If you have a student who is a visual thinker, willing to push the boundaries of their own work, and serious about improving their options for college, I want to hear from you! Schedule a time to discuss how I can collaborate with you to build a portfolio that will give your student the greatest chance for success.

Art Workshops, Critiques & Presentations
Invite me to present or lead a workshop for your school, club, or guild.

I can customize a program for your event or present my skills programs on composition, color theory, drawing faces, coordinating light/shadow or understanding the cues for depth. I am available for judging, confidence-building critiques and recorded tutorials.
 
Improve Your Artist Statement
If you would like to delve more deeply into your own inner questions and clarify your thoughts as you create an artist statement for your website, a gallery show, a sponsor, or another project, please reach out, and let’s talk. I have helped many students write compelling statements for AP Art, college applications, and competitions.

Sketchbook Prompt:


Select a cliche phrase from the samples above or one of your personal favorites.  Try to come up with an original interpretation of the cliche that relates in some way to your personal history. 



Available Paintings

Please contact me if you are interested in adding any of the paintings below to your collection.

I will deliver if you live within a 2-hour drive and if you live further away, I will give you a reasonable price for shipping.

Venmo, CashApp, PayPal and Zelle are welcomed.

Title: Joyride

Media: Watercolor on Waterford

Size: 22" x 22" Unframed, 28" x 28" framed

Price: $1300.00

Frame: Gold Frame with a 3" mat


This painting is a part of my new series "Mermaid Memories. These paintings include childhood memories like the pink jeep my dad owned when I was a kid. The mermaid's tail is painted with iridescent paint.

Title: Floating with Friends

Media: Watercolor on Waterford

Size: 22" x 15" unframed, 29"x 22" framed

Price:$1200

Frame: Gold frame with 3" Mat


This painting is a part of my new series "Mermaid Memories. These paintings include childhood memories like the pink jeep my dad owned when I was a kid. The mermaid's tail is painted with iridescent paint.

Title: Apple Pie

Media: Watercolor on Arches

Size: 22" x 30" unframed, 29" x 36" framed

Price:$900

Frame: Gold frame with 3" mat


The inspiration for this painting came from a Carl Sagan quote, "In order to make an apple pie from scratch, first you must create the entire universe"

Title: Enigma

Media: Mixed Media

Size: 22" x 22" 

Price: $750

Frame: Gallery Wrapped Canvas Gold Edge


This painting revealed an inner presence to me when I was trying to create an abstract painting featuring veiling and texture.

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