“My painting is what I have to give back to the world for what the world gives to me.” “I know now that most people are so closely concerned with themselves that they are unaware of their individuality. I can see myself, and it has helped me to say what I want to say—in paint.” – Georgia O’Keeffe.
“I have already settled it for myself, so flattery and criticism go down the same drain, and I am quite free.” – Georgia O’Keeffe.
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I posted the second quote yesterday because I love it so much. I read it almost every day. I can hardly imagine O’Keefe putting up with the busybodies, trolls, and insensitive people who feel free to tell others – especially creative people and strangers – what they should be doing, thinking, and feeling.
How dare they? I used to wonder.
I can hardly believe the gall people in our world have in telling other people who they are, what they are like, and what they should write, say, or do.
This kind of intrusion and presumption has been so common that it is now considered a right of people with computers and send buttons.
I have successfully and finally dealt with the issue myself. At first, I got angry with strangers hating me just because they can and realized how foolish and pointless that was. I became like them in some ways.
The heartfelt support of so many people has helped me understand who I am, accept it, and settle it myself. The others are gone now, memories and some scars, and when they show up and try again, I delete them in a blink, and they lose interest, just as I was told.
Back then, just like O’Keeffe, I settled it for myself; flattery and criticism go right down the drain.
But kindness is not flattery.
The kind appreciation and respect for my work are precious; it taught me who I am.
I write this to honor all the creative and brave people out there who are driven to hide their work and abandon it for fear of cruelty. I hear from them often.
I am very grateful not to be one of them. We will never know how many were or are or what work has been lost.
I do not compare my work with O’Keeffe’s, but all creatives are O’Keeffe’s in a way, successful or not, searching for their individuality and then fighting for it. I have settled it for myself, and I am also quite free.
Signing off, see you tomorrow.
Jon, I LOVE that quote of Georgia’s! She was true to herself and therefore free. Ahh, saying that makes my shoulders relax. I couldn’t be free until I started my authenticity journey, which I didn’t even know was “a” journey. Hindsight has allowed me to see that for what it was. I can relate to the trolls and critics because I was one – I had no outlet for my anger at being imprisoned and having to be a robot, following what I was told to do, be and feel. So I took it out on others. I am becoming softer and less guarded as I live this journey, collecting love and experiences along the way, especially from others’ journeys, like yours. Thank you for adding light to this world, Jon.
🙂
Well, Jonathan, once again, our souls collide. I too, have “settled it”, at last. Like you, I do what I can, where I can. Our collective kindness sends out ripples of strength to the greatest galaxies. It is the purest form of communication. Once you’ve turned that channel on, stand back and let the show begin. It truly is one of wonder and amazement.
I was not familiar with O’keefe’s quote. However, it has now made it into my personal book of “universal law”.
Best of days to you and all you love.
Even those you don’t.
Deidra
Oh yeah, AMAZING PHOTOS!