Bundled Up
7" x 9" watercolor
Last year my local hospital bought my painting "Timeless Remedy" to become a part of their permanent collection. I still have very mixed feelings about this because it is one of my favorite paintings and I was very sad to see it go.
I often wonder about the people who might see it when they're walking through that hospital and what circumstances of their life brings them there. Are they there for a happy reason, like a birth, or for some other much sadder reason.
In any case, I hope that whoever sees it feels something when they look at it. I hope they are reminded of what it feels like to hold your new baby for the first time, or maybe they're anticipating what that might feel like one day, or maybe they're just looking at it and it makes them smile when they're passing through a very dark spot in their life.
Then the other day I received an email from someone I've never met before who had seen my painting. She said, "this week walking through one the halls of the McKay Dee Hospital, I saw one of your paintings that is called Timeless Remedy and I want you to know that I was moved to tears. It's so cute and it reminded me of my little boy when he was a baby."
I know that my work has value for my family and for myself. And if that's all that the world ever sees of it I'm completely okay with that. I want it to be a legacy left to my children, so that they will always know how much they were loved.
But hearing things like this from complete strangers reminds me that what I'm doing, living this artist's life, painting this body of work I feel so compelled to create, might have a greater reach than I think it does.
Thank you Vivian, so much, for the email.
Have a great week everyone. :)
Just in case you're wondering what painting I'm talking about, here it is:
Timeless Remedy
What a gorgeous painting it is, no wonder you have been complimented on it and how nice of somebody to bother to let you know. I also like Bundled Up....I really enjoy seeing your work.
ReplyDeleteCrystal, that is awesome!!! It's those moments of validation that can carry us through the yucky, artist block times. Your work is so beautiful! You are a modern day Mary Cassatt! There is nothing like a Mother's love:) You are leaving a huge legacy and not just for your children!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful email! That kind of feedback has to make you feel good. I always love it when you paint with blues and the vivid skin tones are gorgeous. You know how to get to the heart of your audience, Crystal. Hope you're doing great, talented lady.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Anne! And I thought it was so nice for her to send me that note! Honestly it kind of moved me to tears too. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Carrie!! You are far too kind to me my friend! And you are SOO right about the validation. I need to make post it notes of all these positive things and stick them on my studio (er, corner of my bedroom :) wall for those low times.
Hey Roxy!! Thank you so much my friend! You are so sweet. It's so good to hear from you too, I was happy to see you blogging again. :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE!
ReplyDeleteAnd, Carrie is right; you are a modern day Mary Cassatt!
Crystal, how wonderful to hear from that lady about your painting. What a tribute to your beautiful and inspiring art.
ReplyDeleteKudos! and a big HUZZAH...:)
What a wonderful note to receive, Crystal! Not that you need the validation for your art, but let's face it: those external kudos are great and they do help keep us going :).
ReplyDeleteChrystal...this is what it is all about...sharing your gift so that it may touch another's heart. Thank you so much for sharing, brought tears to my eyes! And today's piece is nothing short of incredible. Well done yet again!
ReplyDeletefirst, "bundled up" is one of the best pieces of art i have ever seen! paintings of beautiful children in cute situations are many, but gems like this are very few. there is something here that just puts it into a class of its own. and that something is you. OUTSTANDING crystal and one of my favorites of yours!
ReplyDeletesecondly, your post is so thoughtful and moving. and what a beautiful sentiment for an artist to hear. so much cynicism in this world, so much hatred and violence, as if coldness and strength were synonymous. nothing could be further from the truth.
beautifully done on all counts crystal! BRAVO!!
These are both stunning artworks! How wonderful to have your work move someone to the point that she was compelled to let you know the effect it had on her! All the payback an artist receives cannot always go to the bank. Beautiful post as well as the art. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWell how nice of Vivian to track you down and share her thoughts! A letter like is fantastic. As is your work. And I really love Bundled Up. What a face!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful story. Your work touches many I am sure Crystal, and count me as a big fan!
ReplyDeleteSo neat! Last time I was in the hospital to have a baby I was really disappointed by their empty, white walls everywhere I looked. Your painting must seriously brighten up their space! Love Bundled Up too. Those full lips and far-off look are precious and make me think of my babies.
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful tribute to get such a beautiful letter! You really touched a heart with your painting! and this new one is a winner too-- I want to kiss those cute rosy cheeks all bundled up :)
ReplyDeleteYou said, "I want it to be a legacy left to my children, so that they will always know how much they were loved." You have succeeded already!
ReplyDeleteI remember that pic. Beautiful. :)
Hearty congratulations! I am sure such a compliment means more to you than any big award or sale.
ReplyDeleteMy best wishes to you friend,
Une très belle reconnaissance et tellement méritée...
ReplyDeleteIl y a une telle puissance dans cette peinture. Cette petite main qui serre si fort le pouce de sa maman... L'espoir pour quiconque dans ce lieu qu'est l'hôpital...
Vos peintures sont remplies d'énergie...
Gros bisous
WOW Crystal,
ReplyDeleteYOu got one of the best compliments that an artist can ever get. You must have felt so good and proud too.
And this new paintings is as awesome as all others. Huzzah to you.
It's wonderful that this lovely lady took the time to share how your work impacted her. It's so encouraging and a wonder as an artist to hear how something you've created moves them. Timeless has such a feeling of love and hope. Love that new piece, made me smile at that bundled looked :-)
ReplyDeleteLovely email and proof of the right decision to let the painting go. Now it will touch many lives. No finer gift to the world.
ReplyDeleteand your new one is gorgeous too xx
"Bundled Up" is such a wonderful painting, Crystal. And you story of the woman in the hospital is so beautiful. THAT is what gives us so much fulfillment as artists.
ReplyDeleteYes, receiving such feedback from strangers or hearing from people who have bought your art is definitely esteem building! Artists need that on occasion and it tells you that you are leading a very successful life. It is not about money and fame - it is about touching people. Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteI think "Bundled Up" is one of the most beautiful painting I've ever seen. You captured that baby innocence and beauty perfectly.
ReplyDeleteGreat story about the email. It made me think that I should tell people more how much I appreciate them.
Such a beautiful painting and story of your painting. Thanks for the reminder that a a lot of our paintings purchased have a deeper meaning than what we know.
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing to receive the email from the lady it touched. Thanks for sharing!
Isn't that wonderful! All your paintings are wonderful, BTW!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful story! And how lovely that someone actually emailed you to tell you how it made them feel! How many of us admire paintings on walls but never think of the artist and what it meant to them - just the art its self. It is a beautiful painting - Both of them are - but then they always are, every one of them :0)
ReplyDeleteHi Crystal,
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible yet very understandable story. I had teary eyes when reading it. You are right that is why we paint and that is why we should continue. Even in times like our days when dropping the ball sometimes a thought that visits. Just think how many people you inspired throughout your career, your life. Priceless!
Speaking of myself, I was inspired by you not to be afraid to paint children and I think it did bring some fruits already :)
Thank you again fro such a great post.
Irina
How wonderful is that? Having your art touch someone like that? You paintings bring out the best in people, it touches hearts. I love this new painting, such a precious pose.
ReplyDeleteI can see how this lady admired your painting..its so beautiful, Crystal..I love both of these paintings!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! So glad your work is there for so many to see and enjoy!
ReplyDeleteYour work is stunning!
ReplyDelete