An Art Statement: Making a Mess, Restoring Order

As my artist’s statement explains, my work is utterly incomprehensible and is therefore full of deep significance.  –Calvin, Calvin and HobbesBill Watterson

I spent most of today sitting at my window in silence, untangling thoughts, and fighting icky feelings that were trying to take root. I needed to press pause on my ruminations, so–inspired by my many artist pals–I decided to pull out my long-neglected paint and brushes and make a mess.

Three postcard-sized pieces of “art” later, the ickiness kicked rocks. The works have two things in common–purple as a base color and “lack o’ skill.” I’m sharing them with you anyway because creating a masterpiece was not the point. Besides, my two biggest fans–my guys–like them and they encouraged me to post here on the blog.

Art is certainly not my forte, but I like Calvin’s artist statement [above], so I’ll claim it as my own. 🙂 Perhaps, I’ll add words [and/or photos] and send them out into the world.

If you’re feeling a bit out of sorts, pull out your paint or markers and make a mess. It’s amazing how order is restored through the creative chaos. It’s this reality that most likely prompted someone to substitute art for the word “music” in Berthold Auerbach’s quote and attribute it to Pablo Picasso: Music  “[Art] washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.”

Be sure to make a healthy mess this week!

23 thoughts on “An Art Statement: Making a Mess, Restoring Order

  1. Sharon Bonin-Pratt says:

    Art and music are related, flowing from that narrow cleft where reason and logic can’t fit. Chandra, your postcards are beautiful, no wonder your guys love them. I was an art teacher for decades, and every once in a while I get to teach an art class to kids. They are like little dry deserts opening to exuberant bloom. People need art – and music and dance and poetry – I’m glad you got our your paints.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Chandra Lynn says:

      Omgosh! Don’t get me started on children’s art. I love, love, love children’s art. How much fun that must have been! I agree–all art forms free us and heal us. Music (my first love) keeps me sane every.single.day more than anything else. Thanks for thinking my postcards are beautiful. Hugs…

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Deb Breton says:

    Yes, yes, YES Chandra!!!❤ Art can rescue the mind, it’s the salve for the soul. So glad it helped you chase away the ickiness. Your guys are right, post these and remember the joy it gave you while painting them!!🎨🎨❤ Giving yourself permission to paint whatever you feel, is half of the battle. Oftentimes it just takes the first step to get the ball rolling. Well done!

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Sheila Delgado says:

    Oh, these make me smile Chandra 🙂 So happy for you to find time to create! And out of y our comfort zone, high five! These are so energetic, and yet they seem sort of peaceful to me at the same time. Thank you for sharing this JOY filled delivery 🙂 Hugs, and blessings to you.

    Liked by 1 person

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