Yes, this! “So why art? For me it isn’t a choice, it is an absolute must. It is a form of nonverbal communication (which is perfect for me and my social anxiety). “
I have been on a parallel path with writing. I am a text editor by profession, but have never “gone public” with my writing until this year (just barely daring to say it, and only to a few very good, very trusted friends: “I’m an editor… and a writer”). Your words about wanting to express something through your art rang true to me, but in a different medium. I see the natural world and want to share how amazing it is, how profoundly it moves me, the ways it has comforted me and challenged me and taught me about all manner of things. I hope I might be able to grab people gently by their shoulders and urge them, “Stop! Look at this! This is amazing and beautiful and we might never get this chance to wonder and marvel at this again!” I feel that way when I see your paintings. I feel as if we are seeing similarly, appreciating, trying to capture something so much greater than ourselves and our human anxieties. Thank you for sharing your art with us. (I can’t draw myself a bath, as they say!)
Your words….“I hope I might be able to grab people gently by their shoulders and urge them, “Stop! Look at this! This is amazing and beautiful and we might never get this chance to wonder and marvel at this again!””
Karen, oh so much love for this post. I can’t believe you didn’t have the courage to call yourself an artist before writing on Substack - your paintings are so beautiful. What you share about friendships and being moved to tears and so many other things resonated so much. And thank you for sharing the shroooms!! I haven’t been able to stop making them and it’s turned into a bit of an obsession! I may stop when I have run out of blanks 🤪 and I love the other artistry you share too - Maureen’s humming bird is beautiful. Much love x
K.L., my daughter, who lives in Denver, CO, saw where a mother and baby horse were going to slaughter. They were so sick and I had to send them to ICU for over 1 week, then fly out there to lay eyes on them and meet the vet. I had Thanksgiving with my daughter while there. But that vet visit was over $10,000. If that hadn’t happened, I would buy 4-5 of your paintings. Just know they are magical and I wish I could. It dawned on me I wanted you to know why. So that’s why. But one day! 🥰
Laney! I love that you have such a huge heart!! And those bills really do add up so quickly don’t they? Are the horses with your daughter now? Do you have pictures (or when they are doing better can you share a picture?
Aren’t they so sweet!! They had so much love for each other in the kill pen. I couldn’t stand it KL. This is the photo of them in the kill pen. The person came into the fence and the mother constantly stood between the person and her baby. Protecting him. It was precious.
What a well articulated snapshot (pardon the mixed metaphor) of your emergence as an artist, K.L. Rockwell! Today you proudly say, “I made this.” Brava!
Thank you for this wonderful article and for sharing your ezquisite art. We speak the same language. My Why Art is my empowerment and acceptance of who I am. It's taken me 77 years to find it!
I’m not sure I have the courage to call myself an artist yet. I’ve been a photographer for several years, but I just picked up a watercolor brush for the first time the other day.
As for “why,” I think it’s because I see beauty in all sorts of things and I want to share what I’ve seen.
You definitely can and should own the word artist! Or at a minimum start calling yourself a creative. And have fun with watercolor!! Let me know if you have questions, I have spent a lot of time playing with paint.
Thank you for mentioning me alongside such amazing artists. I feel honoured! Your work is beautiful, and I hope one day to be in a position to buy a piece. 💙
.. i’ve no personal ‘why art’ reason - perhaps i’ve a ‘why wonder’ reason but not really clear on the ‘why
‘My ‘story & family story’ blows peoples’ minds.. understandably - just as those people’ stories astonish me ! & take great delight in hearing or reading of them ! Seriously ‼️ Yes, I would like to read that Post - the writing you ‘put aside ‼️
Was a great ‘moment (have had a few - even many !) when McLuhan’s co-author & translator suggested i wuz a ‘generalist (& NO .. we do not create ‘generalities.. at least i hope Not To.. !)
‘hypermedia as a form of ‘art’ is unlikely.. is ‘journalism a form of ‘Art ? photography ? music ? design ? lighting ? choreography ? poetry ? acting (performance too) ? How about ‘curiosity haha ‼️ I don’t really need to concern myself of such stuff. I’ve a fabulously talented artist pal & mention him often .. Picasso level - in my perspective - ‘gifted beyond my imagination & will ask him !
People trusted and/or hired me as a documentary ‘shooter - stills & motion picture - as well as to ‘wrangle all the various ‘craft involved in motion picture or campaign etc. I document ‘art & craft as well as ART & Live Performance.. & lemme tell ya this ! I’ve also shot a lotta what sure ain’t ‘art.. but maybe is to many many others.. who’s to say eh ?
In hindsight may claim the cameras were a ‘passport to ‘acceptance or appreciation & even respect & very much akin to athleticism haha .. or ‘good looks hoho ! Rest assured I could pick your ‘touch & talent & discipline - your ‘work & art out of thousands I see daily here. I’m a hunter & gatherer .. & a truly ‘tough crowd’ all by myself .. albeit with a giant sense of humour
How is your son doin ? The ‘great wise algorithm up in the sky (or cloud ?) don’t present him anymore ? Why is that ? For any ‘answer i Have or think i Have .. are a thousand questions for the feral kid - somewhat growed up. I posted a ‘Note here yesterday - it’s a recent page from my big sister’s Memoir Writing that I shot & has a photo of us after we were rescued from Ward’s Island. That I ‘remember the moment clearly - ‘tells me many clues.. the photo does that ! But what she ‘remembers prior & writes so eloquently about is a black hole to me ! Is her memoir writing ‘art ? Hard to say ? Or ‘Hard to say Not ?
Am a very early riser m’lady ! And this the very first ‘response have sent since 3 AM.. lovin your ‘stories too ! 🦎🏴☠️💋
I might still post the original word vomit…Thanksgiving just didn’t seem like the right week for it.
And funny!! I have often referred to myself as a generalist. I love that word. And yes, journalism can definitely be an art. Art is in the eye of the beholder, yes? I am curious the “why art” for your friend. Share if he answers please.
Thanks for asking about Finny!! He is finishing up his first trimester at college and had to focus in so let some things fall to the side. One of his classes was an art/drawing class and another was composition so I am trying to encourage him to start posting again. His skill level went up a notch and I think his style is really unique that people would enjoy seeing it.
I’m going to go read your sister’s memoir. And check out the photo.
I watched a movie last night (not a great one, but I still watched it). The two main characters had a big discussion about “what is art.” One of them was an art teacher and she could not instantly define/answer the question. It is something different to everyone, but oddly there is also some universal definition. Tricky.
I love your art, specially the trees in the mountains. So special and pretty. I am not so good with watercolors, I use pastels and some watercolors together. 🍪
Yes, the mix also called mixed media, is fun and looks good. I mix my fav watercolours with binder and after using the pastels on paper, the watercolours are used in some places either on the paper or on top of the pastels. I sometimes have to wait til it dries to continue.
Yes, this! “So why art? For me it isn’t a choice, it is an absolute must. It is a form of nonverbal communication (which is perfect for me and my social anxiety). “
Yes and yes!
Thanks for all that you share, words and art.
I have been on a parallel path with writing. I am a text editor by profession, but have never “gone public” with my writing until this year (just barely daring to say it, and only to a few very good, very trusted friends: “I’m an editor… and a writer”). Your words about wanting to express something through your art rang true to me, but in a different medium. I see the natural world and want to share how amazing it is, how profoundly it moves me, the ways it has comforted me and challenged me and taught me about all manner of things. I hope I might be able to grab people gently by their shoulders and urge them, “Stop! Look at this! This is amazing and beautiful and we might never get this chance to wonder and marvel at this again!” I feel that way when I see your paintings. I feel as if we are seeing similarly, appreciating, trying to capture something so much greater than ourselves and our human anxieties. Thank you for sharing your art with us. (I can’t draw myself a bath, as they say!)
Your words….“I hope I might be able to grab people gently by their shoulders and urge them, “Stop! Look at this! This is amazing and beautiful and we might never get this chance to wonder and marvel at this again!””
Exactly!! 🤗
Karen, oh so much love for this post. I can’t believe you didn’t have the courage to call yourself an artist before writing on Substack - your paintings are so beautiful. What you share about friendships and being moved to tears and so many other things resonated so much. And thank you for sharing the shroooms!! I haven’t been able to stop making them and it’s turned into a bit of an obsession! I may stop when I have run out of blanks 🤪 and I love the other artistry you share too - Maureen’s humming bird is beautiful. Much love x
@Maureen C. Berry is such a talent on so many levels!!
Thanks K. L. xoxo
Your watercolors are beautiful!
Thank you so much Kim!! 💕
Love how you capture glistening snow and fiery suns in amazing watercolours!
Thank you Aline!
You’re very welcome K.L.!
I adore Owl Over Still Water ❤️❤️❤️
K.L., my daughter, who lives in Denver, CO, saw where a mother and baby horse were going to slaughter. They were so sick and I had to send them to ICU for over 1 week, then fly out there to lay eyes on them and meet the vet. I had Thanksgiving with my daughter while there. But that vet visit was over $10,000. If that hadn’t happened, I would buy 4-5 of your paintings. Just know they are magical and I wish I could. It dawned on me I wanted you to know why. So that’s why. But one day! 🥰
Laney! I love that you have such a huge heart!! And those bills really do add up so quickly don’t they? Are the horses with your daughter now? Do you have pictures (or when they are doing better can you share a picture?
Yes I am in NC. They are in Denver, Colorado.
It worked!!!
Awwwww! They are amazing!
She can never be ridden, the mother. She is only 2.5 years. Way too young to have a foal.
Aren’t they so sweet!! They had so much love for each other in the kill pen. I couldn’t stand it KL. This is the photo of them in the kill pen. The person came into the fence and the mother constantly stood between the person and her baby. Protecting him. It was precious.
Hi KL! I sent you photos earlier but they didn’t attach. Let me try now
What a well articulated snapshot (pardon the mixed metaphor) of your emergence as an artist, K.L. Rockwell! Today you proudly say, “I made this.” Brava!
I love your mixed metaphors Gary!
Same goes for my love of your watercolor paintings, K.L. Rockwell!
Sounds good looking forward to it . I will send you some of our snow!
🤭 noooooooooooooo!
Just 4or5 inches
And maybe 2 or 3 more after saturday
I really don’t want to be “hearting” snow!! Bluck. 😂
Thank you for this wonderful article and for sharing your ezquisite art. We speak the same language. My Why Art is my empowerment and acceptance of who I am. It's taken me 77 years to find it!
Excellent reason! And it is never too late. Thank you so much for sharing. 🤗
Stunning work!
I’m not sure I have the courage to call myself an artist yet. I’ve been a photographer for several years, but I just picked up a watercolor brush for the first time the other day.
As for “why,” I think it’s because I see beauty in all sorts of things and I want to share what I’ve seen.
You definitely can and should own the word artist! Or at a minimum start calling yourself a creative. And have fun with watercolor!! Let me know if you have questions, I have spent a lot of time playing with paint.
These are beautiful
Thank you so much!! 🤗
Thank you for mentioning me alongside such amazing artists. I feel honoured! Your work is beautiful, and I hope one day to be in a position to buy a piece. 💙
Just know that if elves or dragons appear in my paintings it is your fault! 💕
Lol! Not sorry :)
.. i’ve no personal ‘why art’ reason - perhaps i’ve a ‘why wonder’ reason but not really clear on the ‘why
‘My ‘story & family story’ blows peoples’ minds.. understandably - just as those people’ stories astonish me ! & take great delight in hearing or reading of them ! Seriously ‼️ Yes, I would like to read that Post - the writing you ‘put aside ‼️
Was a great ‘moment (have had a few - even many !) when McLuhan’s co-author & translator suggested i wuz a ‘generalist (& NO .. we do not create ‘generalities.. at least i hope Not To.. !)
‘hypermedia as a form of ‘art’ is unlikely.. is ‘journalism a form of ‘Art ? photography ? music ? design ? lighting ? choreography ? poetry ? acting (performance too) ? How about ‘curiosity haha ‼️ I don’t really need to concern myself of such stuff. I’ve a fabulously talented artist pal & mention him often .. Picasso level - in my perspective - ‘gifted beyond my imagination & will ask him !
People trusted and/or hired me as a documentary ‘shooter - stills & motion picture - as well as to ‘wrangle all the various ‘craft involved in motion picture or campaign etc. I document ‘art & craft as well as ART & Live Performance.. & lemme tell ya this ! I’ve also shot a lotta what sure ain’t ‘art.. but maybe is to many many others.. who’s to say eh ?
In hindsight may claim the cameras were a ‘passport to ‘acceptance or appreciation & even respect & very much akin to athleticism haha .. or ‘good looks hoho ! Rest assured I could pick your ‘touch & talent & discipline - your ‘work & art out of thousands I see daily here. I’m a hunter & gatherer .. & a truly ‘tough crowd’ all by myself .. albeit with a giant sense of humour
How is your son doin ? The ‘great wise algorithm up in the sky (or cloud ?) don’t present him anymore ? Why is that ? For any ‘answer i Have or think i Have .. are a thousand questions for the feral kid - somewhat growed up. I posted a ‘Note here yesterday - it’s a recent page from my big sister’s Memoir Writing that I shot & has a photo of us after we were rescued from Ward’s Island. That I ‘remember the moment clearly - ‘tells me many clues.. the photo does that ! But what she ‘remembers prior & writes so eloquently about is a black hole to me ! Is her memoir writing ‘art ? Hard to say ? Or ‘Hard to say Not ?
Am a very early riser m’lady ! And this the very first ‘response have sent since 3 AM.. lovin your ‘stories too ! 🦎🏴☠️💋
I might still post the original word vomit…Thanksgiving just didn’t seem like the right week for it.
And funny!! I have often referred to myself as a generalist. I love that word. And yes, journalism can definitely be an art. Art is in the eye of the beholder, yes? I am curious the “why art” for your friend. Share if he answers please.
Thanks for asking about Finny!! He is finishing up his first trimester at college and had to focus in so let some things fall to the side. One of his classes was an art/drawing class and another was composition so I am trying to encourage him to start posting again. His skill level went up a notch and I think his style is really unique that people would enjoy seeing it.
I’m going to go read your sister’s memoir. And check out the photo.
I watched a movie last night (not a great one, but I still watched it). The two main characters had a big discussion about “what is art.” One of them was an art teacher and she could not instantly define/answer the question. It is something different to everyone, but oddly there is also some universal definition. Tricky.
Thanks for reading my post!! Appreciate you! 🤗
I love your art, specially the trees in the mountains. So special and pretty. I am not so good with watercolors, I use pastels and some watercolors together. 🍪
Thank you!! I have tried pastels and find them to be really challenging! I have not thought to combine them with watercolor….hmmm…sounds fun!
Yes, the mix also called mixed media, is fun and looks good. I mix my fav watercolours with binder and after using the pastels on paper, the watercolours are used in some places either on the paper or on top of the pastels. I sometimes have to wait til it dries to continue.
Your dreamlike watercolours are awesome.
You are so kind Chidanand! Thank you very much. 🥰