I think artistic abilities are traits we have when we are born. Those abilities become different things to individuals who find different ways to use their inherent talents. Some of us are multi-talented, perhaps in music, writing, visual arts, graphic designs, architecture, etc. The base is in-born. Most of us know it early on and begin to practice our crafts as children. It is a compelling drive inside of us that seeks external expression. I was an artist and a writer from the time I could hold a pencil. The discipline of our lives directs where we go with these inherent skills.
I became professional as both artist and writer. These skills and abilities are also deeply satisfying aspects of our personal lives. I paint first because it brings me great personal satisfaction. Then it is a bonus when others love my work and relate to it. Now, I'm taking the time to write about some of the work I've done because others who love it have asked me to. Many people have asked me about "Catholic Hill, First Communion." This is actually a painting of St. James, The Greater, Catholic Church at Ritter, S.C. The church was established in 1826 and is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
In the early 1970's, I made some pictures I planned to use as reference for a painting with a Polaroid camera. My old photos were faded and not very clear when I rediscovered them five or six years ago, and began to reconsider doing this subject. I planned my work to be done at noon, a good old southern "dinner on the grounds" celebrating first communion. I drove out to the church to get new photos for a clearer reference.
I stood with old photo's in hand, trying to decided what was different. The difference was "improvements" which had widen the front porch and added handicap access along the side of the building. The improvements simply did not fit with my painting and plans to include vintage cars. I had to revert to my old Polaroids and memory! The finished painting from first photo to final brush stroke took 43 years!
When I finished the work and took it to show at the church, many people wanted to "find themselves" among the 43 figures I had also included in the work! It was exciting to see others seeking to identify with my completed work.
The original now hangs in the social hall at St. James, The Greater. I made a very small limited edition print on canvas so that I could keep a copy of of work that had taken "half my lifetime!". Note cards were also made and are available in the church gift shop. The note cards can also be framed. It's also very satisfying to know that I have contributed my own view of the history of this church.
My work can also be found at my website www.Beckysart.com, at The Charleston Artist Guild Gallery, 160 East Bay Street in Charleston, SC and Sunset River Market Place, Calabash, NC
I became professional as both artist and writer. These skills and abilities are also deeply satisfying aspects of our personal lives. I paint first because it brings me great personal satisfaction. Then it is a bonus when others love my work and relate to it. Now, I'm taking the time to write about some of the work I've done because others who love it have asked me to. Many people have asked me about "Catholic Hill, First Communion." This is actually a painting of St. James, The Greater, Catholic Church at Ritter, S.C. The church was established in 1826 and is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
In the early 1970's, I made some pictures I planned to use as reference for a painting with a Polaroid camera. My old photos were faded and not very clear when I rediscovered them five or six years ago, and began to reconsider doing this subject. I planned my work to be done at noon, a good old southern "dinner on the grounds" celebrating first communion. I drove out to the church to get new photos for a clearer reference.
I stood with old photo's in hand, trying to decided what was different. The difference was "improvements" which had widen the front porch and added handicap access along the side of the building. The improvements simply did not fit with my painting and plans to include vintage cars. I had to revert to my old Polaroids and memory! The finished painting from first photo to final brush stroke took 43 years!
When I finished the work and took it to show at the church, many people wanted to "find themselves" among the 43 figures I had also included in the work! It was exciting to see others seeking to identify with my completed work.
The original now hangs in the social hall at St. James, The Greater. I made a very small limited edition print on canvas so that I could keep a copy of of work that had taken "half my lifetime!". Note cards were also made and are available in the church gift shop. The note cards can also be framed. It's also very satisfying to know that I have contributed my own view of the history of this church.
My work can also be found at my website www.Beckysart.com, at The Charleston Artist Guild Gallery, 160 East Bay Street in Charleston, SC and Sunset River Market Place, Calabash, NC
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