I reluctantly call myself an
artist because I really don't know what expectations
people draw (pardon the pun) from it. I mean,
there are performing artists who must perform
something, and recording artists whom I guess
record something as well. There are even con
artists who con someone to get something. Then
there is me, the color pencil artist!
Now when I reveal this to people
their usual response is," How much longer do
I anticipate being in therapy? Which I usually
retort with, "Give me a break… just this week
they finally trusted me with a sharp object!"
I draw and teach for a living
and am not ashamed of either profession. I teach
because I like people. I draw because I like
to get away from people. Both are highly rewarding
and someday I hope to get paid for doing them.
As this is an Artist's statement (there's that
word again!) I won't bore you with my teaching
exploits. However, I'd like to bore you a bit
with art background.
I have always enjoyed drawing
and painting. I remember in kindergarten when
the other kids were busy tying up the teacher
with ropes they made from clay, I was over in
the corner chronicling the event in cartoons.
I had to draw cartoons because I can't really
draw. Besides I figure if I didn't draw myself
in the picture it would go easier for me at
the trial. As I stunk in science and math, I
decided to major in art and went to a small
college in California, which opened its doors
in 1908 to a freshman class of 12. Just last
year the other six graduated. I can still remember
my dad asking me what I wanted to be when I
graduated and I answered with, " hopefully under
40!" Enough of my background! In conclusion,
I'd like to say I am honored to be selected
as artist of the month. I am honored to be in
the esteem company of my predecessors who all
richly deserve the title of "Artist." Please
have a look at what I do and bear in mind, I
can't draw but I can color inside the lines!
