Tuesday, May 29, 2012

guest post - lori plyler



As a child, these words were constantly drilled instilled into my growing mind.

My parents saw in me a desire to be creative when I was very young. While other girls were content to use Barbie's pretty wardrobe, and much to my poor mother's frustration, I used aluminum foil by the roll to create sparkling evening gowns for my beloved dolls. I distinctly remember other times using scrap fabric and glue – not one of Barbie’s better moments.

“Use your gift.”

As a child, I spent hours copying comics, "writing" calligraphy (because I was left handed and couldn't be taught properly), learning to sew, learning to paint through art lessons every Saturday morning… because I wanted to.

“Use your gift.”

After majoring in fine art, I learned the true meaning of "starving artist", working in graphics (when cut and paste was, literally, cut and paste), as a portrait artist, and even stressing over architectural renderings when some poor soul was desperate enough to pay me. Even though these jobs helped to pay the bills, I found no joy or creativity in the work.

“Use your gift.”


I've created in some way, shape or form throughout my entire life, experiencing art as both a job and a passion. Only as an adult did I learn to appreciate the gift of those early words from my parents as well as their gift of allowing and encouraging the burgeoning need for a child to create.

jewelry

handbags and accessories

photography

and most recently

art for art's sake.

…because I want to.

Thanks Mom and Dad.

(And thanks to Love My Art Jewelry for allowing me to share a little of my life!)

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Lori can be found:






11 comments:

Alice said...

How wonderful that you are now at a point in your life where you can make art just because you want to. I showed artistic ablities early in life too, but my father had his own visions of what I was to create. I never colored outside the lines or did my own thing--it was always what he wanted. Now I'm free to do as I please (yes it took me years to realize this) and it makes me so happy!

I enjoy reading your blog and watching you create!

stacilouise said...

I love everything you create! Even your blog is a work of art. So glad you are able to do your art just because as well, that is so truely freeing!

Julie Holmes said...

I loved your post Lori. My life was like Alice describes hers and I have to remind myself that it's not only ok to use my "gift" but it's not honoring it not to. Your work is beautiful. It's obvious you were meant to create.

Artisan Beads Plus said...

I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post. I think many of us can relate..... The desire seems to start as a young child. I see that in my four year old granddaughter. She loves to create and is very good at it. I always encourage her to continue. She also has a natural love for what others create.
Thanks for the post.
MaryAnn

Annette said...

What a great post Lori. Very inspiring!

mairedodd said...

terrific post, lori - it resonates on so many levels and is very affirming... your current work is a tribute to all of the years of experience you have and knowledge you have collected - not to mention the talent and vision!

Izzy said...

You are quite lucky to have a mom and pop who fed your creative spirit and it definitely shows. You are so talented at so many things!

LiliKrist said...

Love U Lori =)

Mystic Indigo said...

What a lovely introduction to you and your work...thank you!

Linda said...

Lori-
I really enjoyed your reflections and learning a bit more about you. Use your gift -- because you are so very gifted.

Kelli said...

Love your post!! I so agree. We must use our gifts. I'm not sure many of us have a choice. It WILL come out one way or another. We should all embrace it.
Your work is beautiful

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