Quote of The Day

Friday, April 05, 2013

Paint Party Friday Nothings Perfect

 Happy Paint Party Friday! I apologize for not  responding
 to  comments this week I was behind the eight ball!

"It's OK not to be perfect. Nothing you are drawing is, either." Lynn Cohen
 Sage words were never said! Especially as we overwork our art in frustration trying to perfect our pieces. The evolution of Lynns work done in pen shows that finding your style can mean making a few boo boo's along the way! Does it matter? Not really! When I see Lynns work I admire her style with some imperfections... because her drawings and perspective are consistent.
So I ask is it better to be consistent and true to yourself? Or should we strive for perfection that goes against  beyond who we are? Or can we find a middle ground by being consistent while aiming for perfection determined by others? Or is perfection actually just our personal best? Truthfully I know none of the answers....I just know I`ve never been perfect in any way shape or form!! Yet I spent the first  half my life trying to achieve it!! Sad, I know.....

I thought I had hold of it for a short time....but found it to be elusive...
The appearance of perfection is alluring, and the tradeoff costly! The energy alone trying to maintain it is insurmountable. Sure wish  I'd heard Lynns wise words years ago! Long before I wasted years trying to measure up!

   Many moons ago I lived in an elite neighborhood, golf green mowed lawns, children in every extra curricular activity, all but a few  drove nice cars, marriages in tack and kids seemed happy! Neighborhood parties galore, school gatherings and happy families abound!! Underneath brewed imperfection, addiction, learning disabilities, infidelities, health issues, fiscal troubles, mental illness and  abuse, the things soap operas are made of.......yet it all appeared so darn lovely. Something a young person could easily aspire to.

Jumping ahead twenty years. The most suitable couples, divorced, the kids expected to be most successful, aren`t, and the ordinary less pretentious couples are all still together...go figure!! Some of the kids went way off the rails!! Did ego get in the way I wonder? Were appearances just too exhausting to maintain? Did they seek the illusion of happiness in material items, and exotic holidays that never lived up to their expectations? Did they outgrow the lifestyle!?

 Many have moved from the neighborhood now, but it's still the same. 
A new group of dysfunctional people chasing the  illusion dream!
As much as I love whimsy, unique things and unique people there is a real ordinary side to me. As people around me struggle with so much drama in their life, having so much to contend with, my life stays very ordinary in comparison. Consistent too! I trudge along in my little world hoping one day to produce something of value other than perfection!
How about you, are you still being seduced by perfection?

52 comments:

Christine said...

I am totally not into perfection thank goodness! Nice post and art!

Jez said...

I just read this to Dev and he agreed with every word, and thought what you have written was so good. So many of us find it hard to beat this desire for perfection.

Earlier this morning, trying to finish my next blog post picture, I had great difficulty because I had one of those 'shaking hand' days (age and health), so I kept putting marks and colour where they shouldn't be. Then I said to myself, well the nice bloggers who will be looking at this are not critical, in fact they are supportive, and will see the work for what I wanted it to be. I was determined to go on. I hope other people who read your post will take to heart, as I do, the lovely words 'perfection is our personal best'.

Wonderful post, and everything I see of your writing and artwork has the perfection of being you. No-one else could achieve the individuality and originality of your lovely colourful artworks.

Anonymous said...

Love your arty girls ~ your artstyle is delightful ~ ^_^

Sarah Leonard said...

Perfection is far too seductive. How does it rope us in each and every time? We don't seem to learn and remember in between each bout of frustration and irritation at ourselves.

Sarah @ A Cat-Like Curiosity

PaintingWrite said...

a very thought provoking post! I think I gave up on the idea of perfection as far as the superficial goes, a while ago (probably around the time I hit my 40s and realised that it was all downhill from there!) I don't think I've ever worn much of a mask when it comes to how things really are in my life - I'm a pretty open book - what you see is what you get but it's interesting to hear how your neighbourhood was all about keeping up with the Joneses even when the Joneses apparently weren't really even keeping up with themselves! Smoke and mirrors! I'm so glad that's not a part of my life - it must be exhausting!

Valerie-Jael said...

Great work. Who needs perfection in art? Hugs, Valerie

GlorV1 said...

No Giggles. I know I'm not perfect and if there is imperfection in my drawing/paintings, that's okay...it's who I am. An imperfect person living day to day but enjoying life to the fullest, being careful to not step on anyones toes. Great looking girls you have going there. Enjoy your weekend and thank you. Happy PPF!

Linda Kunsman said...

I love your girls and all the varied renderings of them! I guess I USED TO be a perfectionist in some ways when I was much younger, but thankfully dem days are long gone!!! Well written post. Happy PPF!

aimee said...

the neighborhood you described fits my town to a T, and it is in complete opposition to the quirky, weirdo, wonderful town I moved from. it has been a miserable adjustment for all the reasons you listed! it is a daily job trying to keep our identities intact in an environment that values something totally different. love your new header. bright, cheery, happy and very you! xo

aimee said...

the neighborhood you described fits my town to a T, and it is in complete opposition to the quirky, weirdo, wonderful town I moved from. it has been a miserable adjustment for all the reasons you listed! it is a daily job trying to keep our identities intact in an environment that values something totally different. love your new header. bright, cheery, happy and very you! xo

Ginny said...

I always look forward to your words and your art. Am I perfect or do I strive for perfection? Luckily, I can answer No to both. I don't think perfection exists and it would be so hard to maintain that it would not be worth the effort. I have never met a perfect person or situation. I do think we can create a life that works for us. We just have to be flexible so that when problems arise we can change if needed. That helps life to seem like it is as close to perfection as it can be.

Anne Manda said...

Great post! I'm one of those "good enough" people, do not have the stamina for perfection! :) Love your perfect girls with their awesome colors!

Anonymous said...

Marvelous attitude about life. I gave up on perfection so long ago I don't even remember when, now I just paint what I want and have fun-and live a pretty ordinary life with a happy family and a happy grown son. Love your girls in your paintings. Happy PPF. xox

Netty said...

Loving your perfect girls, yes perfectly adorable. Happy PPF, Annette x

http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/

Dianne said...

We are told to always put 'our best foot forward' and so when we post on-line people might think we are perfect. not so much! terrific post and cute gals! happy ppf!

Marji said...

Love the girls! Perfection is an interesting topic - Its in the eye of the beholder as to what is its definition. I know I enjoy a perfect cup of tea or viewing a perfect rose or having a perfect day. yet the thing about perfection, when we turn it upon ourselves or others - it goes hand in hand with judgement which is where it all goes wrong. If we threw out judgement, maybe there would be more perfect :). Its something that we realize - once we come to our senses - that embracing our imperfections and dumping the judgement is the best thing we can do. It keeps things real, keeps us real and make us unique.

Ivy said...

Love your girls in all of their variations! HPPF!

sharon said...

Love your girls, all variations! Perfection, ha, I have never been perfect, I used to worry about it and strive towards it, but age makes you let go. We waste so much of ourselves striving for it. Thanks for a lovely post. Hugs Sharon.

Lynn Cohen said...

Oh you are such a sweetheart! I am humbled that you posted my book and my words and wrote a whole entire post from them. Wow! Thank you dear friend.

I again agree I do not believe there is such a thing as perfection, however, that said I do strive to do better and better each day I get to live and breathe on this fine planet of ours.

My hope is that if I continue to draw and paint my drawings and painting will get better over time.
That's not trying to be perfect, just better with time. ;-) and practice!

I love your three women, who seem to change clothes, and colors as they dance down the page and in and out of your words. So well done.

And the banner flowers shout JOY
and Spring to me! HPPF!!!

Thanks again! ;-))))

Faye said...

You wouldn't ask about perfection if you could see the results of my housecleaning attempts. Art, volunteering in several ways, and other activities call me far louder than running the vacuum cleaner. In art I have learned to live without perfection. There are artists I visit that I sincerely wish I had a talent like. About art, I love this threesome you've painted. For a while the original was my fave, but as I scrolled along, I'll have to say that the rosy sepia one is just awesome.

Cris, Oregon Artist said...

Love Lynn's book. Fun to find it quoted here. I chuckled when I read this as I posted on my blog a drawing that I spent half the time apologizing for because it didn't measure up to what I expect of myself. We all fall into that perfection trap. but as Lynn said we can strive for improvement as long as we know nothing is perfect. Good post and cute drawing.

Meihsia Liu said...

Love your delightful art and great article. You are such a brilliant artist. ^_^

Arnoldo L. Romero, MLA said...

I love to come to your blog, because I love your artwork and your words of wisdom. You make me think, and I believe that's very important. As to your question, I used to be a perfectionist to the point that it would stifle my creativity… and probably my relationships too. However, as I've gotten older I've learned to let go. Although I'm still not where I need to be, I'm very comfortable in my skin and can embrace my imperfections. Blessings, Ms. Giggles!

Paper rainbow said...

A lovely and thought provoking post. something of real value is far better than something perfect, because what is perfection? It is after all only in the head of the beholder.

Victoria said...

Such a super gorgeous post..beautiful art and powerful words! I am in love with imperfection..I think it is the true magic of life!
fab post!
Victoria

janice smith said...

Perfection is for the birds! I remember being caught in that trap. Deep down I believed that if people knew the real me they would not want to stay in my life. Fighting my way out of that was hard and, in truth, some people really would rather hang out with the illusion. These days I love being ordinary and loved just as I am. It's a good place to be. Love your ladies this week. They are absolutely fab and so YOU!

ANNE said...

oh how I love you! You are so down-to-earth and real. Perfection is feeling joyful and appreciating your life and everything in it. The other stuff is just stuff, unimportant, unnecessary and a source of confusion.

May we all seek joyfulness instead!

Lovely work, lovely sentiment.

xox

Abela said...

His art so unique and fun. Saludos

Kalyan Panja said...

simply beautiful!

Carola Bartz said...

A post to my heart!
I am far from perfection - both in my life and in my art. Perfection would be boring, a pressure unto myself I do not need. I am so imperfect, it's a laugh. And I love it.
Thank you for this wonderful post, I enjoyed it!

pauline said...

loved this. That perfect town you describe would make me suicidal, i swear... i don't do perfect, nor am i ever fooled by it. Love your writing, as always. xox

AM Zafaran said...

Imperfection is my perfect now! ;-)Well, I guess we just learn that perfect or imperfect, life goes on, never waits, so we might as well simplify it and live doing what we love without bothering to please others.
The three awesome ladies are wonderful and I really liked the middle ones skirt!

kat said...

Ah so great to come and visit you here again and read your so wise words! I've never been attracted to all that glitters...it just isn't me, I love the simple and ordinary, the real! Being with those I love, living a simple day to day life and enjoying it! Have a great week-end filled with what you love! xx

K J D said...

I am not perfect (no where near!) but I have no desire to be either....

I loved your post and art...

Karen x

Jane Wetzel said...

My dear...what an awesome post ...so very true..I WAS there and now choose not to be! Four kids (now adults) later I can only hope I have learned something..\ love your blog :)

Elisa said...

this is such a positive post! surely enough perfection is what society imposes but in truth there is no perfection in this world. the only perfect One is God. And may we do things to glorify Him.:)

Ritu Dua said...

I am not perfect and it's OK with me :)It is far better to live a life with hints of imperfections here and there rather than imitating a life which you think is perfect.
Love your art as always :)

Erika said...

Your Ladies are all beautiful, in each Color! I can not prefer someone. It is amazing how Colors are working in your painting.
Beautiful art and thank god not perfect. I think perfection in this Kind of art is the work from a photo camera :)
Hugs
Erika

bellefrogworks said...

I love to come here - your fun whimsical art makes me smile and your words make me think. I spent a long time trying to be "perfect" - that is I spent a long time being unhappy. I'm "better" now - always growing, but much more filled with joy. HPPF

Unknown said...

I read this post with interest Thanks for sharing I loved some of the replys to your words as well you have touch many with this post including me. Lovely work Dxx

Janet said...

No perfection here! When I was young I tried to be a "perfect" housewife but that didn't last very long! Doing housework in heels and pearls wasn't my thing.

I live a pretty "dull" life by many people's standards but I like it that way. No drama. No perfection. Just me being me.

Alicia C said...

wow, i think it is so cool that you had the White Picket Fence existence - it is such a wonderful privilege when life allows you to occupy/inhabit widely divergent sets of human experinces and, as you know, it is far easier "coming down" than "climbing up"! It's manufactured that way bc a capitalist consumerist economy is fueled by BS perfectionism and fetishized absolutist values - since all 'perfection' demands huge investment of time but mainly $$. IMHO of course (and that of many others ;) )

Anyway, the double perspective your life experience affords is priceless. IE I will pretty much never know what it would have been like (I went off the rails waaaay waaay too early for that I'm afraid) and a part of me will always wonder what I missed.

cool post! and cool happy dancing colorful girls!!

Kristin said...

Hi there!
Oh well yes, I am actually just now trying to recover from the idea of perfection. I was (and probably still am) always striving for perfection, but the older I get the more I realize how futile that is - and how it doesn't serve any purpose. Thank you for this lovely post - and your girls are gorgeous! xoxo

Šolanje na domu-Waldorf said...

These girls are so much fun! :)

minnemie said...

Excellent post. I'm so with you on this. I despise perfectionism... and YET I am guilty of it too. I am not for it, but it pops up in my life under many disguises, due to fears and sometimes due to hopes. It is a hard thing for me to conquer - or to let go. But I do believe it is a process, and in the process there is much growth to gain in the struggle. In the end, the struggle produces character and hope. Thanks for sharing!

Ariel said...

wonderful post Giggles. Who is perfect? What is perfections? After all it is all measured by humans alone. I am so happy to have found you through PPF. I enjoy your art and writing thoroughly.Wishing you a great week.
Hugs
Susan

Unknown said...

I have a lot of issues with art and perfection. I don't want to create this way, but it's so hard when my "schooling" was taught to draw LIKE YOU SEE. You know what I mean? it's a difficult process, but I am trying to work through it! Lovely post!

J C said...

Awesome, truthful post. UGOGIRL!! I dislike "manicured" neighborhoods. Of course though, I am so perfect...uh...uh...well except for the fibs I tell. :) Love all those wonderful colors.

Lisabella Russo said...

What a thought provoking post! Your girls are full of energy and character. I've never been a perfectionist, but I do want to always strive to do my best, I'm not sure where that puts me... Good topic to mull on for a bit though!

DVArtist said...

I too love these girls
Nicole/Beadwright

JKW said...

I love your 3 ladies. Reminds me of me and my 2 sister/girlfriends. Wonderful times. Blessings, Janet PPF

Amy C said...

Haaa yes perfection!
Great post

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