Are you enjoying your lives confidently and have you ever thought of self reliance? I was invited to
a life drawing class member's group
exhibition! At the opening,
an executive lady gave this speech and inspired us. The frog's story
implies the importance of "self-reliance." I'd like to share it with you.
* * *
Frog's Story
There once were little frogs who arranged a climbing competition. The goal was to reach the top of a very high tower.
A
big crowd had gathered around the tower to see the race and cheered on
the contestants. The race began. None of the crowd really believed the frogs would reach the top of the tower.
The crowd yelled, 'Oh, too difficult', 'They will never
make it to the top', 'Not a chance they 'will succeed', and 'The tower is
too high'.
The frogs began collapsing one by one. The crowd
continued to yell, 'It is too hard! No one will make it!' More tiny frogs gave up and came off from the tower.
But one tiny frog, after a big effort, became the only one who reached the
top! All other frogs wanted to know how the winning frog had found the strength to
succeed and reached the goal. They asked the frog questions.
He was deaf!!
* * *
Friends, did you enjoy the story? What do you feel about it?
In that story, the winner is the frog who did not care about a pessimistic say. In my personal view, the disability has turned out a blessing! That's what the lady and I chatted over. Without my difficulty in a leg, I might not have become an artist. Indeed, I know a hearing impaired, very famous and successful illustrator in Australia! Yey!!
Also, the contrast is impressive between a self-reliant frog and a third party's negative and untrustworthy say. The
mob's say is far different away from a healthy critiques, because their
say is irresponsible.
For artists, critiques are inevitable in society. Our work has two contradicted natures in one -- very private work, yet that has publicity. In other words, an artist's work is an isolated job in a group work. Thus, art work is connected to others and to society. I'm open to any feedback, while keeping my own stance.
So, this is my another finding from that story. In my view, a
balance is necessary between a healthy self-reliance and a genuine confidence, in order to achieve a goal. Otherwise, overconfidence and cowardice are counterproductive.
Particularly, I feel an objective view is vital to look at my own work
in a group work like a picture book project.
I
also feel a person who has real confidence will not easily either get upset
with other people's critics. A person with a real confidence well knows what she is. Be flexible and not stubborn in a healthy manner.
Regarding life drawing class, I'm blessed that I could meet very nice models. Especially, the woman and the man in this post are my favorites. Yes, Friends, I finished up the first "portrait" on A2 Arche based on the rough sketch on A2.
I simply love life drawing. It lifts me up and excites me, when I'm down in other work.
These life drawings (A2) and daily sketches(A4) certainly improve my drawing skills. These days, I can "correct" my drawing with colour in sketches. Yes, I can see value/colour very well!
Art always brings me a new nice friend. The exhibition manager, very caring and thoughtful lady and I will soon get together for coffee. We enjoyed
a chat over psychology. She passionately talked
about her support for local artists at a grass root level. Me, too, have
enthusiasm and happily encourage my colleagues or local artists.
Lovely!
Friends, let us gain genuine confidence and keep growing day by day.
Happy Painting!!
Frog's Story & Self Reliance
