ART AS A GIFT?

Have you ever contemplated making someone something for the holiday or a birthday?

It's difficult! Your mind may be racing all around with worry and doubts. Will they like it? Am I a good enough artist to give something like this away? Should I buy a traditional gift and be safe? Will it match their home?

Here are some suggestions:

1. Make sure you know the person rather well. Giving a homemade gift to an acquaintance is more difficult unless you are a jewelry maker, candle-maker or a craftsperson.

2. Keep the person in mind as you work. This will help connect your intent to the meaning of the piece. Obviously if the person does not like flowers you wouldn’t paint them a daisy…

3. Keep it small. Something very large is obtrusive and self-indulgent, not to mention time consuming.

4. Don’t get overly personal (if it’s not for your beloved of course). Painting their portrait without notice could be rather awkward.

5. Just do it. Keep love and the feeling of giving in your heart and make the piece. Working from your instincts will keep you on track! Don’t try to hard!

6. Let it go. Yes, you will have to give it away and allow them to accept it. You may have fallen into the trap of, “Oh, I think I will keep this, it’s so nice.” NO! If you love it that much that means they will too. Nothing feels better than giving yourself in your art.

7. Talent should be shared, no need to be shy or modest. You don’t have this talent to keep to yourself.

8. Take a photo of it, now you have a record of your work.

9. Wrap it up preciously. They deserve to know how hard you worked and the love behind it.

10. Have no attachments after it is given. They are going to feel so blessed and honored you made them something, they are going to love it! And if by chance they do not, well that is their problem. Don’t look for it or ask where it is next time you are over. It is theirs now and they may do what they’d like with it. Just like any gift that is given.

That’s it, give it and be so proud you shared a piece of yourself with someone. Just the act of giving is precious. Your time, thought, talent, and love are part of the energy that went into the making of that art. You are famous in their heart, and the stores can keep their socks, underwear and candy. Someone now owns a “real” piece of art.

Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas! Happy Birthday! Whatever you do enjoy this time!

Jill