Why Bother? • by Belinda Spiwak

When I was asked to be a guest curator, I was severely honored. However, I was at a loss as to what to write about in terms of art. Looking at a white page reflecting upon my art is not as easy as writing in my blog. Being the busy artist that I am, I swept the writing assignment into one of the corners of my mind. Periodically, I thought about it and took a few notes but never fully committed to it. Well, that all changed one day when I overheard someone say “Why bother?” as I passed by. You could see a light bulb literally light up over my head.

All the Reasons
Why bother? I have too much to do anyway. I’ve heard it said way too often that it is nothing but a hobby, a distraction, and just something to escape reality. Contrastingly, art is as much a part of my reality as everything else that is important in my life, such as teaching school and my family. Art is a part of my being. It is an integral part of me. Even if I don’t do art everyday, it is still there with me. I have long since given up trying to convey that to people who don’t understand how art is central to my being, so I no longer try. Now, I just “do.” Why bother? It is a great excuse to take some time for myself to just go through art magazines at the bookstore or to sift through art books for inspiration. At the same time, it is a short period out of my hectic day for me to figure out where my focal point should go or whether I should use paper or fabric as part of a background. There is not a day that goes by that I miss some paint on my fingers when I wash my hands. Am I the only person who collects something just to collect it? I seriously hoard old-fashioned bone-colored buttons and anything metal, especially copper. I find things in my purse that should never even come close to my person. I laugh when I clean out my purse and there are mystery items that I cannot identify. Even my children are trained to bring back odd-looking pieces of paper and anything metal to mom.

Why bother? My non-art friends and family don’t “get” my art. Not surprisingly, I have heard this from many art friends, Yahoo groups, and online discussions. Art is one-of-a-kind by default and each piece of artwork can be perceived by someone a multitude of different ways. I have come to realize that my art will not be liked by everyone, so the only person who really has to like it is me. Thus, I don’t try and create art that I think other people will like because I can’t anticipate the tastes and perceptions of other people. I can only define what I like.

Why bother? I will never be famous or get rich from it. Thus far, I have been very blessed to be published in various magazines and to have my artwork in a couple of art books. On the other hand, in the grand scheme of things, will I be remembered as one of the great mixed-media artists of my time? I don’t think so. I am more interested in the journey and the paths that I will take, rather than the final destination. For now, I know it is something that I must do. I am not so concerned about where I will end up but rather what new adventures will come up along the way.

Why bother? I have found that it’s the only time I hum except for when I am playing Bejeweled Blitz. Humming means that all is right in my world. I have found my happy place for a small moment in time. The rest of the world melts away for just a little while so I can focus on the art at hand. There is nothing like the soothing hum of the sewing machine to melt away my cares or the banging of the hammer on metal to carry away the frustrations of my day. Even the rhythm of the knitting needles while watching TV with my kids brings on a little bit of a hum.

Why bother? In the end, all the reasons not to do art are not important. I realized that art is something that I have to do for me. I cannot stress how critical it is to my sanity that I do something for myself in my otherwise very busy life. It was mentioned before that art is very individual and may not be liked by everyone. It is for this reason that I have learned not to seek the approval of others but to bask in the light when others praise my work. When others reject or dislike my art, I take it for what it is and move on. Lastly, art allows me to incorporate all the things I love to do — to assemble and deconstruct. For me, this is why I bother and why Art Saves ME.

To learn more about Belinda Spiwak, visit alteredbelly.blogspot.com.

Comments

[Wendy B Burton]

Thanks for your story Belinda. "Why bother?" What a great question to have spurred you on to wirte that story. I most especially love that you speak of art being the path to your humming. To me that speaks volumes. Hoping to hear your humming very often.

[Rosie]

This is brilliant Belinda. It resonates with me too and many a time, had it not been for art, I'd have been lost, or depressed... Well written, bravo!

[sharon knippel]

I love how you captured the essence of how and why some of us "do art"You are an inspirational catalyst to so many people of which I am one.Thank you for "bothering to not only do art but share your journey with us.
sharon