Have you ever felt that you've discovered a hidden passion, only to be met with skeptical glances and raised eyebrows? I certainly have. It wasn't until later in life that I stumbled upon the captivating world of painting, and it has become an all-consuming obsession that fills my days with wonder and creativity. After a solo trip to Paris in 2022 I realized I have let me love of sketching die that I gave up as aTV executive. I had gotten overweight, chasing what I could not catch and forgot my true nature or never really knew it maybe. We all are trying o pay the bills, make the career and then one day I said.. I will work harder than most but it has to be to build things I want to be around.. not make others rich off my creativity and mental IP.
But oh, the naysayers and their dismissive eye rolls! That is okay because we all are dismissive at times of others and give advice. Its just human nature and I do it as well I am sure. Use it as fuel. I always have. Always the Victor and never the victim. That’s the point: You have to believe in yourself and try things to see if they work and work with people you disagree with so you can get pointed in a path. Most may not agree but at least you kept trying to grow and challenge yourself and your preconceived notions. You have to be patient and know the storm will pass. I did a painting about a Bison that sold to Texas. The Bison puts its head down when a storm comes and moves into the storm because it knows it can get through it quicker. Most run the other direction until the storm catches up with them causing time wasted in fear. Be the bison!
We live in a world that often underestimates the power of creative, art, assuming it to be reserved for the chosen few. But here's the thing: there are thousands of artists out there, just as there are thousands of accountants, doctors, or lawyers. That doesn't mean we should shy away from pursuing our creative dreams. Each of us brings a unique perspective and voice to the world of art, and it is that very diversity that makes the artistic landscape so rich and vibrant. How will you sell your art? Can you make a living at it? Same questions I got. Can you make a living as an accountant? There are thousands of them… Its all about what angle you look at life. Think for yourself, research, find the niche. I did not make art to sell because it was a pure endeavor actually wanting to escape the mental drain of commerce and entrepreneurship… But also I know my heart is to create and if people like it and wont to buy that is the true north. One of the first times in my life I felt “ this is what I should do”. I still love business and the companies I have and entrepreneurs I help is “ creativity”. My rolodex and creativity opens doors for them and in turn more doors are opened for my creative pursuits. Win win.
When I first picked up a paintbrush, I never envisioned selling my artwork. It was simply a personal outlet for self-expression, a means to escape the monotony of daily routines, life changes, mental escape. But life has a funny way of surprising us. Through a series of unexpected events and chance encounters, I found myself faced with opportunities to share my art with others and in only 3 months,
To my astonishment, I have sold around 10 pieces and even received commissioned requests. It was a testament to the power of passion and dedication and just doing it because I needed something to do with my hands and less talk.
My art found its way into the hearts of others, resonating with something deep within them. It was in those moments that I realized the impact art can have on people's lives, and how it can serve as a bridge between emotions, experiences, and connections. My art right now is about The Stains of life and overcoming things. Make beauty from the “mistakes” / stains of life as what other option is there? I believe in the power of the individual to push through and conquer small life moments or big ones. Your story matters and can’t compare your life to others or groups telling you to think like them or your “ cancelled” or wrong. Its BS and fight back against these narratives by being you, free speech and creating what you want or what you want to say. Never cower when government, groupthink, or intellectual bullies try and tell you what to do or say. Art, comedy and debate are needed at all levels. We are all different and no matter what you have to run your own race and not force your opinions on others.
My art is about that feeling when you overcome something (because life we all want to make better for others but life is not fair and we must realize this to get through tough times) like those creative struggles, personal or you do a job you were afraid of but look back and say” that was tough, but I learned from it and now have new knowledge about how to handle that in the future”. If you don’t compound the lessons from your pain then you will just repeat the same feelings and be in a loop. Growth and finding calm in the storm is the goal.
Throughout this journey, I have discovered the importance of focusing on what's around me. Inspiration can be found in the simplest of things—a dewdrop on a leaf, the interplay of light and shadow, or the texture of a weathered surface. A word I hear from a stranger, the noise, the quiet. The world becomes a vast canvas, waiting to be explored and interpreted through the artist's eyes as life moves through them.
As I navigate this artistic path, I am still finding my niche. I am not attempting to mimic the masters or become the next Picasso, I am attempting to be Tennessee. I am striving to be the best version of myself as an artist, with my unique perspective, my stories to tell, and my voice to be heard. And that is enough.
"The best thing you can do as an artist is to find your voice and have the courage to use it."
Rick Rubin Says in his book which struck me and I was nodding my head his whole book. “ You could say it's a feeling. An inner voice. A silent whisper that makes you laugh. An energy that enters the room and possesses the body. Call it joy, awe, or elation. When a sense of harmony and fulfillment suddenly prevails.
It is an arising of the ecstatic.
The ecstatic is our compass, pointing to our true north. I arises genuinely in the process of creation. You're working and struggling, and suddenly you notice a shift. A revelation.
A small tweak is made, a new angle is revealed, and it takes your breath away.
It can arise from even the most seemingly mundane de-tail. The change of a word in a sentence. Instantly, the passage morphs from nonsense to poetry, and everything falls into place.
An artist will be in the throes of creation, and the work may seem unremarkable for a while. Suddenly, a shift occurs or a moment is revealed, and the same piece now seems ex-traordinary”
These words resonate deeply within me. Creativity is not about comparison; it is about embracing our individuality and expressing it authentically. It is about that moment you breakthrough, tapping into that inner fire and letting it guide our brushes across the canvas and fight the moment you want to quit, push though and there is an answer. You have to like it and feel accomplished. I used to tell my staff on TV shows. “ You can’t control the ratings, you can’t control the network or audience, but what you can control is how you treat your team, mange your time and push for great work.. if you have pride in that and gave it your all the rest won’t matter even if it is a hit or not because those outside these walls factor are out of your control”
To all those who doubted and rolled their eyes when I embarked on this late-blooming artistic journey, I say this: Thank you! We need challenges and disagreement to find fuel to challenge ourselves. Art knows no age, no politics, no agendas, no groupthink. You be you and forget the noise and people lumping you into groups . It is never too late to embrace a creative outlet and allow it to flourish. The joy of creation, the thrill of seeing something beautiful take shape under your fingertips—it's a gift that should never be reserved for the few as we all are creative be it art, entertainment, being a father or mother, farmer, accountant, business or whatever you find a gut feeling towards.
So, whether you're an aspiring painter, a writer, a musician, or any other kind of creative soul, remember that your voice matters. Don't be deterred by the skeptics or the doubters. Believe in yourself, and let your passion guide you towards a life enriched by art. Do it for yourself in a pure way and the right people will line up as needed. If you think about just “ getting a paycheck” then it is not from your gut and true north. You can have a day job to pay the bills and create as a hobby for a balance. You have to be practical but always searching yet being patient for that tipping point. Mine came at 48, will evolve I am sure, yet has been worth the wait.
Embrace the palette, and let the colors of your imagination paint a masterpiece on the canvas of your life. You are the hero on your own journey and paint or write that story well.
Thank you If you read this far… If you didn’t, that’s okay. I wrote this for myself anyways. ;0