Wednesday, November 11, 2009

There's No Place Like Home



I think the first time each of us watched as Dorothy clicked her ruby slippered heels together and said three times "There's no place like home..." we all knew exactly what she meant.

She had some amazing adventures, got to see incredible sights and made wonderful new friends. She also grew up a little in the process. But that didn't mean she didn't want to go back home to everything she loved.

When you think about it, we are all a little like Dorothy, with the internet resembling the Emerald City. There are lots of amazing things to see, some so fantastic they can hardly be believed. There are certainly many faceless wizards behind curtains, not to mention scarecrows, tin men and cowardly lions all looking for brains, hearts and courage.

Like the Emerald City, the internet can be a little overwhelming at times, especially if you are operating your business online. It's easy to start thinking we need to do or be something we don't think we already have.

Having done shows for years before the onset of online selling I was certainly aware that there were many other bear artists out there creating wonderful works. But I didn't have the ability to go look at them any time of day or night at the simple click of a button. Nor did I have the ability to look at so many artists works at once.

Having the ability to bombard myself with visuals all the time seems to be having something of a homogenizing effect on my work for some reason. It's not that I am copying the style of anyone else, but rather just the opposite by playing it safe with my own. Sure I still make traditional, distressed bears, but they aren't as distressed as they used to be, and I tend not to try something crazy every once in a while like I used to. I am not unhappy with what I have made, I think they have all turned out quite nicely. But I have had a nagging feeling lately that I should be doing something...different...something more. I think it's what spurned this need for transition.

The internet is so vast and customers have so many choices that perhaps my thinking realigned itself to try to follow the yellow brick road, and stay more mainstream for broader appeal. (This was a little epiphany I had today, I didn't realize what was happening to my work until now.)

Of course as most artists know you can't compromise your vision and be happy. So it's time for me to click my heels together and go back home. For most people that would probably mean playing it safe, but in my crazy mixed up world...that means taking chances! I need to rediscover that I had a brain, heart and courage all along!

9 comments:

Kathy-Catnip Studio said...

Yay, I'm with you - be true to yourself. I love the new look and art, too!

Amanda said...

I hear you. I had this happen awhile back, then again after the summer, although not as bad. I did a little folder on my computer, collected images, things that inspired me. I had a cartoon type bear/birthday card cutie/slight vintage looking bear in my head, no should not work together, but thats what did. I can't wait to see what you come up with.

Heather said...

Alright, you are just building the excitement!

I already love your bears... I can't wait to see what you do next (btw, when I say 'bears' I mean anything you make XD )

Also, I have given you a blog award if you want to stop by :)

www.littlebearries.blogspot.com

You don't have to do anything with it, I just wanted to share your blog with others :)

Darlene said...

When I first started I thought my bears had to look like all the rest and I hid my best work under the table. When i got the courage to put it on the table people said that's different. Then when everyone's work started looking like the next artist in the room , I began to stand out just for being me. You have a view that is uniquely yours, share it in your work always, even when it changes.

North River Valley Akitas Puppies for Sale said...

I think the best bears come from taking chances and being true to your inner artist and vision. Good for you for not conforming to what you think collectors want. The right collectors will find you that are drawn to your specific style and your heart will be fulfilled by following your instinct! You are an inspiration.
Bear Hugs and Blessings,
Tomi

Kelly said...

Thank you all for your comments and support. Being an artist isn't easy...we need each other! =}

Unknown said...

Hi, Kelly!
Because you have such a wonderful blog, I would like for you to receive a special blog award.
You may pick your award up at my site:
http://alena-eliseeva.blogspot.com/2009/11/blog-post_12.html
Thanks,
Alena Eliseeva

Kelly said...

Heather and Alena, thank you both so much for the blog award! I am honored. I have been working like a mad woman today and haven't had time to do anything about that just yet, but I will tomorrow. I will also have the new animal to show you tomorrow!

But for now I am going to bed.

Cheryl @ Bingle Bears said...

Kelly, I'm glad you are following your heart and finding your way home.
Warmly,
Cheryl
Bingle Bears

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Current copyright laws allow for all work to be automatically protected when it is created. All original artwork, photos, text, logo, descriptions, and derivative works from Blondheart are not to be copied, imitated or distributed in any way. All rights reserved solely by the artist, Kelly Dauterman.

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