make it, love it, show it

I was looking through pictures of my art to see what all I had sold and forgotten. This piece I made before The Art Mill opened and while it was leaning against my living room wall with about 15 other paintings my good friend Kim purchased it. It looks great in her house but it brings up a question that I have heard people talk about...

Once you make something that you spent so much time on and put your creative energy and yourself into, how you can let it go? Three reasons. 1. I like to see other people find enjoyment from something I made as well as find a piece they connect with in some way. 2. I don't have a big enough house (or store) to show all the things I make. My art cries a little when I tuck it in a closet or dark corner. And 3. I have overhead now. :)

What is strange is that it wasn't that long ago that I didn't show my art at all. I would make it, love it and put it away in my studio. Although, I didn't like to admit it this made me stop creating art. If you are creating and tucking (even if you don't want to sell) find a way to show your art. You are sharing a bit of yourself with the people around you and although it may be scary at first it is freeing.