Tuesday, March 29, 2011

A lot of parents will do anything for their children, except let them be themselves
~Banksy


I am into the final hours of preparation for my show, with all my work going to the gallery on Thursday. The kids are off school on Spring Break this week, so thankfully my parents offered to spend time with them and help me in anyway they could.

That is what my parents have always done....
encouraged and supported me in anyway they could,
to be who I am, and to do what I needed to do.

Yesterday, my Dad spent hours with me at the studio putting wires on my paintings, giving me some feedback on my paintings, talking about art and my career as an artist. It was probably one of the best afternoons of my life.

Here I was, in my own studio, with my dad, prepping for my FIRST solo show. My mom was only a couple blocks away, hanging out with my 3 kids at my house. All I could think was, "I am so grateful they are here to be a part of this excitement with me." 2 years ago my Dad had a double lung transplant and without it, he probably wouldn't be alive right now, and if he was alive, he certainly wouldn't have been well enough to be helping me prepare for my show.

They have listened respectfully, to all my philosophies of life, even as those ideas changed many times over the years, they encouraged and helped me forge a caricature career, they excitedly were there for the first grandchild and are still an enormous presence in all my children's lives and lastly and most importantly, I know they love me for who I really am,
completely.

Almost every time I draw caricatures someone says
"you are so lucky you can draw".
You know what?
That is not luck. That was hard work.

Luck,
was getting the remarkable parents that I have.

7 comments:

Tricia said...

Oh my - my heart is so full after reading your post about your wonderful event coming up and your parents. I know we have never met but I was "introduced" to your blog and your wonderful art by my daughter. You have done some work for her and she loves everything you do as do I. I hope everything goes well and actually feel very confident it will. Can't wait to hear and see pictures of everything.

Tannis said...

You do have remarkable parents!! I have such fond memories of them...Glad to hear that your Dad is doing so well!
And so happy to see that you are doing what you love!

Emily Byrne said...

Happy for you!

Aidan Cooney said...

Double Lung Transplant ...You may consider the Donor as a member of your Family too !

SEILER said...

Very cool!

Caricature Girl said...

Thanks Jane.
Nice to hear from you Tannis!
Thanks Emily and Jason.
You know Aidan, you are very right.

TS said...

do you have a facebook page? you should link up your blog with it, and market your work better..
I really like your work, your blog and your philosophies. I wish you to get the success you so deserve. Wish you all the best in your every endeavour, and a life full of happiness.