Wandering H.E.A.R.T…

Tags

Children, empty nest, empty nester, happy mother's day, kids, love, mom, mommies, moms, mother, mother's love, mothering, mothers

“Wandering Heart”

New Art – Mixed Media Typography

A Mother’s Love

Sharon Cummings

2015

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This has never been more true than it is for me now.  As my daughter explores the world on her own, living away from the nest, I find my heart lurking in the shadows.  It is amazing how much more a text means!  Or when she “stops by”. 🙂  Here’s to all of the moms whose babies have spread their wings!

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I’ve Got Your B.A.C.K…

Tags

africa, african, african theme, animal, animal prints, animals, anniversary, baby, birthday, child, Children, colorful, colorful giraffe, cute, engagement, friend, friends, friendship, fun, gentle, gift, giraffe, giraffes, hide, inspirational, love, loving, maternal, mom, mother, mothering, nature, nursery, play, romance, romantic, safari, sharon cummings, sister, sisters, skin, skins, soft, spots, sweet, tender, wedding, wild animal, zoo, zoo animal, zoo animals

“I’ve Got Your Back”

New Mixed Media Art

Sharon Cummings

2014

Whose got your back?  In my lifetime, I’ve heard the words many times, but have learned that only a precious few have actually meant it.  I can count on my fingers the friends and family that have truly been there for me through thick and thin.  Today I solute them and am thankful that I only have ONE back. 😉

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N.E.V.E.R. Give Up!

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africa, african, african theme, animal, animal prints, animals, art, giraffe, giraffes, hide, inspirational, maternal, mom, mother, mothering, nature, safari, sharon cummings, skin, wild animal, zoo, zoo animal, zoo animals

I remember this piece very well.  I almost threw it away.  I spent many hours using Pantone markers and Prismacolor colored pencils getting the details of their fur just right.  I wanted the eyes to have expression and depth.  I was pleased with it’s progress until I tried to create a background.  For some reason the grass and trees weren’t coming out the way I envisioned. They seemed too bright and did not look as good as the animals.  I was crushed!  Then I thought I could save it by making the background solid black.  You can still see some of the black around the mane.  But that didn’t work either.  Finally in a last ditch effort to save all of my hard work, I got my x-acto knife and started the grueling task of cutting the giraffes out.  I had to be so careful.

In the end, I decided to make a separate black border and mounted it that way to present to my teacher for grading.  I got an A and it was selected for the annual school art show.  As a result of it’s exhibition, I sold my very first print in 1993!

What Is Success Anyway?

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art career, asian, asian theme, botanical, botanical art, botanical photos, botanical prints, career success, Family, floral, flower, flower art, flower photography, flower photos, flowers, happiness, koi pond, lily pads, lotus, lotus flower, love, meditation, mom, mother's day, mothering, pond, relationships, sharon cummings, spring, success, successful art business, successful career, yellow flower, yoga, zen

 

What makes a person successful in this life?  Is it dying with a big ol’ pile of money?  Is it having the most friends?  Is it the big house and fancy car?  Is it being recognized by others for your achievements?  Is it being pretty and well liked?  Is it bagging a perfect spouse?  Getting that kid into Harvard?

Over the years I have dramatically redefined my perspective on personal success.  Everyone has their own criteria, but for me it has nothing to do with any of the above.  I have come to realize that true success has little to do with worldly achievements and everything to do with the inner peace that comes from not needing them.

Am I a successful artist?  Absolutely.  I am not getting rich off of my creativity, but I am earning a living.  If my spouse died, I could support myself entirely on my income.  I only have to work a few days a week now thanks to years of time investment.  I make money while I sleep and on the days I do not work too.  In my own mind, that is success.  I ignored those that said I couldn’t do it and I worked hard to achieve my goals.

Am I a successful Mom?  You bet.  I turned away from my abusive upbringing and defied the odds.  I did not perpetuate the abuse and I’ve helped my autistic daughter find her own voice.  I have supported her every step of the way and encouraged her to love herself just the way she is.  I did not teach hate or prejudice and as a result she has friends of all races, religions and sexual orientations. She is now enrolled in college and doing all of the things normal folks do.  She didn’t go for an Ivy League school, but one that fit her goals.  She didn’t win a bunch of awards or get a perfect SAT score.  But she is happy.  To me this is one of my greatest achievements and I feel pretty successful as a parent.

Lastly, am I successful overall?  The are so many ways to achieve success: Relationships, Job, Health, Family, Hobbies, Fitness, etc. The simple answer for me is:  Yes.  The detailed answer would be far too long to expect the average blog reader to get through.  I am at a point in my life that I no longer concern myself with how others view me.  I am satisfied and happy with who I am and all I’ve done. In the end, that is all that matters.  So, yes, I am truly successful.

Do you see yourself as a success?

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