Courage, Warts, and Art
“Waterscapes: An Experimental Journey, 2019 - 2024” by Susan E. Brooks is on display at the Deanne Moore Gallery, 1120 Monroe St. in Charlestown, Indiana, through September 8.
Courage is not one of my strengths. The list of things that I’m afraid of is too long for this blog, and one of the things is public speaking. (Acting is different for me, but that’s another topic.) Recently, I gave an artist talk at my gallery opening. It was for my solo show “Waterscapes.” Worrying that no one would show up, or that I would not do well and every one would be bored with the talk and the art, I was so nervous, asking myself why I committed to this.
In the past year, I haven’t been as productive with my visual arts as I’d like to be, so I didn’t feel confident or worthy of the title “artist.” But having no choice, I prepared what I hoped would be a fun, interactive artist talk—I even planned to give prizes.
As it turned out, the crowd was small, but we were able to share stories, questions, and encouragement with one another in ways that might not have happened had the crowd been larger.
My husband and I were surprised to see an old friend. This lovely lady told him that a class he’d taught over a decade ago stuck with her, and she appreciated it to this day.
A teenager who came along with her parents was so excited about the prize—a greeting card made from my cardinal pastel—and her delight with my artwork made my whole night worth it.
One person asked, “How did you ever get the courage to paint on a canvas that huge?”
I’d never thought about it in those terms, but I guess the fact that I sold a few paintings that were almost that big, gave me the courage to go bigger. I had worked up to it over time.
A new friend from my gym showed up, and we got to know one another better. She shared that her daughter is now experimenting with painting and loving it. “I think it takes courage to put paint on a canvas,” she said, and somehow courage became a theme of the night.
The evening was, for me, a special time of encouragement, connection, and of deepening friendships. As I mulled it over later, I thought,
What if art isn’t only about art? What if it’s about courage, finding connection, and asking good questions?
As an artist and a person who is getting older, I want to offer my gifts, but I’m also keenly aware of my faults. This quote from one of my favorite authors, Richard Rohr, says it well:
“I am what I am, warts and all. I’ve got some faults, but I know I’ve got some gifts too. I offer you my gifts and I hope my warts don’t get in the way of those gifts.”
Those who came to the reception were such an encouragement. They received some joy as well, and I walked away from something I dreaded much the better for having done it. Courage is not my strong suit, but when I’m able to move out of my comfort zone, it usually turns out okay.
So be courageous! Start the painting, give the talk, take a risk. Offer your gifts and don’t worry about the warts.
