18 Comments

Mrs Mary Delany (May 14,1700 -Apr 15, 1788) started her creative journey at 72. Amazing botanical artist whose craft was cutting thousands of tiny pieces of paper. Shortly before my retirement I read Molly Peacock's, "The Paper Garden". Few years later I had the pleasure of seeing 4 of Mrs Delany's originals at The British Museum. Now I'm reading Molly Peacock's new book, "Flower Diary" about Mary Hiester Reid. Another inspirational artist.

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@bonniestewart2 what a wonderful and intriguing book as well I love the caption “IN WHICH MARY HIESTER REID

PAINTS, TRAVELS,

MARRIES & OPENS A DOOR” thanks again for this recommendation 🥰

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You are very welcome. I hope you enjoy them.

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Oh wow! Stories like this just lift the spirit! You’ve made me so curious about her work with your description. I’m going to go check it out. Thank you for this gem 🙏 people need to hear this !

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Great insight Crystal! I've always been a late bloomer and am only now starting to find my way at almost 48.

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Fashionably late right? 🤣

This is such an exciting time for you! Your complex life has already created a unique perspective in your work!

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Thanks! I feel like I'm making a lot of progress in regards to art cultivating a rich inner life that is valuable in its own regard. But, I still feel lacking in the 'success' department. I never imagined being able to live off of it, but I was hoping it would fund the equipment upgrades I need to keep going.

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I hope it will as well for you!

Maybe put it out to the community in NOTES to see what others do. It may be more of a commercial slant at first with calendars or monetizing YouTube channel with some calm video footage people can enjoy !

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Those are good ideas. I need to finish this year's calendar. I made one last year and it turned out ok.

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I bet they turned out beautifully!

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Loved you piece! While I did get to exhibit in NYC twice and some other great locations after starting my art career at 43, and sold some art and won a few awards and have been published in a couple mags, and books. Now at 67 I'm over the hoopla of wearing all the hats! Marketing is not for the faint of heart and at this point in life wrecks my art mojo!!! I still teach a few students, but I just really want to MAKE ART for ME. No commissions, no competition like pieces. Just Play! So while I'm not retired from art I am retired from the whole marketing/publicizing bit! Make art and have fun!

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Thank you, Gloria! I totally agree while I like aspects of being a businesswoman. It does really curb ones flow and mojo as you say! I’m glad you are at a phase where you can play and just love what you’re doing and the hoopla is over.👏

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This is just an excellent piece . I think at 71 I’ve also accepted the NYC gallery & martinis are going to happen. But man , I’m having fun painting every day .

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I love your optimism dear Leacy ❤️

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Oops - I meant not going to happen.

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Hahah! Nothing stopping you from celebrating & having martinis even if your gallery is your kitchen! You deserve it!

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🌺technique is everything. Without it the ideas do not pour freely. Of course, finding one's metier or medium is a challenge. I have tried earning a little extra thru sign painting in a small beach town, however, my lettering became regimented and those simple letters began marching about rather than adding the original simplistic joy of self expression.

We shall see.

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Hoping you can relax, and that the two worlds of finding joy and gesture in the flourish can merge with the income side of the business! For you🤞

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