(first printed in the Tybee Breeze, April 2008)
by Debbie Brady Robinson
“Eek, don’t use the ‘d’ word. We hate deadlines. We hate them a lot“, words recently cited in an artist‘s blog! Most, especially we "artistic types", all feel the same: the mere mention of the “d” word, often results in a knot in the stomach, a head ache - and oh, sooooooo much pressure! And yet, hate it as we do, some can’t get a thing done without those insidious looming dates! What’s the matter with me - uhmn, uh... I mean them!
The truth is, artistc endeavor in its purest sense can be sheer ecstasy - that is, when one is free to create with abandon and without expectation! It's a great feeling to create whatever comes to mind for the pure enjoyment of it, and then to simply hang the finished piece directly on the gallery wall! It is truly exhilarating to create only what you desire to do, not what you HAVE to do! I dare say, that specific feeling is the entire reason that most become Artists in the first place! When an artist is totally submerged in the act of creating, minus the pressure of meeting a delivery deadline, one is (reportedly) "more likely to persist, feel good about oneself, and be the most creative...!"
The urge to create with abandon - for the sheer pleasure of it, is lost when the "Have to" factor is added to the mix - at least in the short run. It's the act of getting started on a "deadline piece" that is so difficult for most of us. Not unlike the writing of this article, (surprise, I'm smack dab up against deadline), once we actually begin the process the dread falls away. The creative juices begin to flow, and the fun of it takes over! So then, why is it so difficult to get started you ask? BECAUSE, igniting one's 'deadline motivation factor’ is much like trying to muster up enough courage to plunge oneself directly into the cold waters of the North Pacific, in January - Brrrrrrrrrr!
Why then, do you think, that many artists are reluctant to accept commissions in the first place? The money is generally considerably more than if a piece is purchased directly off a gallery wall - most Art patrons understand the difference between "off the rack -vs- tailor made"! Art Buyers typically expect to pay more for commissioned work! Why then, aren't all we artists just "koo-koo for cocoa pops" over commissions - Well, we are and we aren't! Artists, traditionally have a love-hate relationship with commissions; we are honored and excited to be asked (commissioned), but feel pressured when it comes to the act of doing (delivering)! Not to mention that old truism, ‘ Life gets in the way when you’re making plans…'
Life often gets in the way of deadlines, that's just the way it is. Injury or illness of oneself or others, caretaking of family (among many) obligations often puts the prolific Artist way behind schedule, adding pressure onto pressure! When things begin to stack up, and a multitude of deadlines are past due, the frustration can become enormous! Your desire is to deliver a sensational piece of work to everyone, and (((RIGHT NOW)))! The problem is, that's an impossible task! Too many other factors stifle the flow, and you suddenly find yourself direclty behind the eight ball! How do you decide, at this point, what to put on the front burner? Does the squeaky wheel get the oil - probably. Does the end product suffer - perhaps. Do you pull your hair out, and turn into "the artful dodger" upon seeing your commission clients - absolutely! I recently heard a very well known creative type, for whom I hold great respect, expressing similiar frustration. I would divulge her name, but I haven't cleared it with her and since it is now 12:30 AM, post deadline, the suspense will have to wait! Clearly exasperated, yet barely audible, "I take on too much, I'm just way too busy", she declared. "I can't get all of my projects done on time, and everyone is pressuring me! I've been told it's because I'm not charging enough!" Well, 'by George, I think she's got it!' Uh, huh - 'off the rack versus tailor made'; such revelation is cause for celebration! Pour me a martini, please - shaken, not stirred!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Friday, February 8, 2008
It’s Black & Blue Ribbon Time Again!
A & E Tidings, You Heard it in the Breeze, by Debbie Brady Robinson
( as published in the 'Tybee Breeze', Feb. 2008 issue)
It’s Black & Blue Ribbon Time Again!
A few years ago, I wrote an article regarding the “friendly” nature of Tybee - more specifically, we islanders and the consequential spreading of those very “unfriendly” little germs that are so prevalent this time of year. Well, it’s dejavoux all over again! My husband, Mark, came down with a nasty cold, bug, influenza, virus (or whatever one might choose to call it) on January 1st 2008 - Happy New Year (yeah, rightL)! Echoing the very sympathetic voice of my right-hand extraordinaire, Ritajane, let me just say, Awe... I reiterate, in my most pathetic voice, Awe… my poor “Babe” has been sick - and now…, barely into the new year, so am I ! Awe…@#*&#%, crap!
There is no question about it; Tybee is just a friendly kind of place, embracing everyone, and every cause! Our tiny little 2 ¾ by ¾ of a mile island is essentially a neighborhood surrounded by water. To say that “Tybee takes care of its own”, is truly an understatement! Tybee, collectively comes to the aid of those in need. Recalling just a few recent cases in point: The Mike Hobb’s cancer benefit was a resounding success, for one! Great job Jack and Belinda Flanigan, Virginia Ward, all the folks at the Crab Shack ,and a multitude of other great folks who were equally involved! It sounds as though lots of great things are happening to help Hobbs!
For those who are here, and those who are gone - the American Legion stands ready, as solid and dependable as The Rock of Gibraltar. How many of us have experienced comfort and peace of mind from the gathering of friends and family at the American Legion, for a final farewell to a loved one. Words are not enough to express our gratitude and praise to Commander Gene Kindrick, and wife Wanda (aka: the Dynamic Duo), and all of our amazing friends who make up Tybee’s wonderful American Legion Post 154!
“It’s a Tybee Thing“, time and time again, Tybee is there for support in so many ways. Kudos to all the folks who came to the aid last year of two businesses victimized by fire; Hucapoos, and Café Loco. Supported by many, and spear-headed by Clair Price and Saturday Martini (aka: Sundi Marino) - ‘Hucapoos’ is back in business and going strong - serving up those bites and booze! Likewise, many came to the aid of Café Loco. Quick to organize were Christy Alan and Jenny Orr, Fannies on the Beach, and many, many, more who came together to help Joel and his crew - have you seen those new decks with the million dollar views? (‘Down front’, to the Backside of the island - Key West has nothing on us, ya’ll!) And in turn, most of the folks assisted have come to the aid of others. Tybee is famous for, to use a modern cliché, “paying it forward” in one form or fashion. In fact, Joel Solomon was just spotted cleaning up the road & brush from Hwy 80 all the way back to Café Loco, aiding the whole Maritime Community at Lazaretto Creek - Way to go, Joel!
There is always a gathering for cause or fun on our little island. It’s simply inevitable that we’re going to bump into friends nearly everywhere we go… but do we have to be quite so friendly, especially during the “flu season! All of those, oh so friendly, encounters predictably lead to the warm embrace! Growing up on Tybee a hug and a kiss was the natural form of greeting. No one ever thought a thing about a little peck on the cheek or even on the lips for that matter. Only on Tybee can I recall someone (other than my husband) greeting me with a kiss on the lips! Tybee has always been a world unto itself. Today, as in years past, many still greet one another with that little kiss, or at the very least - a warm embrace!
I’ve said it before, greeting a Tybee friend with a heart-felt embrace is an automatic and often irresistible response. Unfortunately, welcoming a friend with a great big bear hug (Lord forbid a kiss) only to quickly recoil after learning that they’ve been stricken with a nasty cold or flu bug, is too little too late! Faster than the speed of light, those little flu buggers hop right on and begin to infiltrate their way up your nostrils, making a mad dash through your entire immune system, finally settling themselves deeply into your soft snuggly lungs - nestling down for a long winters nap! The next thing you know you awaken to find yourself sniffling, sneezing, and (once again) resembling ‘Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer’ - (((Ah Choo))) !
Remember that little visual aid - the symbol, the virtual stop sign - the one that yours truly created a few years ago? (Judy O’Neil, do you still have yours? Does this ->L , ring any bells?) That little something to alert us - to halt us in our tracks before we hug that contagious friend. You Remember… that little ribbon to warn our friends when we‘re inflicted with that (((CONTAGIOUS BUG)))! We express ourselves by saying we feel black and blue all over when we’re sick. So, let’s all use a black and blue ribbon to alert others! “Black & Blue to Stop the Flu!” O.K, penicillin it‘s not, but it can‘t hurt! Come on, let’s all tie one on, “Black & Blue to Stop the Flu”! When you get that sneezy, caughy, achy feeling, just tie a black and blue ribbon around a Q-tip!
(((I’m Serious)))… pin that little bugger to your lapel, and wear it proudly! Remember, Tybee takes care of its own - so save a friend, wear Black & Blue to Stop the Flu!
"tie a little ribbon ‘round the old Q-tip..."(…uh, better make that a NEW Q-tip!)
( as published in the 'Tybee Breeze', Feb. 2008 issue)
It’s Black & Blue Ribbon Time Again!
A few years ago, I wrote an article regarding the “friendly” nature of Tybee - more specifically, we islanders and the consequential spreading of those very “unfriendly” little germs that are so prevalent this time of year. Well, it’s dejavoux all over again! My husband, Mark, came down with a nasty cold, bug, influenza, virus (or whatever one might choose to call it) on January 1st 2008 - Happy New Year (yeah, rightL)! Echoing the very sympathetic voice of my right-hand extraordinaire, Ritajane, let me just say, Awe... I reiterate, in my most pathetic voice, Awe… my poor “Babe” has been sick - and now…, barely into the new year, so am I ! Awe…@#*&#%, crap!
There is no question about it; Tybee is just a friendly kind of place, embracing everyone, and every cause! Our tiny little 2 ¾ by ¾ of a mile island is essentially a neighborhood surrounded by water. To say that “Tybee takes care of its own”, is truly an understatement! Tybee, collectively comes to the aid of those in need. Recalling just a few recent cases in point: The Mike Hobb’s cancer benefit was a resounding success, for one! Great job Jack and Belinda Flanigan, Virginia Ward, all the folks at the Crab Shack ,and a multitude of other great folks who were equally involved! It sounds as though lots of great things are happening to help Hobbs!
For those who are here, and those who are gone - the American Legion stands ready, as solid and dependable as The Rock of Gibraltar. How many of us have experienced comfort and peace of mind from the gathering of friends and family at the American Legion, for a final farewell to a loved one. Words are not enough to express our gratitude and praise to Commander Gene Kindrick, and wife Wanda (aka: the Dynamic Duo), and all of our amazing friends who make up Tybee’s wonderful American Legion Post 154!
“It’s a Tybee Thing“, time and time again, Tybee is there for support in so many ways. Kudos to all the folks who came to the aid last year of two businesses victimized by fire; Hucapoos, and Café Loco. Supported by many, and spear-headed by Clair Price and Saturday Martini (aka: Sundi Marino) - ‘Hucapoos’ is back in business and going strong - serving up those bites and booze! Likewise, many came to the aid of Café Loco. Quick to organize were Christy Alan and Jenny Orr, Fannies on the Beach, and many, many, more who came together to help Joel and his crew - have you seen those new decks with the million dollar views? (‘Down front’, to the Backside of the island - Key West has nothing on us, ya’ll!) And in turn, most of the folks assisted have come to the aid of others. Tybee is famous for, to use a modern cliché, “paying it forward” in one form or fashion. In fact, Joel Solomon was just spotted cleaning up the road & brush from Hwy 80 all the way back to Café Loco, aiding the whole Maritime Community at Lazaretto Creek - Way to go, Joel!
There is always a gathering for cause or fun on our little island. It’s simply inevitable that we’re going to bump into friends nearly everywhere we go… but do we have to be quite so friendly, especially during the “flu season! All of those, oh so friendly, encounters predictably lead to the warm embrace! Growing up on Tybee a hug and a kiss was the natural form of greeting. No one ever thought a thing about a little peck on the cheek or even on the lips for that matter. Only on Tybee can I recall someone (other than my husband) greeting me with a kiss on the lips! Tybee has always been a world unto itself. Today, as in years past, many still greet one another with that little kiss, or at the very least - a warm embrace!
I’ve said it before, greeting a Tybee friend with a heart-felt embrace is an automatic and often irresistible response. Unfortunately, welcoming a friend with a great big bear hug (Lord forbid a kiss) only to quickly recoil after learning that they’ve been stricken with a nasty cold or flu bug, is too little too late! Faster than the speed of light, those little flu buggers hop right on and begin to infiltrate their way up your nostrils, making a mad dash through your entire immune system, finally settling themselves deeply into your soft snuggly lungs - nestling down for a long winters nap! The next thing you know you awaken to find yourself sniffling, sneezing, and (once again) resembling ‘Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer’ - (((Ah Choo))) !
Remember that little visual aid - the symbol, the virtual stop sign - the one that yours truly created a few years ago? (Judy O’Neil, do you still have yours? Does this ->L , ring any bells?) That little something to alert us - to halt us in our tracks before we hug that contagious friend. You Remember… that little ribbon to warn our friends when we‘re inflicted with that (((CONTAGIOUS BUG)))! We express ourselves by saying we feel black and blue all over when we’re sick. So, let’s all use a black and blue ribbon to alert others! “Black & Blue to Stop the Flu!” O.K, penicillin it‘s not, but it can‘t hurt! Come on, let’s all tie one on, “Black & Blue to Stop the Flu”! When you get that sneezy, caughy, achy feeling, just tie a black and blue ribbon around a Q-tip!
(((I’m Serious)))… pin that little bugger to your lapel, and wear it proudly! Remember, Tybee takes care of its own - so save a friend, wear Black & Blue to Stop the Flu!
"tie a little ribbon ‘round the old Q-tip..."(…uh, better make that a NEW Q-tip!)
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