…..‘every seemingly mundane second of our lives is infinitely meaningful because we are finite not because we are endlessly productive’….This is so beautifully said Claire…I’m going to hold onto your quote for whenever AI makes me question my value as an artist…thank you for writing such a precious quote validating the worth of our own humanity . ❤️-Violette
I love this! The “never being defined by one consistent version of yourself,” and the reflection on us as “human-beings,” not “human-doings” feels like a revelation. I’m going to remind myself of that whenever I feel that constant itch to be productive or when I feel like I “wasted” the day by not working myself to the bone like a machine. 😆 Your picture book is beautiful - exactly what I love for my kiddos - the illustrations feel so nourishing in the best way! Inspiration-fuel for my pipe-dream in someday publishing a children’s book. Thank you ☺️
Colored pencil work always stops me on my tracks. Did you use pastels too?
A couple of years ago I ended up asking myself the same thing. Then I spent some time reconnecting with everything I've always liked. Scared stiff by how well I had buried those things. I was probably too much of an human doing. Thanks for the good, simple wisdom!
When I was teaching college level Illustration IV I used to use an image of your art and a very geometric artist's art when I'd explain how having your own visual style is crucial to expressing your voice and vision as an artist. I used to say that who you are is important to who your art is while literally showing you and citing you as a working modern illustrator. Looking forward to reading your new book! It looks so beautiful!!
Oh this is soooo touching. One that you were referencing me to young artists and two that I inspired this exact thought of knowing yourself. Thank you 🙏
Congratulations on your book! I grew up in the same vegetation and oaks in SoCal. Identity is an awesome idea for a book like this, because, as you mention, most people here think they are their jobs, what's on the business card. Of course, when they lose the job, they lose their identity, which wasn't their identity.
Connecting identity to all the moments and experiences in our lives is a great way to get around the mythology of the performance identity. I produce, therefore I am. I do work-life and stress management workshops for companies. One of the exercises is to create a business card for your life, a life card, because your life is your real business. They try to give themselves an identity apart from the job--say, world explorer, or dog whisperer. But most draw a blank. That's when they realize their life is missing in action.
Hope your book can help people see who they really are.
This! In one of my previous posts I say that life happens in the mundane, and we are constantly missing it. We also miss the question “who are you?” because life gets too busy to stop and reflect. And as you mentioned, this question will keep coming up because the answers will keep unfolding in different directions 🧡
…..‘every seemingly mundane second of our lives is infinitely meaningful because we are finite not because we are endlessly productive’….This is so beautifully said Claire…I’m going to hold onto your quote for whenever AI makes me question my value as an artist…thank you for writing such a precious quote validating the worth of our own humanity . ❤️-Violette
I’m so glad it resonated with you. The siren call that we will never be enough can be so loud.
I love this! The “never being defined by one consistent version of yourself,” and the reflection on us as “human-beings,” not “human-doings” feels like a revelation. I’m going to remind myself of that whenever I feel that constant itch to be productive or when I feel like I “wasted” the day by not working myself to the bone like a machine. 😆 Your picture book is beautiful - exactly what I love for my kiddos - the illustrations feel so nourishing in the best way! Inspiration-fuel for my pipe-dream in someday publishing a children’s book. Thank you ☺️
I’m THRILLED that my work could be inspiration fuel for your dream ✨💪✍️
Colored pencil work always stops me on my tracks. Did you use pastels too?
A couple of years ago I ended up asking myself the same thing. Then I spent some time reconnecting with everything I've always liked. Scared stiff by how well I had buried those things. I was probably too much of an human doing. Thanks for the good, simple wisdom!
When I was teaching college level Illustration IV I used to use an image of your art and a very geometric artist's art when I'd explain how having your own visual style is crucial to expressing your voice and vision as an artist. I used to say that who you are is important to who your art is while literally showing you and citing you as a working modern illustrator. Looking forward to reading your new book! It looks so beautiful!!
Oh this is soooo touching. One that you were referencing me to young artists and two that I inspired this exact thought of knowing yourself. Thank you 🙏
Experienced this landscape for the first time over this past weekend - what a magical terrain. So excited for this book!
Magical terrain is a perfect description ✨
Congratulations on your book! I grew up in the same vegetation and oaks in SoCal. Identity is an awesome idea for a book like this, because, as you mention, most people here think they are their jobs, what's on the business card. Of course, when they lose the job, they lose their identity, which wasn't their identity.
Connecting identity to all the moments and experiences in our lives is a great way to get around the mythology of the performance identity. I produce, therefore I am. I do work-life and stress management workshops for companies. One of the exercises is to create a business card for your life, a life card, because your life is your real business. They try to give themselves an identity apart from the job--say, world explorer, or dog whisperer. But most draw a blank. That's when they realize their life is missing in action.
Hope your book can help people see who they really are.
Thank you! And very well said! What a meaningful way to connect with people.
Thank you! Here’s to new identities, or at least the ones that we have but can’t see, in ‘26!
This! In one of my previous posts I say that life happens in the mundane, and we are constantly missing it. We also miss the question “who are you?” because life gets too busy to stop and reflect. And as you mentioned, this question will keep coming up because the answers will keep unfolding in different directions 🧡