Embracing My Whimsy: 1/25
From the journal January 2025:
For a long time, I avoided painting anything that even remotely leaned into the realm of whimsy. I had this notion lodged in my brain—the idea that whimsical meant not serious art. Back in school, there was a pervasive misconception that fine art needed to be serious—not just in its subject matter, but in its presentation and approach. It was as if the art had to wear a suit and tie, to look contrived or overly designed. And heaven forbid you stray from a serious, adult color palette. How ridiculous now that I think about it! But that mindset stuck with me, like a stubborn shadow, limiting my artistic growth, my perspective, and, quite frankly, my enjoyment of the creative process.
Over the years, I’ve watched as artwork with a more childlike, naive, or whimsical touch has gained popularity and recognition within the fine art culture. It’s fascinating! I’ve always been drawn to art that embodies a spontaneous and uncritical interpretation of the world. I adore pieces that might be categorized as unsophisticated, the kind of art that feels joyful and free. You can see it in the brushstrokes, the exuberant subject matter, the daring color choices—art that radiates genuine simplicity.
Yet for so long, I allowed the fear of not being taken seriously to hold me back from creating the very art that resonates with who I am. Why was I so worried about what others might think? It’s baffling, really, because I’m at a point in my creative journey where I just don’t care about that anymore. I used to think that whimsy somehow diminished the impact of my work, but now I realize that’s not the case at all.
I’m not saying that art in this whimsical category lacks technical skill—far from it! If you’ve ever explored the works of artists like Maud Lewis or Alfred Wallis, you’d see a clear understanding of design and composition. They create with such authenticity and joy, and it’s evident that their art is a reflection of their experiences and perspectives.
Isn’t it amusing, though, how we categorize art based on whether someone has “formal art training”? As if that privilege somehow makes the work more cultured or complex. What a ridiculous notion! It implies that the life experiences of those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds could never give them the qualifications to create something meaningful. Barf!
But I digress. The beauty of this realization is that I’m finally ready to embrace the whimsy, to create the art that reflects my true self without the shackles of preconceived notions. I want to explore the joy of painting from a place of spontaneity and delight, to unleash the childlike wonder that has been waiting patiently for its moment to shine. It’s time to shake off the seriousness and revel in the playful, the naive, and the beautiful chaos of creation. Here’s to a new chapter of artistic freedom!
