I enjoy writing almost as much as I enjoy painting, yet when I try to write about my painting (or photography) I struggle to get the words on paper. Is it because the verbal side of my brain has trouble communicating what my visual brain is thinking? Or am I simply feeling insecure about my work?

Mostly I feel overwhelmed by the clutter and oversaturation of images and words we experience in our modern world. I want to share my peaceful little paintings and encourage a moment of calm in the world. Ironically, I find myself pressured to shout over the media noise, “Look here! LOOK HERE!” to let others know my images exist. I find myself vying for that split second of attention and the acknowledgement of a Facebook “Like” to let me know that someone out there at least saw the image. So much for inspiring that moment of calm I desire to share.

So here I am, virtually shouting “Look here! LOOK HERE!” in our virtual marketplace and feeling defeated by the whole process. The experience is almost as exhausting for me-the-introvert as standing in an actual marketplace shouting “LOOK HERE!” would be. Maybe the actual marketplace is less discouraging – the feedback there is direct and personal. Real-time discussion can happen. My images compete with the noise of the setting and weather of the day instead of being nestled between selfies, political rants, and lost dog notices.

Yet many of my friends cannot easily attend the actual markets – time and distance are true barriers. Social media is available on their schedules and at their locations. Social media means I am able to see their work too – although I know from experience that their creations are far more amazing in person than I can ever see on my computer screen. But I at least can have that taste of what they are creating and not feel completely isolated. Likewise, they cannot know what I am up to if I do not share. No one can enjoy my work if I leave it in the closet.

So with a deep sigh, and a deep breath, I shout “Look here! LOOK HERE!” and offer up some more paintings and photographs, and hope someone finds a moment of calm among them.

--Leigh

Leigh Osgood Fine Art and Photography