"Tribute"

The Illustration Friday word for the week is “Tribute” in honor of its founder, Penelope Dullaghan.  I’m sure Penelope has turned over the reins of the site to very capable hands, but I’d like to take a moment to say thanks for her efforts in creating a forum for artists to post their work and share their thoughts.

It’s inspiring to see what other people can create, whether it’s a website like IF or the individual posts people make to their blogs.  The Mother Theresas and Ghandis and Jane Goodalls are overlooked too often, and so it’s even easier to overlook more human-level accomplishments.  We all need to do our best at whatever we’re best at, and if we inspire others along the way, even better.

Sometimes I think about the blessings I’ve received in life, and most often I think of those blessings as people.  I have been very fortunate to have known some really admirable people who went out of their way to give me guidance and support when I’ve needed it.  In a week when we’re remembering Penelope’s support of artists, I’m reminded of all the artists I’ve known who told me to stick with it when I felt giving up.

In a way, I find this an odd thing to focus on today because I finally updated my LinkedIn profile with my new job which is more about management and a database than art, but I’m also spending my morning in a very familiar way – waiting for a printer to give me proofs.  Sometimes I have to remind myself that I haven’t really given up the art, and maybe this job will give me the freedom to paint what I want in my own time instead of selling cookies?

My apologies in advance for not answering your comments this weekend.  I’m taking a road trip with a friend and may or may not get to the computer.  It’s been a long time since I’ve gone anywhere just for fun, so I’m looking forward to a break from thinking about data and budgets and things.  I’m also starting to appreciate my new roommate situation because I can leave my Penny Penelope puppy at home in good hands.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and let’s all inspire somebody today!