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extra sensitive people, feeling creative, it is art and not real life, learning to be less impulsive, mosaic glass tiles, the unnamed woman
I love, love, love this piece. It came out of nowhere. This is a piece that makes me feel that I do have a creative bone in my body.
As I was organizing some glass pieces for another project a saw this face materialize in front of me. I abandoned what I was going to do and decide to finish the face.
The same day at the studio, there was a woman that I often see there. She has been doing mosaic for years, and does commission pieces.
She is always talking, always having fun. We have a good time together. On that day she was quiet and gloomy. She was not her usual self. She said that there was not a specific reason, she was just having an off day.
It was definitely a different energy with her being so quiet. I was trying to make jokes and cheer her up.
For some reason the tiles in front of me made me think of her. Perhaps the pained, sad look and the short hair. I announced that I was naming the piece after her.
She was so happy. I could see glimpses of her usual self returning. She said that there was never anything named after her, and she was over the moon.
Fast forward a couple of weeks. I was at the studio working on this project and another woman heard that I had named this piece after her friend.
She said: “It doesn’t look like her.” I said: “I know. It is not supposed to look like her. It is just the idea of her.”
She appeared a bit annoyed, but didn’t say anything. Later on, she said, out of the blue: “People should be careful about naming pieces after people, specially since it doesn’t look like them.”
I said: “She knows and she is happy about it.”
She then said: “Sometimes people hide their feelings.”
What? I was so shocked with that statement. I said: “I am sorry you think that way. I will ask her about it. There is no way that I would do anything to hurt her or anyone.”
I was going to ask the woman herself about it, but then the studio closed for 2 months and I haven’t see her again. For now the piece is nameless. None of my pieces have names, but for some reason I feel this one needs it.
For now the name is “Happy Woman Having an Off Day”. I welcome ideas for a different name.
Since when the world got so sensitive? It is just a name on a piece. It is not a portrait, and not meant to look like the person. It is meant as a compliment, just a fun and nice gesture.
I feel her friend created an issue where there was none. But, I guess, I could be wrong. I have been wrong before 🙂
I have learned a lesson. Well, I am trying to learn the lesson. I am very impulsive, and often say what comes to mind. Naming the piece right then and there was an impulse. I can’t assume that everyone would be okay with that.
Toning myself down is hard. I was not intent in causing pain. But, as they say: The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
In the meantime, I had to hold back tears when the woman told me that I was perhaps insulting and hurting her friend. Who is the sensitive now?
“And why is it, thought Lara, that my fate is to see everything and take it all so much to heart?”
―
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I love the piece and would be delighted to have a piece of your work named after me. I think you should not abandon the idea of contacting your friend whose face came to mind as the pieces fell into place. Who knows, she mat be delighted to have her name attached to it. My daughter just had a Swiss calf named after her. It doesn’t look at all like her. But, she was thoroughly honored!
Thank you Jan!
I will probably ask her next time I see her.
How cute, being named after a Swiss calf 🙂
Blessings!
Yes, in Switzerland when a calf is born and named, the calf’s name must begin with the same letter as the mother’s name. So Duchess’ calf is Diana (pronounced the same as DeAna in French). :o)
oh, I love, love that! Thank you for sharing that interesting Swiss tradition!
People are often touchy and I can imagine you didn’t want to hurt the ladies feelings when you suggested it. Still even if you call it Lara, no body would know who Lara is and it could be the nice lady. Nowadays you have to be so careful, people are offended so quickly too. Well, keep doing what you are doing you are not hurting anyone and be yourself.
Hi Ute,
You are right, the name is so average that it could have been anyone and no one would know it was her.
I will just stay away from that lady and will be less quick to use other’s names next time.
A blessed week to you!
That is a really beautiful piece, and your title suits it perfectly. I hope you get to see the lady again so you can clear up this issue and explain.. Meanwhile, don’t worry about it – that won’t get you anywhere. Hugs xx
Thank you! I am not sure when she is returning, as she has a studio in her home. Also by the time I see her again, I may choose to just let it go, unless she brings it up.
Blessings to you!
I do hope she understands.
It is a great piece of work Ana! You captured her expression and mood so well. You are the artist, the woman inspired you to create such piece name her is an honourable gesture.
I feel the other woman was completely out of line and lack of art appreciation ability.
You plan to have a conversation with the lady is thoughtful, hope you get to catch up and clear the air.
Thank you for your kind words, and for calling me an artist 🙂
I don’t know where that other woman was coming from. I guess she must have a reason to worry about her friend’s feelings… who knows…
Blessings to you! ♥
💚
“Her friend created an issue where there was none.” That’s the nutshell description of what’s going on here. If your studio friend is any kind of artist she knows any work is the creator’s interpretation of reality. I suppose if this were a painted portrait where your studio friend was the subject she could be disappointed in the lack of likeness, but a mosaic will never be an exact likeness. Take pride in your work and don’t let it be compromised by the over-sensitivity of others. Not to mention, did this person even think to compliment you on what a nice piece this is?
Hi Dave,
Exactly! The artist appreciated the gesture and was honored by it. The friend, for some reason, felt offended on her behalf.
Thank you for the supporting words and for seeing it my way! Blessings! ♥
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…💛💚💙…
HI Yernasia,
Mental health is indeed a complex problem. And because of that it is hard to know how to act sometimes. I want to make sure I am not being insensitive to someone in pain. So proceeding with caution and aware of other’s at all times is key.
Thank you and blessings to you! ♥
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Just spill your cup of coffee all over the piece (she) is working on, then smile innocently and say: oh no! Sorry…Then before turning around to walk away, smile again, and say: ppl should ask others ‘if it’s ok to volunteer their unnecessarily strong forceful opinion, about something that does not relate to them, before abruptly offering it’. Make sure no whiteness haha.
On a more serious note, realize this: you are basically dealing with a very unhappy soul. Such character, must have very deep and unresolved issues of her own. Her way of lessening her that inner pain, is to inflict some, on random victims.
Hi dear Kat, Missing you…
Thank you for always being in my corner and seeing my way.
hahaha you had me laughing with your little accident description.
This woman is indeed not happy, and I can see that there is even more pain than meets the eye.
Blessings to you! ♥
ps. been trying to get to your blog a few times
Thank you for sharing!!.. like the picture!!.. some people are overly sensitive and while one may attempt to not hurt someone, one cannot totally hide ones thoughts or feelings for if they do they end up hurting themselves… as it says in Aesop’s Fables “if you try to please everyone, you will end up pleasing no one”…. 🙂
I am sure you will find a way and continue to be you and follow your dream… 🙂
Until we meet again..
May your troubles be less
Your blessings be more
And nothing but happiness
Come through your door
(Irish Saying)
Thank you Larry!
You make a great point. I don’t want to lose myself by avoiding being myself for fear of hurting others. It is a juggling act sometimes.
Blessings to you! ♥
“Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do…” (Pope John XXIII)… 🙂
Aren’t humans just like mosaics? I mean, we’re an assembly of our life experiences. I would’ve been honored of a mosaic being made of me.
Hi Rob,
I agree with that! And that is the beauty of the human experience.
That is what I wanted to hear, as it was meant to honor, not to hurt.
Who knows, perhaps there is a mosaic in your future and some Godiva in mine.
Blessings! ♥
That sounds like a wonderful exchange. <3
I agree 🙂
Veeeeery interesting. (Don’t mind negative people) 😉
I think you can count on many a creative bones in your body.
It really “jumped” at you didn’t it?
👏🏻
Hi Brian,
Thank you so much for the visit and the positive comment. We need more positive people in this world!
Creativity is something I thought I never had, so when this piece just “jumped” at me, it felt amazing, and I am in love with it.
May it be the beginning of many more.
Blessings to you!
Creativity is a process. Not exclusive to anybody. Disconnect your mind, and let your hands do the work. Or just allow the parts to drop they will arrange themselves. Or shuffle the pieces until you see something. That is also a good technique.
I am going to try focus more on the process than the result, and try all your techniques. Thank you!!
💎 – Diamond Hard – 💎
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…💎💎💎…
I wish someone would name a piece of art after me! I also love this piece. Finally, sometimes people should mind their own business 😉
Hi KE,
I know, right? me too! That is why I was so taken aback by that comment.
It would be a much better world if that was the case! 🙂
Blessings to you!♥
It’s a beautiful piece and I would have been delighted if you had named it after me. Perhaps the friend was a little jealous? As my grandmother would say, “If you haven’t anything nice to say, say nothing at all”. 💟
Thank you Kerry! I think the friend is going through issues herself and was being extra sensitive.
Blessings to you!
Happy Weekend, Ana!
I love the piece Ana Star and your intentions of heart. It was her problem not yours so don’t take it on.. you had no malitent. She obvi has some things to work out..
You can name it after me as long as i can hang it on my wall.
Cinsage … (my yoga name) “cuz even sages need a day off”
Happy Fri-Yay my funday loving friend!
Remember the words “What someone thinks of you is none of your business”
xoxoxxo 💖💖
Cinsage – I love that!!
Thank you for the support and kind words; and specially for the reminder: “What someone thinks of you is none of your business”
Blessings to you!
awwww thanks!!! you’re so welcome…oh good. so deserved! we all need reminders💖💖💖💖
Ana, this is a tricky situation. I must admit, if I was ALWAYS a happy person and was having a sad day, I would not want a sad portrait named after me, because it leaves a “sad” feeling instead of an uplifting one. Instead, I would like the person to make a portrait of me looking/being HAPPY to remind me of better days. Maybe the woman is sick with cancer… we don’t know. Of course, she would not want to have her bad day represented as special art. If you end up finding out WHY she was sad, it will explain WHY her friend did not appreciate this art piece being named after her. Your feelings aside… there is something BIGGER going on here. If you find out, I bet you will make a new mosaic, one that would make her smile, lift her spirits. Those are my thoughts. This is a lovely mosaic for the right person. <3
Hi Monica,
I get it where you are coming from, but I don’t thing that is the case. Of course I don’t know anything for sure.
The woman is an artist and appreciated the gesture. She was happy about it, and her mood even improved when she knew I was naming after her. I don’t think that she is the type to hide her feelings.
At any rate, I am not naming after her anymore, and may not even bring it up anymore, unless she does.
We shall see, I will definitely come back and report if there are any other developments.
Thank you for thoughtful comment! Blessings to you!
Love lovelovelove this. Tremendously. xoxo
Thank you so much Selma!
Blessings to you!
I would definitely ask the lady for whom the piece was first named. She has a right to know why you changed your mind just as she has a right to know that she has an interfering busybody friend!
She doesn’t come to the studio often, as she has her own studio in her house, so I am not sure when I will see her again.
She was so happy about it that day, that I believe she will ask about it when she returns. I will make sure to post about it.
Blessings!
That’s pretty cool. 🙂
Hi Betsy,
Thank you so much! Blessings!
Blessings back at you! 🙂
Your passions are so evident. Some people (and dates) give you energy to grow that passion, others take it (not just want to take it). I would spend my time with those who inspire, and smile politely at those who do not. -Oscar
Hi Oscar,
Thank you for the great advice! That is something that I need to pay more attention to.
I normally put up with energy suckers because I don’t want to hurt their feelings.
Blessings to you!
Here’s a tune for you… (Marcia Ball, Find Another Fool) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vv38CZsPF3o
I loved, loved, loved this!! The song fits in, in so many areas of my life!
I had never heard of this singer before. Thank you, Thank you!
Your piece of glass artwork is stunning. I’m sorry the woman didn’t tell you at the time that while she was very flattered, she would not like the piece named after her. But she probably didn’t want to hurt your feelings.
Thank you so much!
Actually, the woman I named the piece after, loved it. It is her friend that afterwards floated the idea that she was hiding her feelings when she said she loved it.
At any rate, I am no longer using her name, so all is well. Lesson learned!
Blessings to you!
Extraordinary! LOVE it!
Thank you Stacy!
Blessings!
Could there have been some envy involved here? Regardless, misunderstandings happen. Your intentions were honorable and your mosaic commendable.
Hi Nancy,
I am not sure what the issue was. The woman in question, later I found out, is still grieving her husband that passed away months ago. So, I think, she was being extra sensitive on behalf of her friend.
It stunk a bit at the moment, but no harm done.
Blessings to you!
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