It is said that Van Gogh sold only one painting in his lifetime (though there is some evidence that he sold or bartered a few more). Despite his minimal recognition as an artist, he was driven to keep on painting. But I am not one of those artists content to create in a vacuum. I derive much my creative satisfaction from my connection with the recipients, from the knowledge that my art is making a difference in people’s lives.
I don’t get out that much, but in the past 24 hours, here are some of the art-related interactions I’ve experienced:
• This morning, an online customer told me that a friend just lost her husband to brain cancer after a six-year battle. In meditating before his death, the friend received a mental image of a beautiful redwood tree. The customer said that my redwood tree print is the perfect gift for her friend.
• A local gardener runs a self-serve flower stand in front of her house, with a sign inviting people to make a bouquet and drop a donation through her mail slot. Yesterday I met someone who is friends with this gardener. I learned that “the flower lady” has wondered about the mysterious person who leaves her a beautiful haiku calendar every year (me!), and she loves receiving them.
• At Power Lunch Humboldt yesterday, we wrote postcards to help fill the seat vacated by former Rep. Katie Hill. A woman told the folks at my table that she really enjoys giving my cards and calendars as gifts because the recipient first opens the card and loves it, then opens the present and finds it consists of more of my art.
• I am currently working on a commissioned portrait of a sweet mutt named Scout who was rescued from a Mexican street as a puppy. Though Scout died two years ago, her owners still really miss her and want to memorialize her through my painting.
With such daily validations, I feel blessed with the gift of meaningful work. While walking my dog on the beach today, I got to thinking about everything I have to be grateful for. And I realized that I’m deeply thankful for you, my customers and supporters.
Thank you all, and Happy Thanksgiving!
•
Makino Studios News
Thanksgiving sale: All of my 11x14 prints are 40% off this week only! They are regularly $45 but on sale for $27 through Sunday, Dec. 1. Available only here on www.makinostudios.com while supplies last.
Made in Humboldt fair: You can find my calendars, prints and boxed notecards at the “Made in Humboldt” event at Pierson Garden Shop in Eureka, CA through Tuesday, Dec. 24.
Holiday fair: My only in-person fair this holiday season is the Holiday Craft Market, Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Arcata Community Center in Arcata, CA.
Free shipping: I now offer free first-class shipping on US retail orders of $35 or more. Use code FREESHIP35 at checkout.
Boxed holiday notecards: Check out these nice holiday notecards!
2020 calendar: My 2020 mini-calendar of art and haiku is available online and in selected stores. These make great holiday gifts!
Staying connected: I love hearing from readers and respond to every message. Also, I regularly share art, works in progress, haiku, Makino Studios news and photos of my day. We can stay connected through Instagram, Facebook or Twitter through the links below.