stillness

So we had the final critique for the semester in my painting class this morning, and it actually turned out to be really helpful and productive.  Sometimes they aren't, but I got lucky this morning.  We critiqued our last project which consisted of 4 paintings essentially of our choice. I did a series of fabric, and how fabric is sculptural, etc. that wasn't the exciting part. the part I enjoyed was when my professor made a comment on how she likes the stillness of my paintings, how there's a certain still quality to them. This got me thinking a lot, because it wasn't something I planned on.  I don't have any problems with it, the stillness just happened subconsciously.  Which got me thinking about how it's true pertaining to me in general. How I'm a still person.  Yes I can be silly and crazy sometimes, but in general I tend to be calm, and still. I don't make rash decisions, everything's always weighed and measured before I buy it, etc. I always play it safe. I tend to be the mother of whatever group of friends I'm with, despite my mere 20 years. I have no problems sitting quietly and waiting in general. I'm just a still person.  But I was thinking about the stillness again in reference to art work, and I was confused for a minute because when I'm looking at art and critiquing it in general, I'm always drawn to the vibrant, energetic paintings. The ones that practically dance right in front of you, with obvious brushstrokes and color.  And magically, this rings true to my personality as well. When it comes to people, I naturally gravitate to the crazy fun, busy people. Those people who are always moving, even if it's not physically, but mentally. Those people who are full of wit and humor. Some of my favorite people in the world are this same kind of fun, energetic, surprising people that are like the paintings that I love. Time after time when I'm painting I think about those paintings and how I wish I could paint like that, because I do, and I've tried, it just doesn't work. and that is because I am a still person, therefore a still painter, and I'm loving that about myself merely because I now know that about myself. It's good to know I do have a style, and why it's that way. 

So thanks Barbara.