So what does Gypsy Art School even mean? I like the word GYPSY. Maybe not the plight of actual gypsies, which is actually rather rough and not as glamerous as the romantic version in my head, but the word, and what the word represents to me:
Pathfinder, Pilgrim, Pioneer, Rambler, Vagrant, Trailblazer, Wanderer, Rover, Tourist, Explorer, Vagabond, Wayfarer, Adventurer, Brainstormer, Drifter, Hobo, Navigator, Passanger, Peddler, Roamer, Independent, Voyager, Traveler, Beachcomber, Floater, GALIVANTER, Meanderer, Stray, Outcast, Migrant, Excursionist, In Transit, Pastoral, Temporary, Moving, Flexible, Quest, Route, SOUJOURN, Stroll, Venture, Visit, Tour, Tramp, Caravan, Jaunt, Journey, Expedition, Trip, Gallivant, Prowl, Shuffle, Stride, Glide, Coast, Find Ones Way, Take A Walk, Take The Air, Sleep Under The Stars, Living, Presence, Being, Free.
Personally I have moved over 30 times. I lost count around 36 and I know it's over 40 by now. Not all those moves were wonderful moves and I certainly didn't always Saunter and Stride my way through crappy apartment to crappy apartment. But still, I was on the move. I've always been quite literally, out there. But being on the other side of 40 I realize that these words are most meaningful when lived. LIVING these words - being in the moment, slowing down, being a tourist wherever you are, open to adventures and new things, these words have less to do with your residence and more with how you approach life. There is something magical and childlike that being open and flexible and unstuck in your ways brings. That is the life I want. Wherever I am I want to GLIDE, COAST, TAKE THE AIR.
I was a sad kid and drank a lot so they didn't let me take art classes in highschool. They were too concerned with my unpreparedness for gym so they gave me two periods of it. When I finally crawled my way to community college I was GEEKILY JOYFUL on the first day of my first art class: Drawing 101. I imagined everything I thought I was missing - indian rugs, incense, a warm teacher with ready smiles, support, concern, and art making. I envisioned a gentle environment where we happily created together.
What I got were tedius rows of steel desks and unsmiling faces under disturbingly fluorescent lights. Still, I fell in love with graphite and paper and still lifes. I loved making wood chairs come to life. I got an A. I found it easy. But I didn't get any of the other things I wanted. When I asked the teacher if I had any talent she looked at me worried. I knew what she thought. All these kids want to be artists. They don't know how rough it is out there. She encouraged me to think about becoming something else.
But I didn't. I drew every day and took crappy jobs to get by. I took every art class in every community college in New Jersey (okay, only three schools, but still, that's a lot.) I was in training to be a Gypsy Artist.
What I want to give to you is the experience I wanted. I know you can draw, and paint, and create beautiful things. And I know the world needs your art and even if you don't end up with a full time job as an artist you CAN make money from your work and you can lead an artful life. This is what its all about. Slowing down and allowing yourself to live. You know? Not every drawing is meant to go on museum walls but so what. Seriously. If its not the best in the world then why do it? Is that what you are telling yourself? You can get over that. You can reprogram what you tell yourself. You can allow yourself to slow down. You can Create.
Through small groups and individual classes you can become what you've always wanted to become. You can live your dreams. You can live in art and beauty and be happy. This is your gift to you. I am merely your mid wife.
The world needs your authentic art and beauty.
