There’s something immensely satisfying to see Helen Frankenthaler immersed in her art this way. I found this image on Facebook, along with the following quotation:
“I’ve seen women insist on cleaning everything in the house before they could sit down to write . . . and you know it’s a funny thing about housecleaning . . . it never comes to an end. Perfect way to stop a woman. A woman must be careful to not allow over-responsibility (or over-respectabilty) to steal her necessary creative rests, riffs, and raptures. She simply must put her foot down and say no to half of what she believes she ‘should’ be doing. Art is not meant to be created in stolen moments only.”
― Clarissa Pinkola Estés
Why is it we women (is it only women?) too often put our personal passions last in line behind all else?
I’m trying more and more to put those passions (my writing, painting, music-making) first on my list of to-do’s. But it’s hard. Somehow even blogging comes first, although it too is writing, a kind of art-making. Or at least I try to make it so.
Perhaps because I’ve set firmer deadlines for my blog, or I see it as a commitment I’ve made, to keep this up and running, to not let readers go too long without hearing from me. And blogging is just another way for me to “riff and rapture” about the things I love, to share what inspires me with the world.
Still, to imagine myself immersed in my art as she is in this photo, surrounded by bright splashes of color, my bare legs curled beneath me on the cold floor, and that Mona Lisa smile, that dark gaze . . . it does my heart good.
More of her artwork
Deborah J. Brasket 
Thank you for this, Deborah. I am so inspired just looking at that photo of Helen Frankenthaler surrounded by her art. And the quote by Clarissa Pinkola Estes is the perfect description of what happens to women artists if we let it. I am widowed now, and literally could have the whole house for art if I wanted (although my husband was completely supportive and saw me take over the living and dining rooms a few years ago at one house we lived in.) Society isn’t always so supportive. Here’s to creating!
I’m so glad it inspired you too, Martha. How wonderful your husband was so supportive. Mine is too. I think I set my own limitations on what I do or don’t do. Some inner, resistant barrier that I am constantly pushing against. Maybe it’s always this way. I haven’t read about Frankenthaler’s life, but she probably had to push through those barriers too, whether from society, as you say, or within herself.
Thanks, Deborah, for the great reminder from Clarissa Pinkola Estes. I am taking it to heart.
You are welcome, Catherine. I’m taking it to heart too.
I love this artwork and seeing Helen immersed in hers and reading Clarissa’s words. I feel I limit myself, as putting ourselves first creatively, is tricky for us to do. I think it springs from self worth. It’s like we have to cover our responsibilities to others first and then we can gift ourselves the time. Guilt features too…Here’s to us girls being able to put ourselves first and honouring our creativity. Hugs for you Deborah ❤
Hugs to you too, Jane. I agree wholeheartedly, we need to honor our creativity.
remember when you were sailing. sometimes you do what you have to do before you can do what you want to do. I don’t think it’s just a woman thing. I often only do my art as a personal reward after all my chores are done. if not, sometimes I find they can interfere with the creative moment (both positive and negative); however, that too is not carved in stone. whatever works. everyone plays these life games with themselves and it’s all about the game being played right now in your life (some more real than others). this reader enjoys your commitment, or just not having to go too long without hearing from your blog.
I love what you say here, zk. I do think that way sometimes, that everything unfolds the way it’s supposed to, and what comes before feeds what comes after. Our whole life experience goes into our art. Glad to hear too it’s not just a “woman’s thing,” the need to attend to what we see as our “responsibilities” before we allow ourselves to “play.” Thank you so much for that sweet compliment too.
Reblogged this on From 1 Blogger 2 Another.
Thank you for the reblog!
Also thank you for the quote I found on your blog: “Artists today think of everything they do as a work of art. It is important to forget about what you are doing – then a work of art may happen.” Andrew Wyeth, painter
That’s the answer to all the questions of finding time to work on art–make everything we do “artful.”
This is an incredible picture of her. I’ve been interested in her work and life in the past but haven’t followed up to know more. I’m always intrigued by the life of artists. Deborah, your posts are always wonderful, this is another one. I appreciate your themes and focus, I always find that your writing nurtures my creative practice. I hope your endeavors are immersing you and going well.
Valorie, that means so much to me. Your blog feeds me as well. I need to read up on Frankenthaler. I’d like to know more about her life and career as well.
It’s beautiful work from such abandonment to and immersion in her art. Oh to have a fraction of Helen Frankenthaler’s ability to let herself go like this, never mind her talent! I keep putting off doing art because I’m so many years away from it that it feels like starting again. But when I see the lovely images you share here (and others I pin to my arty boards on Pinterest), it whets my appetite to begin again.
Although the room I could use has become our junk room and needs a huge amount of decluttering. And my major energy drain (as well as joy) is to write, leaving this weary woman precious little spare for art. There I go again, excusing and writing myself out of it instead of committing time to engage anew! I do plan to have a blogging break in June, so (fingers crossed), some of that time will be spent being creative in a different way. 🙂
I have the same struggle between painting and writing too, Joy. Writing has always been my first love, and probably will remain so, but painting is a fierce competitor. Pinterest feeds my desire to paint more too. I hope you will be able to get back to your art in June. I’ll be taking a bit of a break around then too.
I love this post – the words, the art, the inspiration. Thank you for sharing.
You are welcome, That makes me happy.
I love this! I always fight the battle between helping others, and taking care of my family and getting to work in my studio. But I feel at peace in my studio. And the days I am covered in clay feel I feel fresh and alive. I am totally keeping the image of her and her art in my heart to motivate me to sneak down in my studio before I do all of my other work!
I admire Helen’s work and her process. She threw herself into her paintings. As women artists, we must give ourselves grace and permission to leave the busy work behind. It will always be waiting. We have to keep our passions burning, lest they go out. Thank you for sharing. This 1956 Life cover photo by Gordon Parks is one of my favorites!