My Journey as an Artist by Marilee Lasch

When I told my father that I would love to study art, he replied that no daughter of his was going to be a damn artist as artists were drunks and whores, and lived penniless.

So I lived the life the world thought I should live. I got married at 21, soon became pregnant, put my husband through college, and learned to accept my life as best I could. Just like my painting of the prickly pear cactus, I did continue to live, and love as best I could in an environment not beneficial for a cactus. And with each new child another paddle was added to my growth. To stay in the marriage, I developed behaviors that could definitely correspond to what my father had threatened would happen to me if I chose the artistic way, only I hadn't created one single piece of artwork!

When I signed up for a calligraphy class at the age of 40, my homework took much of my time, leading my then husband to say I had to choose. Either I could be his wife, or I could be an artist. One year later he divorced me, and I was left in the desert of my life in the middle of a Montana blizzard. 

They say Phoenix is the symbol of rebirth, so it was natural for me to move from Montana to Arizona. I was a natural fit for rebirth, and the desert was understanding of how parched I was. Growing roots does not take much time when one is a cactus. All it takes is a lot of sunshine, and some nurturing, both of which Phoenix offered me.

I started taking art classes, and when a piece of mine won second place in an art show I stood there looking at the ribbon and cried like a baby. Those tears nurtured the dry soul and encouraged growth.

As the cactus develops flowers, those flowers close upon themselves and produce the sweetest fruit that can make the most delicious syrup for the masses to enjoy. And so do I. I didn't stop with the flower. I took the opportunity to grow quiet, draw into myself, and trust the process, and start producing buds.

Today I sold two oil paintings.

I, as a storyteller, want to present that one must find their own path, listen to the still quiet voice that resides in each one of us, and keep on keeping on. Someone, somewhere is a thirsty cactus, waiting for a little sunshine and water.

Comments

[Marilee Lasch]

The blog wasn't quite finished, and I want it to end with these words. I, as a storyteller, want to present that one must find their own path, listen to the still quiet voice that resides in each one of us, and keep on keeping on. Someone, somewhere is a thirsty cactus waiting for alittle sunshine and water. And maybe my story is just what they need. Now you know " The rest of the story"

[Elizabeth Wunsch]

You didn't need the extra. The piece is beautiful. Simplicity says it all. Trust. Beautiful.

[Crystal Gale]

"Keep on keeping on." Thank-you Marilee for the encouragement.

[Myranette Robinson]

I used to joke and say "I'm going to move to Phoenix. It was prophetic. I did move here and after retirement I wanted to explore my creative side that was dormant for so many years. Storytelling did that for me. It is good to have you as a comrade on this journey.

[Terri Jackson]

I'm so proud to have met you this semester. You're life experiences are inspiring. You exhibit the true meaning of survival at any cost. I apply the statement " doing it my way" to you and what I've learned from you.
Thanks!