ArtSlant comment by Diane Leon

Dear Virginia, I read your statement on The Mind of the Artist and looked at your profile. I love your work because it is definitely not part of the herd. Your art is unique. Glad you now have the strength to call yourself and artist and live according to your own dreams, goals and feelings. I think being an artist and living true to yourself makes you whole. It is the driving force in my life and thank God I have never considered myself a part of the herd in a way that it made me feel restricted or not myself. Life is too short and the one thing I have learned all my life is to be true to myself, surround myself with people who understand and nurture what I do and always make the time for my work. I have seen so many students create and a few years after they graduate no longer do their art with the passion they originally had. Those are the people who have joined the herd. Creating is not about being the next 'art star' or making a ton of money. It must be something you need to do or else you don't feel complete. Virginia, are you still working in art therapy? I have been teaching at NYU since 1995 and hold a full time job at NYU as an administrator. I do what has to be done at the day job, but my office looks like a gallery and I still paint 4 nights a week and all weekend. I refuse to have outside forces ruin what is so important to me. Stick to what you love and your own holistic ideas. It's your life and you are responsible for the happiness you can attain. Go for it. diane