Peter Searle ( the Elder )

Thank you kafka as I’m just feeling my way here, and am very much a newbie, and not yet sure if I fit in, so your words are exceedingly kind and most encouraging, and truly very much appreciated. I’m just slowly finding my way, and have so much to explore. Your works are mind-blowing.

Peter, I think your words will strike a chord with most artists! We DO constantly seek approval and we find it hard to believe that our work is at an acceptable level! Why are we like this? I totally agree with kafka – you have written such wise words. Thank you.

Dear Lynda Thank you. I am a bit overwhelmed that anybody at all bothered to read my post, let alone comment on it. Maybe I’ve lived alone in the bush too long? This is an amazing community, and fast becoming the family gathering I no longer have. I do expect criticism along the way, but it’s much easier to take from those you respect. Your pastel paintings are amazing! I find it a very difficult medium, and was about to list one of my efforts, but am now having second thoughts: However I probably will anyway, as it’s the only way to be true to myself and practise what I preach, as I like the small nude and was proud of her.

Please don’t apologise Peter, I agree, wise words indeed…
Thankyou…

Mx

Dear Medusa you again have made my day. I’ve found so much freedom here, and now that I am able to share my works and thoughts in such a diverse community I am much happier inside. It was getting to the stage where I just didn’t bother showing my work, as I was listening much too much to my family etc., and was trying to please them. Like a lot of people, I guess I was just bowing to pressure, and to keep the peace attempted ‘proper’ paintings again, as I did in my youth, but usually they were bloody awful, and left me unfulfilled. Of course I’d sell more if listened to advice, but I’ve found I do still sell anyway. And that’s doing the subjects I like, which I’m no longer ashamed to put on the market. Thanks very much for understanding.

If all creative minds conformed then there would be a lot of rubbish spewed forth from the pens of writers, paintbrushes of artists and the strums of musicians. It is through non-conformity that the mind evolves.

I personally would say that your paintings are a reflection of the human psyche…It is easy for us to imagine that we as a race are beautiful and perfect….but in reality we encompass and reflect the world around us which is at times extremely ugly. I commend anyone who has the awareness and sensitivity to acknowledge this in their creative work.

Continue to be yourself Peter…there is true beauty in being oneself.

Elizium x

Your comment is so full of wisdom, Elizium. I will cherish it, and read it whenever I begin to doubt myself. You have a remarkable insight, and words like yours somehow ease the burden, as you write beautifully and convincingly. Thank you.

Peter feel free to express anything and everything – all your emotions and thoughts. I know sometimes it takes some pushing if you are down to do so, and not everything will be a masterpiece , but it is ‘the doing’ that helps so much. One thing I have perceived is that everyone has a different view of art, what they like or not. I could not judge someone else who has the guts and determination to get out there and express themselves. There are a lot of people in this world who may well have been a whole lot nicer if they put some energy into creating anything. Keep it up. ps it is also a part of the changes you are no doubt going through – we will be here for you.

Dear earthangel you are inspirational, as I do often doubt, and especially when I am down, so thanks very much for your encouragement. Sometimes it’s very difficult to be ‘different’.

I understand your comments re peers and family. Art is a glorious indulgence that occasionally reminds me that the rediculous complexity of life can be dissolved, cancelled and refreshed with a simple splash of paint. The tricky bit is just deciding to to do it. To throw it. To start. To begin.
Phil

You have discovered what being an artist is really about. Most of us still don’t fully understand. Although I’ve only been at this for a year the vast number of LIFE lessons I’ve taken away from this whole experience is seconded to none. Yet I still have so much more to learn. So I can only imagine all that you’ve been through with your work. Recently I learned that I have Avoidance Personality Disorder, which means, as well as other social problems, I can’t handle being criticized. Yet criticism, positive or negative, is a huge part of being an artist. Therefore this lifestyle is helping me work through my issues. My love of creating and making something that didn’t exist before is what keeps me here and working. And I see in the end that’s what keeps you creating as well. Thank you so much for your incite and thanks for sharing your wisdom in everything you write and create.

Dear Vestque you honour me by writing such words. We all receive criticism, and in the arts world it often stems from jealousy, or just plain spite, or others who just like to be in the spotlight themselves and like to mouth-off, and if you let it get to you it can be very destructive. Of course not all of it is negative, and it is nice sometimes to know that others appreciate what you are doing. You poor thing, I also suffer from AvPD, but mine’s more to do with social interaction, and the main reason I prefer to live practically as a hermit. I also have PTSD, and neither help the other. Criticism I now can usually live with, as I’ve certainly had a lot of it, and now that I can work ( mostly ) without giving a damn what others think I’m able to get on with what I do. Your Art is beautiful, bright, mystical, and to me ( please don’t be offended ) gently erotic. If ever I get really down your Art can be a tonic to me, and I truly enjoy looking at it, as mine is perhaps a bit too dark. I’m very pleased RB is a positive experience for you, as it’s a great place to showcase your wonderful works. And I’m not really wise, just old, though your writing has made me feel less so today. To have a young woman of your glorious age write to me is a rare occurrence, and causes to blood to keep coursing through my veins. Thank you
Peter

Peter you can be very proud of yourself. A lot of people these days paint or make other images because they think they will sell. People go with what’s fashion. You have written this really well and I understand where you come from. Be yourself and if some people don’t like it …. Stiff shit. Being an Artist is about expressing yourself. You are a very wise man. Take care of you self, Cheers Esther

from what i gathered you are legally blind and not completely blind… and you are struggling with coming to terms with your blindess… i have a suggestion. I think you should gather all your art supplies and sit to paint. but instead of trying to see what you are painting COMPLETELY close your eyes. go to town with the paint and dont think about making a masterpiece. it is more of an exercise to embrace what you struggling with. try to make whatever you FEEL. do not think about composition, beauty or anything. when you do… i think you will open your eyes to an art piece of personal meaning beyond your best work. I also expect a bmail telling me you posted it.. peace friend

I’m glad I saw this – very true and heartfelt words, and your work is far from ugly – it is full of emotion and feeling. RB is a wonderful place to let it all hang out.

this appology was not needed on my part … but is still gladly accepted …. :)

Peter, I admire your courage very much.

Too much time, I am very reliant on other’s opinions. I would suggest most of us are. You seem to be conscious of that need for acceptance, yet ot be striking against it at the same time, which to me, is brave. Bravery is a neccesary component of an artist.

And you do create beautiful things.

I apologise for the broken english – spending too much time in france at the moment….

Ha! I must laugh! I am printmaker… working in 15th cen. media. (etching and engraving). (photograph I just use for fun). I have been told over and over to get on the digital wave… and out of the past.
Funny how most of what I see is passe… regurgitated… unoriginal artwork… it is discovering one’s own genuine experience that is valuable and worth expressing.
In a mass media, market~driven culture… well… what can we expect but homogenized assumptions about… art.
Keep doing what you are doing. Its good… it is refreshing!

Peter…. I find you and your art fascinating and intriguing. I am humbled by your life story and think you are expressing your soul which is what most artist do. No need for justifications and explanations… you are an individual with a talent, be true to yourself and enjoy what you do…who are we to judge? Keep at it!!!!