What is Art to me?![]() ART: 1. the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power. 2. the various branches of creative activity, such as painting, music, literature, and dance. "the visual arts" ~The Oxford Dictionary Definition I grew up in a home where the arts were encouraged. I was always in a school choir. In fact, one year we went on to be the state champions. From singing, playing instruments to the visual arts, we joyfully thought that this was the norm. My grandfather played the mandolin, guitar and violin. I have wonderful memories singing as my Aunt Marie played the piano while we sang along to the "Teddy Bears Picnic." I've since learned that this song was written by an American Playwright John W. Bratton in 1907. The lyrics were added by Irish Songwriter, Jimmy Kennedy. According to The Word Mystery Channel, "Teddy Bears Picnic" symbolizes the innocence of childhood, the joy of simple pleasures, and the power of imagination. (1) I don't think that my aunt realized that the song she was playing on the piano while we sang along side was that deep! Personally, I think she was just delighted to have her six and seven year old nieces singing along. Plus, she kept us busy while my mom got some chores done!! We just thought that it was fun. I often thought about those Teddy Bears and what fun it must have been to be enjoying food, fun, and freedom in the forest. The candy, cakes, cookies, and treats sounded so good to me. Then at age eleven I discovered a new passion. Drawing and painting. I loved it!! I recall looking up at the clouds and seeing things forming and then just floating away. It was great fun picking out objects in the clouds. Sort of like Dagger and Picasso's abstract paintings. You can see all sorts of representational objects in them. I had a great High School Art teacher, Miss Kubiak. She took me under her wing and introduced me to many types of art genre. She became a dear friend and mentor even after I was married and had my own children. I just loved her for her expertise and knowledge in the arts. In High School I became the President of the Art Club and was given cart blanche as to what the group of us did. It was such fun!! I remember Miss Kubiak telling me that I would make a great teacher some day! That meant the world to me. As a young mom, I continued to draw and paint in my spare time. I often created cards for birthdays and holidays and flyers for my kids school. But, it was when I left my families business that I saw the opportunity to continue my education at Hofstra University. It was there that my REAL passion for the arts flourished. I knew my passion was always there, but as many of you can "atest to", as a mom, I had family obligations that came first. That was always the way. Now that my kids were grown, I felt that this was my turn to expand my horizons. And I did! I had my first solo art show at Hofstra U and won the Art of the Northeast Prudential Wheeler Award in my first year. I was given the highest academic honor for my community service and academic excellence~The Golden Key Award. Over the years I've had the get fortune to receive many honors and accolades. As I reflect on my growth as a Fine Artist, I've come to realize that the challenges and sadness I faced when I left my families business had to happen in order for me to find my real passion in life. In retrospect, I'm happy I took the leap to find that my world was bigger than what I was leaving. Sometimes it takes a little bit of bravery to admit we need to move on. I'm happy I did...I found out that ART was a big part of my world, So what is ART to me? I guess it's everything!! I love when people talk about what they're creating. They inspire me to learn and create more. Whatever tool you use, keep creating, learning and inspiring. ![]() Happy Valentine's Day to everyone! Enjoy by doing something creative! If you have time check out our Valentine's Day Card craft with your pet! It's Howling Fun! Log on to www.HowlingTalent.com for the details Happy tales to you!
xoxo Yvonne
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A Place where I can Bark, Blog and Woof a Littlewritten by Yvonne Dagger Archives
February 2025
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