Saturday, June 22, 2013

Sowing seeds



Coastal Light
Original oil painting  24x18"
by Susan Roux


I know of a small fishing village that's been in existence since the 1700's. It's been fished ever since and there's still fish and shellfish to catch today. How is that possible?

I found out their little secret. For instance in harvesting clams, the fisherman agree on reaping only from certain areas a year. While this harvest goes on, part of their duty is to "replant" or seed clams in a different area. These new clams that are relocated will be allowed to grow and multiply for several years before being harvested. There are a lot of small islands in this village, which means lots of shoreline creating the perfect stage for making this possible.

Ingenious! Renewing their food supply insures a continued harvest, year after year. Talk about looking ahead and planning for the future...

Those same lessons can apply to artists as well. Of course I don't mean take some of your small paintings out of the studio and go plant them outdoors so they can grow and multiply, but I do mean sowing seeds. Sowing seeds today can lead to an unexpected harvest in your future.

These seeds can be anything from simple acts of kindness to conscious steps in marketing to help propel you in the future. Simple acts of kindness are selfless things we do for others. The benefits can be far reaching for both parties involved, the receiver as well as the giver.

Do something nice for somebody without expecting anything in return and you will be rewarded down the road. Some call it karma and the TV series My Name is Earl explained that very well.

We're creative and we possess lots of gifts because of it. We have a lot to offer and we can come up with very interesting ways to share our gifts. Helping someone, giving them a hand. It all counts. The real trick is not to expect anything in return. It's not I'll do this for you today, but then you must do this for me tomorrow. Selfless and without expectations.

It will leave you happy and uplifted. The feeling is so great that it tends to multiply. It can grow in you like an addiction. Reach out to people. Send them a smile. Share something with them. It can take minutes or even seconds, but it all matters.

I have lived my life doing acts of kindness for people. Now in this new phase as I work towards opening an art gallery, I'm amazed at how many of these seeds have grown to harvest. It's overwhelming actually. Things I never thought amounted to much, things that took so little of my time, have grown into compassion and trust. I find myself surrounded by a sea of grateful people all willing to help. My heart smiles as I bask in the warmth of the love.

The other type of seed you can sow for your future are seeds of marketing. It's ok if you don't have a whole plan figured out in your mind. Most of us don't. But everything adds up. If you're here, most likely you're already networking. Socializing with like minded people, sharing ideas and offering words of encouragement. (We're back to those acts of kindness again... See how easy it is?)

Have you met Debbie? I recently stumbled upon her. She offers many helpful ideas on marketing your art. Are you showing your work on Facebook? How about Pinterest? Sign up with her and she will include you in her weekly tips. Here she posts an article from Christine Corretti who explains how to make the most of your Pinterest account.

The marketing thing can be a real pain, since all we want to be doing is pain-ting instead!!! So all the help we can get, especially to simplify things is welcomed.

Do yourself a favor and sow some marketing seeds for your future. In the meantime, work hard, smile at people and the benefits will come to harvest in due time...

Happy planting everyone!


9 comments:

  1. Thank you for all these good reminders of sowing seeds. I especially like the word picture of the fishermen keeping their harvest going with their methods. What a great example!

    ReplyDelete
  2. A beautiful post, Susan! I always seem to leave your blog with a smile! I love this painting of "Coastal light".. a lovely piece!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yes, reaping what you sow, you need to be careful not to sow only weeds and prickly things :) A good reminder and a lovely painting.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Dear Susan - love the painting - love the thoughts - love it because you shared. Have a wonderful day.

    ReplyDelete
  5. You so caught that light. Beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  6. this is just lovely susan! beautiful words and painting!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Ma chère Susan,
    Tu sèmes de belles graines autour de toi... Ton coeur est une grande serre où beaucoup de graines de toutes sortes germent.
    J'aime énormément cette dernière oeuvre et j'ai hâte de pouvoir admirer celle qui est en cours d'exécution... qui va sentir bon mon pays !
    gros bisous à toi.

    ReplyDelete

Please share your thoughts. Your comments are always appreciated.