Should an Artist Always Share Her Story?

Seascapes and Skies #21 - 20 x 20 inch Acrylic on Canvas (August 2023)

When I was a young adult and perhaps even as far back as my teenage years, I dreamt of having a little girl. I didn’t care for a big family, I just wanted one very special little daughter to experience all the beauty of motherhood, to share my love and wisdom with her, and to help her find her own way in this big, crazy, beautiful world.

Time passed by quicker than expected, and as we all know life doesn’t always turn out how we hope. Needless to say, I never did get to experience motherhood, and it is a loss that I had to come to terms with. I painted Seascapes and Skies #21 in August of 2023. This was the first painting where I painted a silhouette of a couple and a young child. I believe that this painting was a big part of my healing process.

In some ways, an artist telling the story behind the artwork might be the bridge between the artist and the viewer, especially if they have had a similar experience, or have similar viewpoints. I personally have found these connections to be invaluable. In the hardest of times as a working artist, the stories and emotions that we take the time to share with each other have helped me to realize just how important creating is, in this place where art is so often undervalued.

However, sometimes I wonder if the artist’s story should not be shared, and I’ll tell you why.

What if the viewer has their own story, their own connection that is just as deep but completely different than the artist’s interpretation? Is it possible for the viewer to connect with the artwork if their story does not match that of the artist?

I recently had the pleasure of meeting a lovely lady with a beautiful family who purchased the painting above, Seascapes and Skies #21. She has a kind husband, and a sweet little daughter just like the family in my painting. Every year they go to a beach on summer vacation, making magical memories of their time together.

What I realized is that in the end, this painting was never meant to stay with me. It was supposed to help me let go of things that never were, and find its way into this very special family’s home. Now each day that they look at it, it will be a reminder of their beautiful family, their beautiful little daughter, and all of the precious memories that they have made in their very special vacation place each year.

She didn’t need to hear my story of why I painted this painting or what it meant to me. I chose not to share my story with her because to be honest, I like her story better, and I’m a sucker for a happy ending.