tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810156851531185584.post712671412293173115..comments2024-02-15T19:34:03.944+00:00Comments on The Hermitage: The Rootpond Clock & Considerations on Artistic ConversationRima Staineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10044701472535300254noreply@blogger.comBlogger185125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810156851531185584.post-40809002356546934942011-10-09T22:30:28.794+01:002011-10-09T22:30:28.794+01:00Hi Rima. Just found this site again having slippe...Hi Rima. Just found this site again having slipped away for a while and was very interested in this post particularly. I got my fine art degree this summer and I am somehow scraping by as an artist, generally making horrible commissions that are not part of my soul work (which so far has not sold at all) but just made my first soul commission. I sent a photo of it to the commissioner who has only offered the comments "bemused" and "well, as long as YOU like it" which means he doesn't! But I know I made it with love, truth and intuition from the spirit, so I am not ashamed of it and as no money has exchanged hands yet, I will keep it and honour it myself. I have been reassured by your calm and peaceful post considering the same issue and I thank you for posting it. It has helped me today. May all blessing be with you. HelenHelen Morleyhttp://www.helenmorleyart.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810156851531185584.post-10653197103560624702011-02-28T16:45:16.138+00:002011-02-28T16:45:16.138+00:00I am so sorry your artistic endeavors were not rec...I am so sorry your artistic endeavors were not received favorably. The clock is beautiful and truly a work of art. I see the ideas she had for it in your work and don't fully understand some people's expectations. I have recently stumbled onto your blog and found your art on etsy- recently bought a print "Mountain song for my wordless son." I look forward to more of your work..Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810156851531185584.post-947692538357104232011-01-06T15:58:53.207+00:002011-01-06T15:58:53.207+00:00My suggestion to you is the same as the advice I g...My suggestion to you is the same as the advice I give to myself - thank her in your heart. You had a lesson to learn and you (at least your higher self) created the situation to help you learn and grow. She (at least her higher self) came along to help you do this. It might be a lesson about trusting your creative spirit, or trusting other, or placing boundaries. Whatever it is, it comes with love.<br /><br />I'm learning it's not easy to view things in this light, but it does help in feeling that that we can grow and flourish even when times feel rough.<br /><br />RainAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810156851531185584.post-52313846286416811612010-12-30T03:17:17.384+00:002010-12-30T03:17:17.384+00:00Sorry..I had to laugh. I've been making a livi...Sorry..I had to laugh. I've been making a living as an artist for 18 years and still was absolutely certain my career was over 2 weeks ago. Talk about over reacting. I don't think diving into a whiskey bottle was the answer to my problem, but it definitely settled my nerves. It's good you found a place to vent..hopefully, your customer has a deeper appreciation.<br />I was actually going to add a blog page to my site tonight and was poking around to see what other people were doing. Glad I found your page. Great blog..writing..artwork, etc. All the best.Kevinhttp://www.freedomgallery.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810156851531185584.post-84646533900208216642010-12-20T22:13:47.541+00:002010-12-20T22:13:47.541+00:00I simply found this one of the most appealing and ...I simply found this one of the most appealing and enchanting pieces of your art I have seen. Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder, but most importantly perhaps, recognised with their heart. Please don't feel discouraged by this event. The clock is Beautiful. Linda xLindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14535356348364905814noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810156851531185584.post-66346437304518701522010-12-20T20:51:43.068+00:002010-12-20T20:51:43.068+00:00Rima, thank you for writing this post, it is inspi...Rima, thank you for writing this post, it is inspirational! I have been in the same situation and it is horrible, but you will come out of it with renewed belief in yourself. Keep on creating your beautiful work.<br />xx J.Johanna Pietermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10888726598197936304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810156851531185584.post-37570426189585174672010-12-02T09:22:01.725+00:002010-12-02T09:22:01.725+00:00I feel nothing but pity for the woman who did not ...I feel nothing but pity for the woman who did not see the magic in your clock. She probably wanted something larger-than-life and could not take how simple and human you make your characters. Your mother earth is not a majestic, intimidating, flowing-gown-and-hair, sprinkled with fairydust kind of creature. She's humble, kindly, earthy, rooted and soothes you instead of making you gasp in awe and submit. That's what I adore about your work, Rima...the simplicity, warmth and the sheer humanity that peeps through. And this tale you recounted reiterates that you are that person.<br /><br />Don't let somebody's wonder-less eyes bother you. Everybody drops by the Hermitage for a respite from their daily lives, because it's the most calm, soothing and wonder-clad place on the planet :)Forgive the too-many words and adjectives!!...I just wanted to let you know how much your work means to me.mixdbrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11160197751762195088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810156851531185584.post-53889281019451762072010-12-01T01:45:33.199+00:002010-12-01T01:45:33.199+00:00I discovered your blog only a few days ago, and al...I discovered your blog only a few days ago, and already it is on the page that comes up first when I turn on my computer. <br /><br />I had a similar experience when I was a weaver. Someone did not see what I had created as the vision they asked me to create. However, in my case, the weaving was not refused and the money was paid. I just knew she didn't like it much. So I had the money, but I felt bad. <br /><br />I love your work. I don't need a clock, but I would love to commission a picture from you. I understand that it would be YOUR vision of what I describe. Please contact me if you are interested.<br /><br />Pomona.Writer@gmail.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810156851531185584.post-34563173671660162882010-11-30T00:17:57.452+00:002010-11-30T00:17:57.452+00:00well its one of the prettiest ones you've ever...well its one of the prettiest ones you've ever done if it were up for sale,it would be sold in a minute.<br /><br />I don't do commissions precisely because of this reason,thanks for being so honest in your whole entry about your fears,thoughts and feelings and values I think this is why you garner such response from people rima.Katienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810156851531185584.post-9737372710110307522010-11-26T06:20:58.733+00:002010-11-26T06:20:58.733+00:00Hello Rima
I am quite shocked that anyone would po...Hello Rima<br />I am quite shocked that anyone would possibly think that such a beautiful object would be unsatisfactory. I for one would just love to own one of your exquisite clocks and indeed hope to do just that one day. I have your Hotchiwitchi on the wall here now. It is however not possible to please everyone in this world.<br />With the best of wishes.<br />LydiaLydianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810156851531185584.post-51456356681168338452010-11-24T22:55:34.392+00:002010-11-24T22:55:34.392+00:00I always read your words and get so drawn in by th...I always read your words and get so drawn in by their beauty and wiseness.<br />I find shopping for art and handcrafted goods in, say, a market, really hard, as I feel for the seller if I look over their work, then reject it by not buying something. I love Etsy particularly for this reason!<br />I have sold a few things over the years, and like you am incredibly nervous in case someone would not like it. I can imagine how you felt. It seems as if the lady you made the clock for is probably not an artist of any sort, or she would have approached you in a way that was sensitive to your feelings. I suppose to not like your clock is something she cannot help, but to assume that something made over time and with love and care can just be refunded is insensitive. <br />Ah well. I think your clock is lovely!Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15941415622199071141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810156851531185584.post-21713534894759014622010-11-19T18:46:53.079+00:002010-11-19T18:46:53.079+00:00I am so sorry you have had to go through this. I h...I am so sorry you have had to go through this. I have anxiety every time I do a commissioned piece. A lot of times people project their own issues onto the work. She may have spent more money than she could afford and is justifying it (even subconsciously) by telling herself she doesn't like it. You just don't know.<br /><br />I do not offer refunds for custom work, but I will rework the part they are not happy with. It's not a perfect answer, but I ultimately feel better when the buyer is happy. I don't often have this happen, but it to completely possible to change the situation so you feel good about it and she feels good about it.<br /><br />For example, the bark issue. She might just fear it breaking, not knowing anything about how the wood actually holds together. Offer to secure it for her? Ask her what would make her happy. But do state that there are no refunds for custom work. It is a huge thing for artists to 'stand up' for their work in the realm of 'money'. It's organically disconnected from us, but learnable. It's a leap of faith, but it will make you stronger.<br /><br />Thank you for your blog. I found you about a year ago, and because of you, I am working towards a life on the road and have never been happier!AlexInWelderlandhttp://www.custompeturns.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810156851531185584.post-37049293757331445162010-11-18T19:47:25.741+00:002010-11-18T19:47:25.741+00:00Rima...I'm sorry that no matter what kind word...Rima...I'm sorry that no matter what kind words people say..you and all others knowing your art is truly incredible...the pain of what was said plus knowing your one of kind amazing creation is in the hands of an uncaring buyer...can never be taken away.<br />I hope time will wash this memory away or at least blur it.<br />You are a mind blowing artist and that clock is absolutely delightful and beautiful...not one person in the world would ever agree with this woman's view.<br />xoezrabluhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16938990830254680085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810156851531185584.post-43481987190048307442010-11-18T15:48:40.674+00:002010-11-18T15:48:40.674+00:00Everyone has already said so much about the unwant...Everyone has already said so much about the unwanted work, but that's what artist's do they interpret and the mistake is with the commissioner for not giving good instructions. It is beautiful in my eyes and if I could afford it I would buy it from you. Do not be swayed. Continue to paint from the heart and don't forget there are plenty of Critics out there this one is not the only one. Best Wishes TriciaTrickshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04139963235950571852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810156851531185584.post-91005176045605782822010-11-17T09:53:06.322+00:002010-11-17T09:53:06.322+00:00Dearest Rima,
this is such an important topic and ...Dearest Rima,<br />this is such an important topic and I totally understand how you would want this resolved and feel at peace about doing custom work in future. <br />In case it is of help, I wanted to share with you how Rick and I have handled custom requests in our woodcrafting over the past ten years: <br />Not wanting to feel any pressure while creating, we do not take any money up front, but simply create a piece in our style, putting our heart and soul into it. Upon completion we present it to our customer (either with detailed photos or in person) and tell them that if they like it they may now purchase it. <br />Going this route gives us comfort while we create and keeps the piece totally 'ours'. If for some reason the person should not like it, we are quite confident that there is someone else that will appreciate it. This has worked extremely well for us, the best part being that there is absolutely no pressure on any party.<br />What happened with your exquisite clock is an extremely rare event and many, many would appreciate it exactly the way it is (me for one!!).<br />Perhaps this occasion just arose for a lesson to be learned.<br /><br />Loving the great beauty of your work and this blog,<br />Much love,<br />Heidi & Rick<br />CanadaHeidinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810156851531185584.post-29093184215634767712010-11-16T23:39:55.471+00:002010-11-16T23:39:55.471+00:00this is absolutely beaaaautiful, Rima. btw, this i...this is absolutely beaaaautiful, Rima. btw, this is my first visit to your blogspot--though I think you follow me on tumblr (I'm overrunwithghosts). I love it! I'll definitely be keeping up with your stuff--kudos to a brilliant fellow artist and pagan!treevoicehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00644352277394965433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810156851531185584.post-42955490068563757952010-11-16T16:08:39.800+00:002010-11-16T16:08:39.800+00:00Hi Rima, it's my first visit to your wonderful...Hi Rima, it's my first visit to your wonderful blog....I shall be catching up on all these posts including the "Clock Tale". ;0)Janehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11742664269417361941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810156851531185584.post-86696539897038498862010-11-16T03:09:27.263+00:002010-11-16T03:09:27.263+00:00I see that ultimately it has done you good, for yo...I see that ultimately it has done you good, for you were shaken but did not fall. You have reassessed your own work again and it is still lovely to you. :)Rebeccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09964867167868338817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810156851531185584.post-91189098966183735352010-11-15T19:07:53.170+00:002010-11-15T19:07:53.170+00:00You could have not expressed yourself better :)
Fo...You could have not expressed yourself better :)<br />For me...it all resumes itself to this you said:<br /><br />"Too much control in the hands of the commissioner kills the spark for me"<br /><br />Paint and do your art from the heART instead of letting someone tell you how to do it.<br />That is the Rima we know and admire.Isabel Augustohttp://www.a-room-of-one-s-own.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810156851531185584.post-72609628474109097362010-11-14T17:14:36.896+00:002010-11-14T17:14:36.896+00:00Oh Rima, I feel for you, we are all the same, so u...Oh Rima, I feel for you, we are all the same, so unsure of ourselves, your work is stunning and because it is so much a part of you it shimmers and glimmers like starlight. That is why it hurts so much to be regected. I so wish that I had enough money to buy the clock and solve your problem but I cant. You must let it go, if she keeps the clock then you keep the money, your "child" will survive and find a loving home I am sure! I wish someone would bring back patrons of the arts, rich folk who would pay you to be you and you would never have to do another commission, (I hate doing them!)Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14193935968877679533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810156851531185584.post-22605567753448618392010-11-14T08:04:04.968+00:002010-11-14T08:04:04.968+00:00Oh Dearest Rima, thank you for sharing your story,...Oh Dearest Rima, thank you for sharing your story, I'm glad you are feeling better about your enchanting clock. Clearly this patron had a preconceived picture of what they expected instead of being open to your magic. The clock is stunning, and a piece of art (which is a piece of you) of course can't be refunded. I've been fortunate not to have this happen after a commission but I once did preliminary sketches (4 different versions!)which took hours<br /> received thrilled approval and then never a confirmation/order. I wonder what were they thinking? was it just a lark? Meanwhile like you I was left to wonder if it was me, my work. We can be fragile things. <br /><br />Rima what you said about casting your net around the world is so true! I mention you quite often (I'm also a full time art teacher and I love to tell my students about you) Thank you for being so wonderful real and magical all at once!Cat (darklingwoods)https://www.blogger.com/profile/06191107705895656760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810156851531185584.post-92161688849078670632010-11-13T04:58:37.689+00:002010-11-13T04:58:37.689+00:00It is truly about time that an artist stand up for...It is truly about time that an artist stand up for themselves and speak the words that all artists feel upon receiving an unappreciative response from a buyer. You have not lost your muchness!!PL Deaton Designshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17655873389378876195noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810156851531185584.post-6652207826401552592010-11-12T23:23:28.011+00:002010-11-12T23:23:28.011+00:00I am sure all the previous comments have made it c...I am sure all the previous comments have made it clear that you don't need to feel shaken any longer by this experience - but I too feel strongly that this woman lives in a different world to you and many of us who love your work and is the poorer for it. I don't want her to have your clock but I pity her as well in a way.<br />And yes, I wish I had the money to buy it too as it's beautiful.<br />AxArtyZenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12628693178003940118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810156851531185584.post-62117796797609253282010-11-12T19:01:55.412+00:002010-11-12T19:01:55.412+00:00Dear Rima
This is terribly upsetting for you and ...Dear Rima<br /><br />This is terribly upsetting for you and I think we all know whats even more upsetting and thats the fact that your most beautiful clock is still in the hands of this woman who is completely unappreciative of your heart and soul that has gone into it. Trust us when we all say please dont loose sight of everything that you hold dear to you because it is cleary visible in every piece of work that you produce and thats what makes you who you are and why we all adore you. <br />Perfectly sensible solution that you put forward to this woman, maybe she has had a change of heart and has decided to keep it but personally I dont want her to have your clock anymore.<br /><br />Dont ever change XXUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02339590881998368024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810156851531185584.post-5487504724373987812010-11-12T05:15:04.980+00:002010-11-12T05:15:04.980+00:00Love the clock, would buy it if I had the money......Love the clock, would buy it if I had the money... it should be a loved creation and how shallow of that person to ask for a refund!<br /><br />Stay true to your self and artistic nature, your creations are unique and wondrous. <br />Maybe a "no refund" policy on commissioned work should be stated clearly??Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06065601240705775321noreply@blogger.com