"Are You Still Painting?''

[Yep. And making assemblages, drawing, etc.]

Here's a question that I hear often, from people that I haven't seen in awhile. Turns out, other artist friends are asked this frequently, too. I know that this comes from heartfelt to mild interest, both appreciated. But, when given some thought, it is surprising to think that stopping would be an option. Those of us that are driven, urged, impulsed and even obsessed, have never or hardly even considered this.

My first response is to answer, "As long as I'm still breathing".  But, looking deeper, where does the question come from ? What causes people to stop making art? What gives the rest of us the determination, tenacity and ability to follow our passions, whether it is for making art or anything else?

Here's to living in cultures where this question will no longer be asked, where everyone is following their dreams and expanding their gifts, without doubt or hardship. Why not entertain the thought and vision?