I love accepting the art (painting and drawing) commissions, for I am able to know the mind of the client
and realize his/her idea on this material world. ...making ideas (non-thing) of others
into the tangible reality (thing).
At a time, I have gladly accepted the "Memorial Portrait" (portraiture) paintings and drawings because I can imbue the artwork with the feeling of "immortality" to the person who had crossed the threshold, and sometimes it brings the healing to the loved ones.
If you have not done this, you are missing out on the wonderful feeling full of satisfaction!
into the tangible reality (thing).
At a time, I have gladly accepted the "Memorial Portrait" (portraiture) paintings and drawings because I can imbue the artwork with the feeling of "immortality" to the person who had crossed the threshold, and sometimes it brings the healing to the loved ones.
If you have not done this, you are missing out on the wonderful feeling full of satisfaction!
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| "Remembering Celeste" - a "memorial portrait" painting in acrylic by Hikaru Hirata-Miyakawa |
and use my skills (originally given as the gift from the divine) for the good for the
others.
others.
Letting go of my ego and letting go of my "style" is the "practice".
I sometimes prefer these commissioned works to my own creations.
The need of my ego to express myself yields to the needs of the others.
The need of my ego to express myself yields to the needs of the others.
After all, all the great masters of the Italian Renaissance I admire had served the
needs of the others, their Patrons.
Although not in the same magnitude, I am able to experience minute aspects of what
needs of the others, their Patrons.
Although not in the same magnitude, I am able to experience minute aspects of what
those creators may have gone through... their struggles and the feeling of
satisfaction...
satisfaction...
It is the privilege to be entrusted of such importance - someone's vision.
The work is manifested out of the tight team work and the deep trust in each other.
Being given such art commission in-itself is an honor.
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| Mural art commission sample by artist Hikaru in Boulder |
Having said that, it does not mean it is always easy and cheerful, and I am not
talking about the skill required. That's a given!
talking about the skill required. That's a given!
The difficulty arise when the one who commissions and the one who accepts have the
different ideas. In order to complete the birthing of artworks, neither party can exercise
ego-inflation. Neither party can bulldoze the other away. It is the exercise in diplomacy.
The great works of art, the timeless art almost always have served the need of the "other"
humans (humanity) and/or created for the greater good.
It is birthed through the struggle of the creator (painter, sculptor, etc) within trying to balance
the need of his/her ego on one hand and the need of the humanity (and beyond - universe)
on the other.
Whenever I see the smile out of satisfaction on the clients' and patrons' faces after they see
the completed works, I feel joy within, and I am also deeply satisfied.
...and that's my job... and I'm just doing my job.
