A couple of months ago, I was contacted by Lisa, whom I didn’t know. She had seen a cabinet I had painted and wanted to know whether she could pay me to paint a jewelry armoire and, also, a mirror that she wanted to hang above it. She turned out to be a lovely woman who enjoyed decorating her home with color and whimsy, and I was excited for the challenge.
And a challenge it turned out to be. The two pieces were notably different in style, and I struggled to come up with unifying ideas. I had quoted her an hourly rate, and was careful to keep track of my time. When I finished the mirror, I told her how many hours I’d worked on it, and asked whether she wanted me to continue with the armoire, knowing that it would likely take longer than the mirror had. When she gave me the go-ahead, I got to work again.
What started as an interesting adventure, though, turned into a stress-filled exercise, as I struggled to marry what I knew of Lisa’s tastes, with something that would be complemented by the mirror. I became uncomfortably aware that my indecision could falsely inflate what already seemed a hefty price tag, and I kept erasing minutes that reflected work that I was repeatedly undoing.
Finally, one late night, as I painted in the garage, I impulsively drew a line through that day’s minutes, and circled yesterday’s cumulative total. I resolved not to note any more time. Almost instantly, I relaxed and was able to lean into the rhythm of the work and not worry about how long it would take. My Muse came dancing back into the room, and so did the joy!
And, happily, I was able to deliver the completed project to an appreciative and generous client.
The Mirror and the Armoire
This experience reminded me of long-ago bit of my history during which I attempted a business selling some of my art. Although people did buy it, selling terrified me, and sound business practices both bored and eluded me. For the first time, I began resenting the time it took to draw, or paint, or sew, and it didn’t take long for me to let go of the idea. For me, making things is best done for the joy of it. I guess I just needed to be reminded of this.
After the mirror/armoire lesson, I came by some free chairs, and immediately began wondering what I could do with them. My kids had just moved into their beautiful, new home, which has a large covered patio from where a spectacular sunset is visible most evenings. They have lots of furniture needs, so I asked whether they could envision using those previously-owned chairs as part of their outdoor seating. They said they could (or–because they are really kind people–maybe they couldn’t think of a way to say no to their mom).
Chairs!
This time, nothing got in the way of knowing what the chairs were meant to be in their new lives, because love was the fuel, and joy, the reward.
IRMA says:
All your works are beautifully inspiring. I’m glad you won over the pressure of the clock.
Anyone would be honored by one of your creations, I’m sure they are proud to discuss their patio furniture with guests.
teriecota says:
I’m a slow learner about that time thing…lol. Thank you for your kind words, Irma.
Mary says:
Amazing pieces as always, Terie! Keep up the good work! They turned out beautifully🥰.
teriecota says:
You are biased because you love me. Thank you, most of all, for that, Sissy.
Corinne Araki- Kawaguchi says:
Surely God’s intention was to “ make our hearts ♥️ sing 🎶 “ for your artistry fueled by love in watching and reading gave rise to a full chorus within me. Thank you for sharing 💐
Bravo 👏
teriecota says:
Corinne, you have a true gift for uplifting people with your words. Thank you!
Amy Basnett Daughtry says:
Wow! First the armoire and mirror… Then the chairs! Beautiful work! And so unique! I am IMPRESSED.
teriecota says:
Thank you, Amy. I know you have a creative mind, so your words mean a lot! xo
Ron says:
Sometimes our best payment is to know that the recipient has a singing heart! beautiful, Sis!
teriecota says:
I would venture to say even more than sometimes! Thank you, Ron! xoxo
Shauna says:
Sooo sooo beautiful! The chairs and the soul of the artist! Incredible!!♥️
teriecota says:
Thank you, Friend! I forgot that you are a chair-lover! xoxo
Tami says:
Very beautiful Terie. Your talent is amazing and inspiring!
teriecota says:
Thank you, Tami! Miss you!!
Sher Castro says:
Mrs. Cota,
Will you please come to my house and redo the entire thing, please, can you hurry, come now, I don’t care what your rate is!!!! As I have known since the time you painted our freshman dorm room at UCSB in (what year was the anyway?) you are an extraordinary artist and gift to the world!
Love you,
Sher
teriecota says:
Let’s do it!! ❤️