Art that makes an effort

In the 70's, my Dad took up oil pastels. I remember sitting for him as he did my portrait, complete with my page boy hair, cubby cheeks and wire frame granny glasses. It ended up being cute, a little halting and stiff, but a very fine effort for a man who spent most of his week with a motar and pestle behind the counter of his pharmacy. I have since learned from others of his generation that after hours art was a "thing" back then. A good chunk of middle class boomers, getting along reasonably well on one income, had the time and mental space to devote to something enriching like art. Not everyone of course, but those who did try their hand at oil painting, pottery or paint by numbers, did it solely for themselves and for the enjoyment of putting a bit of their personality on a piece of paper or a lump of clay. 

Today I go through people's basements in order to find those bits of creativity to share with you. 

I am of course wistful for an imagined past when people did not need to churn out a hobby as a monetized gig or stay chained to work even in "off hours" by an internet leash or let all their creativity wash down the drain of unending scrolling.  The mental space to play or even just to be bored, seems quaint to us now. So I am always delighted when I find, often in the back of a closet of an estate sale, someone's attempt at watercolor or oil pastels. I wish they were here to talk to me about their inspirations, just as I wish I could ask the living relatives "how could you leave this behind? Did you know your great aunt painted nudes?" But that's not my business. I know I'll find someone else who appreciates the sincere attempt as much as I do so their little treasure comes home with me.

Here are a few of these charmers but I also started a Pinterest page

 https://pin.it/1tgIajWFT 

with more photos and details on each piece. Please enjoy the work of these everyday unsung artists.