Thanks so much for all your supportive comments- I am so touched and completely blown away! I guess that is one way to delurk people! Just remember though, positive feedback for whining? Probably not a good thing… at least that was the mantra when our kids were little. And who knows where this blog might end up if you encourage it. Hee!
I have been thinking a lot lately about validation. That is, what I personally need in my day and in my life to continue to feel that my art is worth doing. I don’t get the classic American style validation- ie money. For many people, that’s the only validation worth respecting. But I HAVE to do what I’m doing. I think I’d go completely nuts if I couldn’t do my artwork. My blog has become my validation- knowing that people come and read what I write, look at my photos, leave me comments, understand and appreciate what I’m doing. Yes, someone, many someones, are interested, and it turns out that that is enough. I make stuff, I show it online, people look at it. Isn’t that what it’s all about as long as there is food in the fridge? Now if I was making all these things in secret and stowing it away in a closet for my children to discover when I died of fabric poisoning, it would be a better story, I’d fit the description of an outsider artist and I really would be nutty!
The other part of this thought cycle is about “worthiness”. I used to worry a lot about being an “artist” and worrying about how other people defined the term. Now, I don’t worry so much and try not to set myself up to be judged (see last post- ahem) although it is unavoidable to a certain degree if I don’t want to drown in finished dolls. That is the beauty of the blog- I put it out there, you come and look if you want. I am not asking anything of you. But really I have gotten so much. It has been very interesting for me to think about how my reasons for blogging have changed over the 3+ years I’ve been doing it. It has been an on-going and changing positive experience for me. Thanks everybody!
Thank-you for blogging. Your dolls and art are wonderful and I always enjoy seeing what you’ve created.
I second what Sharon says. And art is interactive; it’s about making a connection to an audience. You are doing that both through the work and then again, and in another way, through the blog. So you’ve got connection squared (as in to the 2nd power) going on here. So cool!
I have spent the day mulling over your previous post.
When I started making dolls a year ago, yours was the first (and only, really) site that I found that inspired me. I really admire you. Your work has a great sense of history and tradition and is craft of the HIGHEST order. You are NOT a creator of ‘plush.’
criticism of that that sort ALWAYS stings, but, it seems that you’ve put it in it’s place!
Mimi,
How funny “die of fabric poisoning” too funny. I laughed out loud when I read that. I enjoy so much reading your blog and seeing your pictures of the garden and the work you do. If one can get validation by blogging maybe I should start one too. I listened to your audio interviews so now I know what you look like and how you sound. When I read your blog I hear your voice.
I’m sending positive validation vibes in your direction.
Hey Meem – You rock, and your creations inspire. “Inspire what?” you might ask. I’d say: memories, ideas, humor, connections, awe, respect, just for starters, and (for some people) the desire to collect a piece of Mimi art all for themselves. All good things!
I hope you know that I love and admire you! and I’m SOOOO glad that you blog.
I wanted to comment on your previous post the other day but for some reason it wouldn’t let me.
I was shocked when I read the review. The author of that post is obviously clueless as to the difference between art and a toy.
Your work constantly amazes, awes and inspires me. I am so happy that you blog and share your wonderful creations with all of us!
PS I loved the “fabric poisoning” too! If only we could all go that way!
we are contacks in flickr and I find we both have an etsy shop, and a blog, it’s always good to see your work – pat
Dying of fabric poisoning, LOL!
At least you’re doing something with your fabric! I’m probably going to get lost underneath all of my piles of really cool vintage fabric and never be found!
Oh my goodness, you! Just yesterday (I missed your blog but caught you on flickr — oopsie daisy) I was thinking I have Mimi Kirchner postcards up in my room, and they are a treasure. A treasure. I have my own very good things going, and people who treasure my work too, but you are who I want to be when I grow up. And I absolutely get what you are saying about when there’s enough food in the refrigerator, all you want is for someone to reach out and receive the good you have to give. Here we are!
your dolls are lovely and worth every penny. i visit your site often just to take in all of the wonderfulness!
some people feel the need to be ‘edgy’ when they review, i guess.
Fabric poisoning – hee. Oh Mimi, you hit it on the head. I have been thinking about the what and whys of blogging and come back to the idea of community – putting it out for people to share and understand. It is the “getting” part that is most important to me. Especially since I have to deal with people (read non-bloggers) on a daily basis that so not get it. The whole idea of Outsider Art is pertinent, as my kids go to an arts-based school, there are artist parents in the community. Since I am artistic, but do not stay faithful to one medium, or that my creativity is often expressed in the more craft side of the spectrum, I often feel like I or what I do, just doesn’t parse. Blogging is my refuge. That and Craft in America, I think I really need to go and buy the DVD. Take care Mimi, mammoth comments from me this morning!
I think that the word “artist” is such a loaded word and I struggle with it all the time in trying to define who I am and what I do. You seem to have a very level-headed take on it! I was quite surprised the other day to read what the “reviewers” said about your work but didn’t comment because others said what I was feeling, but since I’m here again I’ll put in my two cents and say that your creations are some of the most original and beautifully well-made works I have seen in years. Keep following your passion to do what you have to do. So many of us are benefitting from it!