Art Passion Genetic?

Since a young girl, l was always surrounded by creative and talented people. My Portuguese grandfather was a potter, and not just an artist who dabbled in it. He was a young man, trying to raise his family in the Azores, using his skills and talent in this artform as a way of living and providing for his family. Wanting a better life for his loved ones, he then immigrated to Canada, and he started his new life with his family in Kingston, ON. 

---

​  I had the privilege of seeing my grandfather revive and explore his passion for pottery years after he immigrated to Canada. Watching him turn enormous amounts of clay into wonderous works of traditional Portuguese pottery pieces. His work was well known and sought, especially within the Portuguese communities of Toronto, Ottawa, Kingston, and Montreal. He was one of the best in his artform, and l am not bragging, but he really was. A perfectionist and a master of his artistry. He was always creating, if it wasn’t pottery, it was woodworking and there was never a dull moment visiting my grandparents. 

 The creative genes were passed onto my mother and her sisters. My mom was so very talented and she tried many creative outlets. From ceramics,  (we had a huge kiln in our home), to creating porcelain dolls, and airbrushing. She was an amazing seamstress, (taught by her godfather as a young girl in the Azores). She loved to needlepoint, macramé, crochet, and knit. I seriously don’t ever remember a time where my mom just sat on her butt and relaxed. Ok, her butt at times may have been parked, but her hands were always creating something. She was good at everything she tried.  The joy of trying something new and loving it, was something that l didn't appreciate until years later. To experience a new creative outlet is worth trying to undergo an exhilarating feeling. 

If it wasn’t for my mom, l am not sure l would be a painter, and l will leave that for another blog. As years went by and l got older, l found myself contemplating. Is my capacity for creativity shaped by my genetic influences? Is this why l am not afraid to pick up a new medium and tackle it without fear? Is this crazy creative passion of mine inevitable? 
All questions that cross my mind often, but no matter the answers, l am grateful my life was filled with creative, and talented influential people.

---

Being a self-taught painter hasn’t always been a walk in the park, but it does have its advantages, as l learn at my own pace. As l started to explore new mediums it helped me not only learn but grow as an artist. It allowed me to learn more about what l wanted to pursue in my art career. I got better at colour and value choices and l developed different skills and techniques to improve and grow.  Its exhilarating to get out of my comfort zone, and even if it turns out horrible l keep trying until l am happy. Exploring my creative side has always felt comfortable, as l remember seeing the ones who meant so much to me never give up their passion. Trying new mediums has helped me with my artist block, and it has certainly helped me out of my creative ruts a few times, not to mention l tend to get bored easy, so using different mediums helps my mind stay fresh.  
I am certain that all my artsy exploration has had an impact on why l love to teach art workshops, and help people find their passion, just like my mom helped me find mine.  If you ever need a kick start to your creative journey, come visit me in my studio at the the Tett Centre, on the second level in studio 214A. I really do love to inspire and if l can help you feel the same exhilarating feeling that l get trying something new, l know that l am making a few of my angels smile.  

Remember to subscribe to my VIP email list to stay in the loop and receive details on my upcoming art workshops. Building a valuable, and trusting relationship with you is important to me and l want us to stay connected. ​

The Apple does not fall far from the Tree, and therefore why l love to try new mediums!

Wishing you a beautiful Day.

Alice Melo

Author

Realistic Acrylic Artist in Kingston, Ontario