Art Rx: “I didn’t come just to sell art” - Tempest Diamond

Flying with Matisse. Photograph by Tempest Diamond

I didn’t come just to sell art. I came to feel less alone.

I came to be among artists - to learn from them, teach them, love them, support them and be supported by them.

I was here to introduce children and families to the joy of collaborative, spontaneous, joyful painting and watch the birth of a young artist and creation of a supportive, invested mother as the delightful boy discovered the joy of fine artist-grade watercolor on 100% cotton paper.

It felt so very good. It still does. (At the same time... )

I love when you love my work. I love that someone else loves what I love. So very much.

The moment when someone is quickly walking by, notices your art, stops and comes back to look... omg, that’s everything!!!

My mother, a jeweler who is newly returned to the visual arts, ambled over and tried the water-soluble oil pastels (made like thick, buttery crayons) and later excitedly reported she went to Jerry’s to buy some.

There were too many moments to mention.

In fact, it’s worth the creation of its own art journal.

I showed up as an artist so super eager to see how people responded to my work and I am so encouraged.

My inspiration considers me inspiring! How perfect is that?!

There were moments of joy, generosity and connection everywhere.

To the best of my ability, I’m going to be memorable, useful and kind and I will let the rest play itself out one step at a time.

Because sharing art with my local community gives me a sense of something so desperately needed in this world... a sense that maybe humanity isn’t so terrible after all. I mean not at its core.

Because I’m here and you’re here and this moment matters and there are almost no phones in sight. People have chosen to be here and they’re interested in practically everything around them.

I love it.

Next, we’ll talk about how art helped repair the shattered identity of a traumatized self and what I consider the life-changing power of an art Journal.

A Family Affair. Photo Tempest Diamond