Be YourSelf and Grow Podcast episode 10. I’m your host Ken Law. I’m an artist who discovered some truths about myself, my art and the world around me. It’s all about learning how to be yourself, and I’m sharing my experiences with you once a week on this podcast; so, please tune in. You never know what you may discover that will bring value to your life.

For the next couple of months, YOU are going to interview me. I have collected, over the years, questions asked to other artists and questions asked of me. Now, I will answer a single question each week from that list of questions. Remember, you can still ask a question at anytime by leaving a comment below.

So, lets’ get started! (intro …clapping)

How did you first get interested in your medium, and what draws you to it specifically?

That story actually has two parts. So, I’ll start with the first part.

I started back in high school. I don’t recall why I got into art. It might be that I took an art class, and realized how much I enjoyed it. I am not really sure. I started with a pencil. I began drawing like most people do, I guess. I remember trying out different graphites. I was looking for that shadowy black. I couldn’t achieve it with pencil; so, that led up to charcoal. Eventually I started painting with oils.

After high school, I quit art and started working. Actually, I started working when I was 13 or 14 years old throwing newspapers. I grew up in a lower middle class atmosphere, and art wasn’t really considered a career choice. Actually, we didn’t think careers in my family, either. We thought jobs and that mindset followed me most of my life. After graduating high school, I didn’t pick up a brush until my fiftieth birthday.

Here’s part two. I moved to Taiwan, after completing 20 years of service with the Army National guard and started teaching English with my wife. It wasn’t your usual 9 to 5 job. I had tons of extra “what do I do” time on my hands. I saw people selling these miniature paintings on eBay. I thought, “I can do that and put some extra cash in my pocket.”

Little did I know that, when I picked up a brush for the second time, Jackson Pollock had made his impression on my soul. This time things were different. I didn’t care if it was a job, career or a great way to make money. When I started painting again, it felt so natural. It was like I regained a lost arm or leg.

Painting is my way of releasing the problems of the world. It’s my pressure release valve. It comforts me. Painting is where I can really focus and get something done, and feel good about it. When I complete a painting, I feel complete, and that really makes me feel good. I really like the feel good feeling.

Next time, I’ll draw another question from the hat about my art.

I’m Ken Law Artist and remember, be yourself and grow. Don’t forget to leave your comments and thoughts below. Make it a great day because it is your choice! Adios Amigos