Two Questions

This past weekend at our show in Arizona, I was asked two questions, both of which keep re-surfacing in my mind. During my power point presentation, a very direct question was asked about painting my religious beliefs. This wasn't the first time I have been hit with a personal question in this not so personal context. I'll share my response in a minute. I want to address the second question because it overlaps the first. I was asked by a fan waiting in line about my view on blogging in regard to sharing personal information. I am thinking that what I am comfortable putting on my blog for the enlightenment or scrutiny of others might not be the same as what another person might feel comfortable with. I personally feel alright sharing my interests (mummification, Trek Mod Drifting, my apron collection etc.), my struggles, accomplishments and inspirations in the studio and an occasional epiphany about success, beauty or gratitude. I am aware that in sharing with others, I become a target for fiery darts and criticism. The thing is...I am willing to take a lot of hits if what I share from my own experiences is positive for another person. I do not, however, feel comfortable sharing certain things that other people do feel comfortable with. For instance, my beautiful daughters, I think they should have the right to privacy. I have super cool pictures from my grandpa's recent funeral... but that's too personal. I don't share the process of drawing on my youtube videos because that too is personal. Some aspects of my religion are too sacred to share. I often want to talk about my wonderful husband but it just sounds like I'm bragging so I hold back. There are blogs that I don't feel comfortable looking at...too voyeuristic, so I don't look at them.The thing is, in some things, don't we learn by sharing? Blogging gives a voice to anyone who wants to have a voice...Web 2.0 This tool gives power and authority to the writer/reader in that they become the expert. I do recognize though, that this voice and power is not universal in that not everyone in the world is privileged to have this tool to give power to their voice...and some people of privilege don't have anything to say. So I should think that this enlightening tool is not the voice of all people, just a small percentage of humans inhabiting the earth at this time. I'll end this lengthy entry with my response to the first question, "How I paint my religion?" Well, I don't paint my religion as a subject. I am what I believe and what I am trying to understand. I do not feel that this blog is the context for dissecting my personal religious beliefs, but indirectly, they are addressed So...there are subjects that are sacred to me...and that's just for me. I thank those who have enlightened me through art and blogging and writing and...sharing.