Summer Pierre

Back at the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011, I was in quite a deep state of sadness.  A growing unrest and unhappiness had been building in me, and all I knew was that I wanted to draw, bake, and read.  I wrote it in my journal, I said it aloud, I felt it in my heart.

Now, I had been creative throughout my life, painting as a child, but writing most of all.  I really began to draw and paint around 1997 and came to be viewed as an artist by some people a few years later. Still, I didn't entirely devote myself to art until about 5 years ago.

That mantra (draw, bake, read), along with the pledge to dedicate myself until death to becoming the best drawer I could be, saved my life.  I read Patti Smith's, "Just Kids," and I came alive with her beautiful words and dedication to art.  How could it be that the "godmother of punk" had felt the way I was feeling about being an artist?!  I've written about Patti several times before on this blog, but that's not who I want to talk about now.

There were a few other inspirational people whom I began to run across, and one of those was Summer Pierre.  She is a cartoonist, an illustrator, author of two wonderful books, and a formerly touring indie rocker.  If you are unfamiliar with here, please do yourself a favor and check out her website HERE.

I ordered Summer's books, "The Artist in the Office:  How to Creatively Survive and Thrive 7 Days a Week" and "Great Gals: Inspired Ideas for Living a Kick-Ass Life" and further felt driven--and INSPIRED, and dare I say, CAPABLE OF, living my life as an artist.  I still am an "artist in the office," but Summer made me feel that I was not alone in this situation.  And isn't that just the greatest gift?  To know that you're not alone in this world when you feel exactly the opposite--that there are others who know your struggle even if they don't know you?

   

I began to follow Summer's blog, and her honest posts.  She did not shy away from sad thoughts or hard feelings.  I liked that.  A lot.  I mean, I loved that.  Because somewhere in my past, it probably was from Natalie Goldberg ("Writing Down the Bones")--yes, it was--who said that it is your obligation as a writer (artist) to be honest.  I took that directive to heart.  You risk a lot by doing so, people thinking you're bi-polar, too open, embarrassing, but you know, whatever!  If Patti Smith, Natalie Goldberg, and Summer Pierre can risk it, I can, too.  Besides, what company to be in, no?

So, Summer is becoming more and more famous for her witty, insightful, and intelligent comics. In one of her posts, she invited readers to exchange postcards with her, which I did.  I'm trying to cut to the chase, peeps.  On Monday (3/9/15) of this past week, Summer posted this comic on her website and also posted IT online at Medium.com.  I'm in it, people!  I'm the painter from IL writing about peaches!  What an honor to be included in something written by someone you have looked up to and admired.  Well, there are just no words.  Please check out Summer for yourselves!