As an artist one thing that I get asked multiple times – who will you dedicate this to? In continuation to my series of writing my heart out, I want to clear this out – Dedication or holding a memory.
I personally would go with the fact of holding a memory. Though both these terms are similar and have very few differences. I still see a very vast difference between the two.
Dedication or Holding a Memory
When you dedicate an artwork to someone or something, it is like giving them a medal of recognition.
While holding a memory means that you are keeping them close and special to your heart. You still let the other person know that you made this art from their inspiration, but then keep it with you as a remembrance.
Dedicating art mostly refers to giving the original artwork to them, which will lower the real impact of the inspiration they had on you. Over time, you forget the real impact which is a natural thing for any human being.
Real Scenarios
I myself have dedicated my artwork many times. While most of them were to my family members who were a pillar of strength, some were to friends(which I secretly regret now).
Obviously, when it comes to people like grandparents, you would want them to see your paintings more than you would want to hold to them as a memory. The proud feeling of going to their home, and seeing the way they have treasured my artwork brings tears of joy to my eyes.
Over the years there have been 3 specific artworks I would consider directly referring to as “holding a memory”.
Not getting into the real details, however, 2 of them were for the same person. I guess, that person would think of me as a person who promised to make artwork for them and just not give it to them. It still hangs on a wall in my room as a wonderful memory of the time I spent with them during(after) college days. 😂
The latest one is very very special. Not only is the artwork big and grand, but the person is very special. It is just the intent of how that person made me feel things I had never felt before. Every time I look at the painting, I say a prayer that I should be able to hold that person dearly, just like the painting. However, as fate would have it, I am sure that we will not be together for long. Let’s leave that for another day. I do not want to end this on a sad note.
Concluding Thoughts
When it comes to dedication or holding a memory, I believe holding a memory is far better than dedication. We live our lives for ourselves. And with this “selfish” thought, I would love to keep all the good memories as well as the bad to myself.
So whether or not an emotion remains with me, I will have an artwork to remind me of that person. With this in mind, I will be making more artwork, and keeping more emotions alive. So from now on, every time you see my future artwork come up with a special caption, just remember it is “holding a memory”. 😉
Beautiful write-up. I too would go with “Holding Memory”. Indeed artwork is the best thing for keeping memories of our dear ones alive with us.
Thank you akka 😀