Some Lovely Roses
Navigating the Vulnerability and Vitality of the Artist's Open Studio
Marsha always participated in her city’s open studio weekend, which occurred each October just before Halloween. More than a hundred local artists opened their studios to visitors.
This was an opportunity, of course. But it was also rather a strain, as you had to speak about your art, which wasn’t necessarily easy, and deal with the indifference of visitors, who might take a quick glance and make an even quicker exit. And you had to mind the store, so to speak, watching out that no one pilfered a sable brush or knocked over the vase you’d filled with flowers.
Plus, you had to price your work, a process most artists found weird and painful; and maybe provide cookies; and make sure that the cat didn’t make her escape. And, of course, you had to deal with people’s reactions and opinions.
Marsha got her studio ready and welcomed visitors as they trickled through. She explained her paintings, mostly of roses, which of course didn’t really need any explanation, as roses rather spoke for themselves. Still, she prepared some anecdotes and talking points, as it was better to be prepared than not.
A large fellow arrived, looked around, made a face, and said, “Roses!” Marsha smiled. “Roses!” he repeated. “Amazing! Who is still painting roses?”
Marsha continued smiling. The man was rather too large and intimidating to contradict.
“Haven’t you learned anything from a hundred years of art? Is this what the women’s movement has gotten us? It sure says a lot about feminism!”
“I enjoy painting flowers,” Marsha said.
“It’s ridiculous!” the man sputtered. “You might as well be doing needlework or crafting Christmas cards!”
A pleasant couple entered the studio. Marsha exhaled. She quickly offered them tea, in the hopes of keeping them there and outlasting the large man.
“Painting roses is stupid!” the large man announced, startling the couple.
“How dare you?” the woman said, leaving her husband and approaching the large man. “Coming in here and insulting this artist? You think you get to do it because you are big?”
“It’s all right,” Marsha said.
“It isn’t,” the woman said. “Not in the slightest.”
The large man huffed some more. The woman’s husband approached the large man.
“Leave now,” the husband said.
With some final huffing and puffing, the large man did.
“A bully,” the woman said to Marsha. “There are so many of them.”
Marsha smiled. She felt more grateful for the couple’s sympathetic defense than upset by the large man’s hateful behavior. She picked their support to focus on—just as she picked roses to paint.
GET YOUR COPY TODAY!
With Brave New Mind, Eric Maisel delivers a compelling and timely guide for navigating mental health in our anxiety‑fueled age. Its blend of clarity, depth, and usable tools creates a powerful toolkit—not just for surviving stress, but for forging a more calm, purposeful, and resilient way of living.
It’s not about seeking escape; it’s about crafting a mind equal to the demands of today. If you’re ready to face fear, anxiety, and uncertainty with presence and meaning, this is a book to lean into.
Sometimes the “big man” is a friend or family member…. the ability to tune these people out is a lifesaving skill! Thanks for this reminder, Dr. Maisel.