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Shelli Fitzpatrick

6 Days Ago

Just Musing About Our Faa Forums And Wanted To Share My Thoughts With You All

I feel it is a blessing to be a part of this community of artists! While we may not all agree on politics, religion or other subjects of life, we all have a common thread of creativity that binds us together in some way and our diversity makes this an interesting place to be.

I don't usually express these kind of thoughts but rather keep them to myself but just felt like sharing how I feel about you all with you.

you can comment or not, that's up to you and really is not the purpose for this post.

Hope I don't seem too "mushy" LOL

Reply Order

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Gaby Ethington

6 Days Ago

I agree, Shelli, it is a nice place to come to and a pleasure to see the diversity of creativity. I appreciate the moderators making sure it is a safe place for our musings. :)

 

Bill Swartwout

6 Days Ago

Shelli, you are pretty much spot on with the way I feel about this place, too.

 

J L Meadows

6 Days Ago

There are some wonderful people on this forum. They helped me during a very difficult time, and I will be forever grateful to them for it.

 

Shelli Fitzpatrick

6 Days Ago

Thanks for sharing Gaby, Bill and Judy!

 

Tricia-Maria Hovell

6 Days Ago

I agree Shelli! This is how I was feeling last week when I was going through a discussion which Abbie started. This community of FAA moderators and artists has helped me tremendously understand the business of art - creating, promoting and selling. I was new to art, in general, and this forum made me 'at home' with you all. I've learnt a lot from FAA in my 2 years being here and I'm so grateful for all of you.
Nice thread Shelli. *thumbs up*

 

Lois Bryan

6 Days Ago

Aw Shelli ... I agree, too! I'm mostly a lurker, but this discussion forum is a place I come to nearly every day. Lots of different viewpoints, great ideas, inspiration and just plain great info. And you're not "mushy" ... having and expressing feelings is a good thing!! Especially when they're good feelings!!

 

Nina Prommer

6 Days Ago

Agreed Shelli, hanging out with strangers that sometimes feel like good friends, information, musings and so on, all good

 

Mushy or not, you have stated it wonderfully for those of us that stay more quiet than is healthy of a loving community... of any sort. Thank you Sherri. Best-of-Life!

 

David Bridburg

6 Days Ago

Shelli, I agree.

This group of people keeps an even keel. The long-term feeling is kinship. Fraternity.

I have often felt very differently about many things with some individuals but drawn them closer because differences are interesting. I do not believe in friction if someone is different.

 

Drew

6 Days Ago

"Hope I don't seem too "mushy""
Mush is what mush does. Art is but a box of mush.

Now, most people are way more interesting than the art they produce. Especially when it comes to their dynamics within a group.

Of course, there's exceptions and internet interaction produces online personas that wouldn't exist beyond the virtual world. There's a digital veil that many use as a shield.

So, who really is behind that avatar? Avatars cost nothing to produce and a single puppeteer may control multiple avatars.

There's always an existential threat of deceivers who wield the craft of manipulation to their own selfish agendas. The saga of history has demonstrated the inevitable Brutus exist within the theatrics of the human stage.

"we all have a common thread of creativity that binds us together in some way and our diversity makes this an interesting place to be."

This is a nice sentiment unfortunately I do not agree with for the use of the pronoun "all". "The majority", If used instead of "all" then I would be in agreement.

Thank you Shelli for sharing your feelings!

 

Bill Tomsa

6 Days Ago

MUSH!???? MUSH?

Marines don’t DO mush! Mushy is as mushy does! Mushy, mushy ,Mush!

No mush for ME thank you, Shelli.

Well…..I do like the images of the cute, little kitties. And yes the doggies are neat too.And the sunrise pics are some of my favs as well.

O.K. A little mush I I guess. 🐱🐶……. but shouldn’t the title of this be “Just Mushing About Our FAA Forums……” ?Lol.
Thanks Shelli.😜


 

L A Feldstein

6 Days Ago

Yes, Shelli, I agree. Nice people, beautiful art, lots to learn.

 

Shelli, thanks for opening this thread. You've expressed how I feel also :)

I visit this forum often but am too shy to comment much or start a thread.

This forum keeps me current on what's happening in FAA.

The members & mods provide amazing support & information.

Best forum ever! Thanks all.

 

Shelli Fitzpatrick

6 Days Ago

My there is a lot to respond to here.

First I will start with all of you who shared kindred feelings. Thanks for sharing!

Drew: I agree about how easy it is to not be yourself on the internet and to create a persona that may not be true but after being in the forums for some time (like years) it gets easier to tell who are the ones that are not like that. When you read them often and they are always the same, I feel like they are not putting on a persona that isn't real. I really appreciate the people who post up real photos of themselves as an avatar (no offense intended to you Drew or anyone else) and it doesn't even matter to me if it is not a current photo. I do understand the reasons behind not using your own photos also, being an introvert, or not wanting to be stalked or whatever. I will agree with you on the point you made about the collective word all. I now wish I'd have said "most of us " too. But anyway...

Bill, thanks for the laughs!


 

Sharon Cummings

6 Days Ago

Gratitude is never too mushy in my book. :) Love you girl!

 

Shelli Fitzpatrick

6 Days Ago

Thank you Sharon! the feeling is mutual too

 

Great comments! As a fellow introvert I check here often to see what is going on and share your feelings about the group. Very interesting and diverse opinions.

 

Rudy Umans

6 Days Ago

Get all warm and fussy inside (no it's not a hairball!)

This forum is the best!

 

Bill Tomsa

6 Days Ago

@ Shelli……laughs!??? What laughs I don’t DO laughs!

Laughs are mushy!

BTW..stop me if you heard this one. Three ARTISTS walk into a bar……..

(Applause) Thank you.Thank you. I’ll be here all week.

 

Oh, my goodness...Shelli...you are soooooo spot on!!! I feel the same...I am glad you opened this thread..this is a wonderful place..and we should praise it a bit more...:)
I have learned sooooo much from so many artists here..who generously share their " secrets " lol and oc we have to praise Abbie...for her work and dedication..and the patience of a saint!! without her, this place would go to pot!! ahhahahah so yes...thank you to all of you...and FAA... and all the moderators...people behind the scenes.. and oc to Sean...:)

 

Shelli Fitzpatrick

6 Days Ago

Jolanta! Thank you for mentioning Abbie! She is the glue that holds it all together and makes it a special place for us to come and internet mingle.

My bad for not mentioning her and David and yes of course Sean.

I guess there might have been a sub-conscience reason to post this. To make sure they know how much we all would miss this forum if it ever went away! Lets hope that never happens!

 

Roger Swezey

6 Days Ago

Forum-Combo-combo-cropped.png

 

@ Shelli...you had a brilliant idea about creating this post...so bravo to you...the rest will follow...and I hope others will respond accordingly...we are lucky here...we really are!!


so here it is, Shelli...:) ( chatgpt :) )

An Ode to Shelli and Abbie at Fine Art America

In our haven of hues, where visions are born,
Shelli shares warmth like the light of the morn,
With posts that remind us of why we are here,
Where passion meets purpose, and visions are clear.

She speaks of our gratitude, boundless and true,
For Abbie, the heart who keeps this ship's crew.
A manager, a mentor, with eyes sharp and kind,
Guiding each artist, body, soul, and mind.

Abbie, we thank you, for the patience you give,
For fostering dreams, where our colours can live.
Through chaos and calm, with dedication and grace,
You bring order and care to our shared, sacred space.

So here’s to Shelli, for voicing what’s felt—
For lifting each spirit, where gratitude dwells.
And here’s to dear Abbie, our rock and our guide,
In the family of Fine Art, where our hearts abide.

 

Mary Bedy

6 Days Ago

First let me say, I loved my parents. I had wonderful parents. That said, they had some good friends with whom it was hard to stay awake if you were in the same room with them. NOT SO here. I think the "art inclined" or even those that just appreciate art and photography are generally more interesting people. I have made friends here over the last 14 years (I started year 15 in July), and I have met people here that I know for certain I would enjoy in person.

I also enjoy the wide variety of work I see here. You guys are all really talented. I just looked and I am following 39 PAGES of artists here. I don't know how many that adds up to, but it's a lot of people.

In other words, carry on!

 

I'm grateful to everyone who is so frequently helpful to other people with questions.

And I like the discussions format...you see the topic...choose to read or not...choose to comment or not ....comments in chronological order....I much prefer "discussions" to some algorithm feed....I recently joined Substack and as far as I can tell there's no discussions forum like this. Which would be much more helpful then the feed that comes up.

The way the format every day allows artists around the world to put out a question and have others throw out ideas and answers has helped me learn so much just reading other people's questions and answers.

So thanks everybody.

And Shelli....I kind of agree with you about photos..... but ever since I was little I've not liked looking at my own photos.....which has just gotten worse over time....I "joke" about the Medusa Syndrome....I enjoy seeing a monarch butterfly caterpiller more than seeing me.(plus I do prefer the idea of being anonymous...but that doesn't seem possible anymore.)

And Shelli your photo is great...every time I see it I like your hat. It looks comfortable and functional for being outside gardening or feeding the chickens maybe.

 

Ken Krug

6 Days Ago

The forum exchange here is very good.

 

J L Meadows

6 Days Ago

Thank you, Roger, for including my painting "Epitaph" in your awesome collage!

And I see Harold Shull there...what an incredible artist and wonderful person....he left us much too soon. He was so kind and supportive of me, much like yourself. This forum is such a great place to meet unique artists and free spirits. I've learned so much from you all.

 

Shelli Fitzpatrick

5 Days Ago

Mr. Dodo Bird

I am going to reveal a secret about my avatar and hat. I took that iphone selfie back in 2013 ( over ten years ago) The hat was my hubbys and I was just messing around trying to come up with shots to post on Instagram, (back then I was a huge instagram fan, not so much now)

Every time I see it the song by Carly Simon plays in my head "you're so vain, you probly think this song is about you"...

Okay... I am not really as cocky as the avatar makes me seem. lol I am also over ten years older but basically look the same.

As I said though, I do understand why some people do not want to post their own photos. so please don't take it wrong.

 

Shelli Fitzpatrick

5 Days Ago

Roger! Thank you for posting your collage, I hope Abbie won't mind. I love that you have met so many artists from here face to face. You are an FAA legend!

 

Garth Steger

5 Days Ago

This is my morning routine before I go to early work at 6am. FAA and a good cup of coffee :) It's the best people to wake up to. How's that for mush??

 

Roger Swezey

5 Days Ago

Shelli,

As you can see, I purposely, did not make it an FAA/Pixels image, so as to avoid the prospect of profiting from it

It's just for us to see here


JL ,

I want to thank you for adding so much to my life, when I purchased a print of your stunning, thought provoking image.


And as for Hal, he was so strong, maintaining his great sense of humor, when I was an overnight guest, the last weeks of his life

 

Shelli Fitzpatrick

5 Days Ago

Great Mush Garth! thanks for that!

 

Janine Riley

5 Days Ago

The support and deeply satisfying relationships here have been as equally satisfying as my art sales from here.

FAA has been a very good and productive part of my life.
Taking me through "empty nesting" and a long term illness that has been disabling at times, I am grateful to have this place as a second home.

I don't care if it's mushy - we are artists & we are meant to be expressive.

A very happy holiday season to all.

 

Shelli....I don't take it wrong re real artist photos versus not actual photo....you know the old joke ....face for radio...

I've never been to Instagram....I'm a late bloomer.

I always liked that Carly Simon song...."you're so vain...you probably think this a song is about you ...don't you?"...and I always thought it was funny....(because It Was About Him !)


 

Lisa Kaiser

5 Days Ago

Shelli, I really enjoy the forum too. It's actually the best part about putting my art online. During the forum’s tougher times, I learned how to behave in a real gallery setting. Without this forum, I would have felt lost in my own gallery.

Here, artists are genuine, and that alone is a tremendous education. I've gained insights into the arts and how our emotional responses shape perceptions. Some behaviors are more successful than others, and I've compiled a list of what it takes to succeed. But right now, I'm feeling a bit burned out, which wasn't the plan.

 

Shelli Fitzpatrick

5 Days Ago

I am glad you commented Lisa, thanks! I hope your burnout is only temporary! I have always admired your work!

@ Mr Do Do yes, the irony about that song was what made it great.

 

Drew

3 Days Ago

"While we may not all agree on politics, religion or other subjects of life"

When it comes to the two most divisive subjects that both unite groups and divide humanity's empathic equity, the arts of various traditions help bridge the divide created by humans' tendency toward schizophrenia and hypocrisy.

Art is so often inspired by both love and hate in equal proportion; art is a real measure of the human experience.

Religion and politics, the forbidden subjects are exactly that for a reason. They are but symptoms of that which inflicts misery and suffering ; the means by which teams oppose teams that play a zero sum game constructed on the principals of selfishness and stupidity.

 

Roger Swezey

3 Days Ago

Drew,

I can't speak for anyone else, but this befuddled old coot is having difficulty wading through the syntax, concerning these serious subjects namely: schizophrenia, hypocrisy, .selfishness, stupidity. and ART

 

Bradford Martin

3 Days Ago

I have been a regular here for 14 years. Sometimes a lurker. Sometimes offering help, but always learning. I came in with questions about the site and getting ideas for marketing as well as offering help on photographing art and using the tools here such as keywords and descriptions. I already had 15 years of experience with online art galleries ( and art shows) when I stumbled into this site so I had something to offer but still a lot to learn.

My reasons for coming now have changed a bit. Now I look forward to the slightly off topic stuff. The discussions here offer a window to the world that social media isn't offering these days.

 

James McCormack

3 Days Ago

Love you guys!

 

@Drew. "Religion and politics, the forbidden subjects are exactly that for a reason. They are but symptoms of that which inflicts misery and suffering ; the means by which teams oppose teams that play a zero sum game constructed on the principals of selfishness and stupidity."
Brilliant and so very true:(

 

Drew

3 Days Ago

"this befuddled old coot is having difficulty wading through the syntax, concerning these serious subjects"

To maintain the spirit of this conversation, these subjects are introduced only to ponder by the individual but not to be elaborated on within the positive nature of Shelli's established tone. To do so, IMHO would derail a most excellent discussion which is not my intent. A touch of the cynic along with the optimist is a little sugar and spice to everything nice :)

Thank you Karen.

 

Abbie Shores

3 Days Ago

Thank you, Drew. Absolutely let’s stay focused on the matter at hand—there’s no need to stray off-topic on this thread.

Glad you are enjoying them, Shelli. It means we are doing something else right :)

 

Shelli Fitzpatrick

3 Days Ago

Thank you Abbie, yes you are doing an amazing job.

And I am happy that we can come here from all walks of life and have respectful discussions because the rules of the forum are enforced.

Thank you to all who have contributed to this thread so far and thank you to Drew for not wanting to derail it. I would like to leave it open for anyone else who wants to either comment or just lurk.

:)

 

Ken Krug

3 Days Ago

What also is nice, and this is important.. even though being occasionally socially clumsy, I can still post.

 

Drew

3 Days Ago

"I would like to leave it open for anyone else who wants to either comment or just lurk."

Free-For-All!
Just Kidding...LOL;)

 

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