A few months back, I was hired to paint my first commission of a famous person.
I tell you this only to say that initially, it felt a little intimidating. It's important to note that I always feel some pressure when creating a piece for someone, especially if it is a gift for someone, and it involves their likeness and their pet's likeness. I want them to feel like it truly captures them {in Creative Thursday style of course}. I want them to really, really love it. But for some reason, because this was a famous person I was putting extra pressure on myself initially. I began to think about why I felt this way? Because you know I tend to do that, be analytical and think about these random things.
After living and working in Hollywood for 10 years, you get used to seeing your share of celebrities. You become quickly aware of the fact that yes indeed, celebrities are normal people too. When you break it all down, what really separates us is that way more 'other normal people' know who they are. Ok, fine their life usually comes with way better perks because of this.
In most societies your level of influence and popularity = your level of importance in this world. And the part that suddenly feels intimidating is when you buy into that, making someone else, celebrity or not, more important than yourself. It starts when we're kids. We are socialized that certain traits and achievements make someone better and more valuable. I have spent a good segment of my life trying to undo that thinking, reminding myself that it's not about being above or below anybody ever. Except when they are just so horrible or arrogant that I can't help but want to talk trash about them and put them in their place ~ whoops. I said I was working on this.
Most days, I do my best to remember that essentially we're all living our lives in the best way we know how.
Here's the thing~ Chelsea is known for her Margarita Thursdays, she loves comedy, she's a great performer {I went to see a taping of her show in person last week) she takes her work seriously, she's brave about expressing herself and her opinions without apology {we do share the same, how can I say this nicely, sentiment about Angelina Jolie's persona} and she appreciates the people who appreciate her ~ even taking the time to sign books for the audience members at every taping. If we got together over a couple of margaritas, I think we'd have a lot to chat about and who knows we could even become friends? Truth be told, I have really great clients, so feeling intimidated is kind of silly, especially when I remember that I'm always painting for friends.
