The Great XMAS Blogroll Induction Extravaganza – Day 10.
Art holds a distinctive place in my life: my father was an artist, and I am grateful that he was insistent on passing down his love of the Arts to us. I mostly avoid “art” blogs, or “poetry” blogs—I’m rather transparent, and you would know pretty quickly my true sentiments on your craft. Would it mean it is bad art? Not really… It would simply mean that I do not have an appreciation of your art. Subjective. I discovered Sonja Barbaric by pure luck: she liked a post of mine, so I visited her blog. Her art and aesthetics grabbed me, viscerally. We started chatting, I liked her Facebook page, we became friends, and she generously accepted to create a header for A Clown on Fire. When she sent me the header, my initial reaction was: this is art. Six Glasses of Water is one of the few art blogs I follow. Sonja, I am honoured that you have accepted to be part of my blogroll.
SONJA’S HEADER FOR A CLOWN ON FIRE
All right, first and foremost, I have no idea what I’m doing here on this amazing blogroll. Honest. I’ve been reading what all you others before me had to say and the thing is, you all wrote these witty, clever posts and kind of knew what’s going on (well, the majority knew) and I’m just this wannabe painter and illustrator who shies away when given a compliment and looks completely bewildered when someone says they like what I do. I’m the type who avoids being in the spotlight as plague, hands a drawing as a sign of appreciation and runs in the other direction and yet – here I am – writing a post for Le Clown’s famous blogroll and why? – Because Eric asked me to. And you don’t say no to Eric.
Hmm, come to think of it, all this time I’ve only been speaking to Eric and never actually met Le Clown in all his glory. Hm, wonder what that means? Hm, wonder if it’s a stupid question?
Anyways, I think it’s better if I do this in facts. Facts help sometimes.
Fact number 1: In case you didn’t know, I made one drawing for Le Clown’s banner and it’s still up there. It’s the pretentious one depicting him as galaxy in far space, which brings me to:
Fact number 2: We share the same zodiac sign – Aquarius, again which brings me to:
Fact number 3: We both tend to go to the extremes and thus exhibit these poignant personality traits:
- being full of ourselves one minute and turn into self critical nit pickers the next one
- acting either overly aloof or caring too much
- unpredictable behavior. All the time.
Fact number 4: English is not our first language
Fact number 5: We both love art. (And Eric thinks he likes my art too. Don’t know what Le Clown thinks of it. Come to think of it, maybe I don’t want to know.)
Fact number 6: I like Eric’s blog and I like him.
So, there you have it. I guess those could be the reasons why I’m here.
Dunno.
Thank you Eric, you’re the best.
Sonja
Suggested posts:
- What Holds and Stops;
- Serpentine;
- Man With Hat Made Out Of Stars;
- What Do You Mean We Have To Go? (this one is a favourite of Le Clown)
Sonja, would you be offended if I said your art is sort of David Bowie meets Munch? Hopefully not. Well done getting onto Le Blogroll. Half my family and many old pals turned out to be (or turned in to be) Aquarians. I am not one of them. However, as I said to one of them years ago: “The only thing that all Aquarians have in common is nothing,” which kinda makes you and Le Clown (and L’eric) unique!
Posted by Val | December 29, 2012, 07:45Of course it doesn’t offend me Val, I actually like the face it reminds people of different things and I’m always surprised to find out what those associations are. Kind of helps me put things into perspective. Plus, you’re right about Aquarians, however, it seems Eric and I do share some common traits and get along just great
Posted by Six Glasses of Water | December 29, 2012, 10:15PS: Hello Le Clown. Or should I say Your Magnificence™ ?
*grins*
Posted by Val | December 29, 2012, 07:48Val,
Good morning friend. What a lovely Saturday morning this is.
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | December 29, 2012, 07:55Indeed it is, Your Eminence®.
La Val
Posted by Val | December 29, 2012, 08:00Her art is amazing! Bon choix, Le Clown!
Posted by mairedubhtx | December 29, 2012, 08:47Very cool. I visited. The artwork reminds me of Wonderland…not the John Mayer version, the Lewis Carroll one.
Posted by speaker7 | December 29, 2012, 09:17Oh thank you, it’s a compliment for sure
Posted by Six Glasses of Water | December 29, 2012, 10:16Sonja,
It’s artists like you that make the rest of us want to do better (and that’s not envy).
Thanks Le Clown, for bringing Sonja and her work into the dusty light of the circus.
Red
Posted by SocietyRed | December 29, 2012, 09:48It’s not envy, I agree and I am very flattered by your words Red, thank you so much. And yes, it is kind of nice to be a part of the circus
Posted by Six Glasses of Water | December 29, 2012, 10:30SGW,
That’s awfully delusional to refer to yourself as a “wannabe painter and illustrator”. Just checked out your stuff. Fucking brilliant. Do you sell prints?
Posted by Adam S | December 29, 2012, 13:03I never thought that being called delusional would be such a compliment Adam
As for prints, still working on that. Thank you 
Posted by Six Glasses of Water | December 29, 2012, 17:27SGW,
Thank you. I joined up with you on FB. There are a few that I’d really love to have. I’ll keep my eyes peeled for more info.
Posted by Adam S | December 29, 2012, 17:29I know, thanks for that too. And please, call me Sonja
Posted by Six Glasses of Water | December 29, 2012, 19:43Sonja,
Ok.
Posted by Adam S | December 29, 2012, 20:49Your work is unique and lovely to look at, to enjoy. Thank you for sharing it with all of us.
Posted by Addie | December 29, 2012, 13:23Thank you so much Addie.
Posted by Six Glasses of Water | December 29, 2012, 19:44Sonja, your art is fascinating. I looked at some earlier and some just now and see different things in each and with each time I look. Fabulous.
And Le Clown — another great choice. I need to retire just so I can read all the blogs you send to me!
Posted by Elyse | December 29, 2012, 13:45Much apprecated Elyse.
Posted by Six Glasses of Water | December 29, 2012, 19:46Sonja,
It’s so nice to meet you. I just visited your site and your art is amazing. You’re so talented. I usually get along with Aquarians pretty well, too. Great choice, Le Clown. – Amy
Posted by The Bumble Files | December 29, 2012, 14:03Thank you Amy, nice to meet you too.
Posted by Six Glasses of Water | December 30, 2012, 06:24Le Clown was right, your art is amazing. I love how it’s Tim Burton like (: Hope you receive that as a compliment
Posted by The Laughing Duck | December 29, 2012, 15:30Thank you. I’m always surpriesed to find out how people relate my work to so many other artists even to some artists I’ve never heard of. There are times I need to google to know who they’re talking about. But Burton I don’t have to google, I like his work so, yes, it is a compliment.
Posted by Six Glasses of Water | December 30, 2012, 06:29Nice to meet you Sonja … Good job with the art. All the different expressions of art by humanity continues to impress me – so thanks … I’ll be over for a closer look, plus being an Aquarian is a great choice for life.
Posted by aFrankAngle | December 29, 2012, 17:36Glad you decided to check it out, thank you very much.
Sonja.
Posted by Six Glasses of Water | December 30, 2012, 06:32I don’t think Le Clown would be surprised , but I nominated you for an award – http://thebutterflyhatch.wordpress.com/2012/12/29/taking-arrogance-to-the-next-level/
Posted by The Laughing Duck | December 29, 2012, 18:04Sonja — Welcome, Hello, and Congrats on making it to Le Clown’s Blogroll extraordinaire. Your artwork is amazing; it feels ethereal to me. It really is lovely.
Your introduction was also very lovely, in a completely different way. Your factual presentation answered so many questions for me about Le Clown and L’Eric. All it took was an artist to explain it to me. I thank you.
Tania
Posted by iRuniBreathe | December 29, 2012, 19:51Thyme,
Love your comment. I myself was taken by what Sonja wrote for this post.
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | December 29, 2012, 19:56Le Clown,
From your blog headers I already knew you had good taste. I’m sure Sonja could agree.
Tangerine
Posted by iRuniBreathe | December 29, 2012, 19:52Ageed. I guess this means I’m complimenting myself now but hey, since I’m in the circus now suppose it’s not a problem .
Posted by Six Glasses of Water | December 30, 2012, 06:36You learn fast.
Posted by iRuniBreathe | December 30, 2012, 15:43Congrats Sonja. He IS pretty awesome, huh?
Posted by writerwendyreid | December 29, 2012, 20:15He really IS. It’s always amazing to find out that there is someone who honestly believes in you and what you do and is also willing to support you. It’s the best feeling ever and I couldn’t be more greatful.
Posted by Six Glasses of Water | December 30, 2012, 06:40Dear Le Clown and Sonja,
I am also an Aquarius (okay, I am a cusp-rider and I sometimes choose Pieces– is that spelled wrong? – because the horoscope is better, especially when it says I am about to meet a tall Canadian Clown who will change my life forever and induct me into his blogroll and make me famous). We have something in common. That’s the only thing, though. I am not an artist, I am not a cunning Clown, and I am not on the blogroll. But you’re both on the list -.- …
U/CL
Posted by UndercoverL | December 29, 2012, 20:42AMAZING art Sonja. Truly. Understand what Le Clown aka Eric aka That Frenchie In The Great White North sees in your work. Must subscribe to your blog.
By the way, you’re too fucking modest. Understand the whole ‘egomaniac with low self-esteem’ thing. Have the same curse
Thank you for sharing your acceptance speech. Look forward to more of your artistic pieces.
LOVE IT!
Le Clown: you’ve done a helluva job on your blogroll pics this holiday.
Posted by Rachael Black | December 30, 2012, 02:49We just met, but I have a feeling you’re one of the best too, Sonja!
Posted by The Hook | December 30, 2012, 17:01