Recently I sent out a newsletter on how an artist can become well known for their work, long after they are gone.
It led me to think about one of my favorite artists, Professor Tamara Natalie Madden, who passed away at the young age of 42. Tamara was extremely prolific. Even when Tamara was bedridden, she continued to create art. It was important for her to leave a legacy behind. And she has; Tamara has left a huge body of work that will have great impact, “for those who are often overlooked by society.” I have no doubt that the importance of Tamara’s works will become evident as time goes on.
My good friend, artist Ron Croci, sent me an email asking “what do you want your legacy to be?”
It’s funny, but until he asked that question, I hadn’t thought of it for myself! And I realized how absurd it was that I didn’t have an answer. So, I made a cup of coffee and sat down in a quiet space in the kitchen and gave it some serious thought.
And here is what I came up with for my own legacy:
I want my writings and teachings to empower people to take action to create a life that they want. I want people to not only understand that they can live life on their own terms, but I want to encourage them to build up the courage to do it. I want this message to be carried out long after I’m gone.
So now I’ll ask you: What do you want your legacy to be?
Have you thought about that? And does the question excite you or worry you?
Your legacy doesn’t have to be earth shattering or have a deep meaning or change all of humanity. It could be something simple and lovely, like what you would leave for your grand kids. Or it could be a message that you wish to spread, not only in your lifetime but beyond.
I recommend taking a moment right now to answer this question. Honor this idea of having a legacy by taking time to sit in a quiet space, light a candle or have a cup of tea, while you give it some deep thought.
What do you want to leave behind, long after you’re gone? What do you want your legacy to be?
Please, leave the answer below in the comments, or pose your thoughts on this idea of leaving a legacy. I’d love to hear what you think!
Thanks, Maria xxoo
23 Responses
What a great question Maria.
I started blogging back in 2008 and continued to write until 2013. Then I took a few years off.
I was surprised when I attended a huge art event in 2016, that fellow artists still referred to me as “The Blogger”. They remembered my name as well.
So, I guess my writing, both past and present, constitutes my legacy. It sort of found me. I didn’t pursue it as a legacy, but I’m glad I’ve been able to help and encourage artists over the years. We seem to have the in common Maria.
You’ve contributed such important content for artists Maria, and it’s a bit different than mine because your experience is different – and that’s what make the world go round, eh? As an artist, your advice and wisdom has helped me choose the better business roads to success.
Lori, thanks for sharing your thoughts on this, and thank you for the kind words. I know a lot of artists who have benefited from reading your blog posts, also!
Part of it has to do with recent work called ‘The Deep’. It is watercolor on arches paper and it is about the link between the deep ocean and our inner world. I was inspired by the documentaries of how our oven is loosing its precious resources. So I am painting the deep ocean and my inner world. Basically there is no green without blue! Check out the last three I did @laurenjohnsonstudio
Lauren, I love this idea! Thanks for sharing it. Will check you out on Instagram!
What a great concept to think about. I want to bring richness and clarity of thought to the arts and the art world, and I want to create work which embodies that richness and clarity.
At the moment, reaching for that goal means making my art sell so I’m financially stable enough to pursue those goals long-term.
Thank you for helping me along that path with your writing and advice.
Betsy, thank you for sharing! Glad to have given you a little push. We all need that sometimes. 🙂
I want my legacy to be this: My children felt that I treated them all as the most important people in the world. That my illustrations inspired and brought magic to their lives.
I would feel the same about my legacy to the public.
Maria I am interested in your mentorship. I have bounced between construction and illustration for years. I have not been able to make a living off illustration and construction is ruining me physically. I would rather pay a mentor and have someone I am accountable to than waste any more years going it alone.
My neglected website: http://clbresee5.wixsite.com/clbresee
My instagram is @gypsytrainconductor
Chris, thanks for the comment on my blog! I would love to help you make a plan to move forward towards your goal of making a living from your illustrations. To set up a consulting session with me, please email consulting@mariabrophy.com and we will set up a time.
That sounds great. I just sent it!
A man who earned the respect of his bride, children, grandchildren, and close friends and family. A man that made a difference and contributed to the success and well being of many souls. In essence, a man who knew the Lord and did good in the earth.
Steve, that is beautiful!
My legacy
When she taught it was to share that you can learn, heal, laugh, and be creative through the arts with no experience required. She was a constant motivator for anyone who would listen and those who wouldn’t (lol). Loved meeting and talking to people. Leaving a collection of my paintings and mixed media, and books to spark dialogue and simply enjoy are my legacy. Lastly, leaving my children the art biz, knowledge, inspiration, and the greatness of God to guide them.
Love it, thanks for sharing, Rozenia!
Maria,
This is an excellent conversation about leaving a personal legacy for youth to adults. It can be really inspiring for youth to start focusing on a positive self, community engagement, and building dreams in order to leave a special legacy.
Rozenia
Thank you for sharing this question Maria, along with seeing Tamara Natalie Madden’s work for the first time and being inspired by what I have read about her approach to life and art, just reflecting on the possibility and responsibility of leaving a legacy has brought tears to my eyes.
I want to leave a legacy of healing through my artworks. As a Mozambican woman artist of ‘mixed origins’, I want my mixed media works and installations to inspire other women, as many have and continue to inspire me, to continue producing and believe that we are truly able to work towards sustaining ourselves and our families with and through our art. I want my legacy to be one of deeper empathy and understanding between people and between individuals and events that have left deep marks in their lives, specially our notions of belonging, in a world of people that are in constant motion.
I aim to do this by using materials such as found and lost objects, coffee and charcoal, to use the energy and memory that these hold in relation to historical events and personal experience, and through these leave a legacy of artworks that help viewers transcend their pain and hurt and bring them towards healing and unconditional love within.
(In case anyone would be curious to see my artworks, I leave a link: https://maimunaadam.wordpress.com/home-a-blog/ )
Maimuna, thank you for sharing your heartfelt desire of wanting to provide healing through your artworks. The world needs more inspiration, empathy and understanding. Thank you for spreading more of that around. Beautiful!
I want my legacy to be increased awareness of the power of free-will mass cooperation (vs forced mass cooperation). When the heart is it, it works. When the heart is forced there’s resistance and it’s no better than false love. Not all my works will reflect this message, but my artist’s message always will.
Carrie, your words are inspiring! Great message you are giving through your art. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
My friend, my hope and prayer of my legacy is: I loved God and others well.
I inspired others to find hope and beauty even in dark situations.
I was an encouragement to all.
I was a blessing to my family.
…and perhaps along the way, I made an impact with my art, God willing.
xoxo
You’ve already achieved it, you already live it. Love this, thanks Lyn!
I want people to find and immerse themselves in places that are beautiful: a sacred connection with our environment and humanity (we are nature). I want to do this by reminding people to connect by sharing my mixed media paintings with the world.
P.S. I could use some consulting on self promotion and selling more work. And making time for my work.
I would Love to leave a legacy for my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren… I would also love to share my Love of Art and Art teaching with the world and believe that I have left a lasting impression on my students and those I love..
Artist Sandy Sereno
http://www.sandyserenofineart.com
I want my artistic legacy to be that I lead a life of boldness, love, trust and to show how to follow the pause.
Art to me documents in one image a series of experiences. When someone stops to relish on a specific image that creates, the pause.
With that legacy all of my new mediums will be animal, human and earth friendly. Non-toxic products to produce artistic masterpieces safe and eco-friendly.