AS AN ARTIST WHO DO YOU WORK FOR?

I typically don't share personal passages from the pages of my journals but I came across this last night and felt renewed after reading these words:

For the past two years I have vehemently been working to master three principles: faith, patience and humility. My faith was tested at every turn as we prepared for this show from a spiritual as well as financial standpoint. I have never been so broke in my life and at times broke down. In order for God to work his magic I had to wait for the right person to appear.  Despite all obstacles I would encounter the only way I was to receive a blessing was first I had to work on my faith in him.  I am learning as you wait on God keep believing and doing God’s work in the interim to allow doors to open. If you stop short and give up all of your work will go in vain and the discouragement you feel will turn your passion into doubt and fear. Patience will make you become resourceful and realize you must exhaust all possibilities before giving up. The key to unlocking patience is finding humility within yourself to ask for help. I’ve come to realize when we approach problems whether it be in the art world or real world typically we are wanting results based on the things we want.  We desire these things before we have discussed with God what we are willing to do for him.  How can God work with us when we aren’t willing to work for God? One thing I know for sure is that people are willing to buy into what you are selling if it is apart of doing God’s work.

After today God will be my CEO and number one art critic!- Rosie Lee

Originality is underpriced!

I recently learned if you are not making a connection to your art "authenticity" is missing.  Once a piece is finished there should be a connection between artist and viewer where interpretation has no bounds.  An element of truth in your work is based upon the authenticity of your voice as an artist.  Art made with substance takes on a meaningful relationship in the mind of the viewer.  The canvas is a platform in which you have the attention of the world, chose your words carefully.  If you don't love your art people in general will not like your art.  The connection initially should be so strong you are hesitant to give your work away!  As an artist what are you really trying to say compared to what you think people want to hear.   

Who Are You...Ooooh An Artist?

Every artist must first define what it means to be an artist?  Your definition will change as your life begins to change, which means you must have a strong foundation of who you are in the beginning, middle and at the end of your career.  It is imperative to understand who you are in order to shape who you want to become.  We can replace the word shape in the previous sentence with "define", it is imperative to understand who you are in order to better define the person you desire to be.  Some may take on the title of "starving artist" while others will accept "emerging artist", no matter which title you claim the important aspect is understanding what it means to be an artist by your standards.  In life living up to your expectations is always easier than living up to the expectations of others because after all you know yourself best.  Others can control who you will become when you lack the ability to take ownership in who you are, your destiny is no longer defined by you but by the image and expectations of other people.  If knowledge is power then knowledge of self is empowerment, and with empowerment comes freedom and the opportunity to create your own happiness.  Ultimately the plan is to present your worth to the world but first you must know your value, therefore knowing what it means to be an artist by your own definition is priceless!

Can't Get This Sh!t Right!

The piece I instantly fell in love with is no longer in love with me.  I can see the potential for greatness within the canvas but feel it is time to walk away for a couple of days.  I'm sure after I revisit the canvas some of the issues and challenges will appear as fresh and new opportunities to create change.  Over time I have realized the best way to overcome a challenge is to simply change your approach, not all battles need to be fought head on.  When frustrations are mounting the most difficult thing is finding the right moment to remove yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually from the project.  Although I'm frustrated and tired of making mistakes I refuse to quit, this piece is symbolic of my art career, instead of painting a piece I'm trying to gain some peace.  I'm out....resting!   

Dating ART

A couple of years ago I begin to court the idea of painting, now three years later I'm in love.  In art you fuss and fight with a specific piece, and then after a couple of changes you make up.  Actually when beauty presents itself on the canvas you soon forget what you were fighting for in the first place.  Art can be wonderful in the beginning like any honeymoon phase until the difficult years creep up, the time when you second guess yourself because the work is no longer selling.  This is a time when you have to learn once again how to nurture art, life takes you through many phases and presents several challenges.  Advisers like Bacon, Rothko, and Warhol are at your local gallery and museum offering counseling and wisdom to anyone willing to observe and listen, often times for FREE!  I have made vows and a commitment to art, therefore we are in this together til death do us part!  Art was not my first love nor my only love, but will forever be the love of my life!

WORK IN PROGRESS

Life can sometimes be a constant "work in progress".  I'm currently working on a new piece that I am growing to love.  In the beginning I made several changes to no avail.  After the second or third change I finally got into a groove and zone, so far the portrait is about 50% complete.  I am incorporating pastels in the piece as well as thinking of using wallpaper which is all new to me.  Working with familiar materials in a new way helps to release creativity.  Painting, a job and even a relationship at some point will be a work in progress, meaning there is a learning process that has to take place in order for you to grow.  I never want to become complacent in my work, progression is a good thing.  Time to step out of my comfort zone and take a risk!

Life is a canvas not a b####!

The canvas is symbolic to my life, blank and ready to be fulfilled with whatever I imagine.  If you are good at what you do I have come to realize it is because you quickly learn from your mistakes.  Painting is the most frustrating and challenging thing I love to do.  As I try to live up to my own expectations and figure out how to navigate through life, I often reflect back to the process I go through every time I paint.  Once you begin to see God in your work the outcome will always be fruitful and beneficial for others.  Art for me will always be more than a means to making money or becoming famous, this is my life.  In the words of Carrie Fisher, "I don't want life to imitate art, I want life to be art".  And at the end of the day both life and art will be whatever I make it!

Controlling anxiety!

Patience is definitely a virtue, unfortunately one I don't exercise enough of when I'm feeling anxious.  While painting the only elements you control within that moment are the tools in which you use to create art.  For me the paintbrush, oil stick, spray paint, palette knife, and canvas are all things I can freely alter and change at will.  I try not to think will this piece sell or what kind of criticism will I receive when I go to display my paintings.  Truthfully, I don't control the outcome of other people's opinions nor their expectations of my work.   If I can remain persistent and at the same time demonstrate patience everything will work itself out in life and art.