Very something - very, yes!! Even when I had a full time job job , as I call them, and I’ve had many non Art making related ones, I kept in my head that I was still and always an artist. And I made art work every day in my head as I drove endless boring miles to an appointment or training event. When I finally had the opportunity to get back into my studio, I had lots of references, self references, from which to great work. So keeping in mind our essence is so YES!!
I love the idea of our practice becoming the center of existence. That may seem extreme to most people who are not artists but probably resonates with those of us who are artists. There is a great sacrifice that comes from adopting this mentality but truly is the only way to live a long and successful career in the arts. I don’t think many artists know this from the start or they probably wouldn’t pursue art. It isn’t until art becomes a critical part of our existence that we arrive at the notion that it’s the most important part of our being.
Good timing with this latest essay of yours. I have started conception of a new piece (2nd one after a 2+ month long absence of doing art). This new piece is just in the planning stage and that gives me a false sense of 'now I can relax before I actually begin physical work on it'........Hah! I know I can't get too comfortable during this break as I may end up with another 2 or more month absence (damn procrastination demon). Anyway.....your words have inspired me to go in there and begin doing what I need to do to create this new piece and stop mucking around watching yet another youtube video and get off my butt from this comfy chair and just. do. it. (stole that from Nike; hope they don't sue me). Thank you once again for your insight and wisdom.
As I write this I am hoping you have gotten off your butt and back in the studio. Clearly I have not since I am responding. But you have inspired me to get off my butt and get to work! Onward through the fog!
Actually......I did get off the butt and make art! Not only did I do the "dirty/not fun" work on this one piece, but when stuff was drying and I couldn't do more on the piece, I ended up hanging in the studio and NOT leaving and not one, but TWO pieces got conceived and they will be pieces I'll love for sure. Grateful, relieved, content even though "guilt" played a small role in getting me there. Accomplishment sure does feel good when it happens!
Very something - very, yes!! Even when I had a full time job job , as I call them, and I’ve had many non Art making related ones, I kept in my head that I was still and always an artist. And I made art work every day in my head as I drove endless boring miles to an appointment or training event. When I finally had the opportunity to get back into my studio, I had lots of references, self references, from which to great work. So keeping in mind our essence is so YES!!
I love the idea of our practice becoming the center of existence. That may seem extreme to most people who are not artists but probably resonates with those of us who are artists. There is a great sacrifice that comes from adopting this mentality but truly is the only way to live a long and successful career in the arts. I don’t think many artists know this from the start or they probably wouldn’t pursue art. It isn’t until art becomes a critical part of our existence that we arrive at the notion that it’s the most important part of our being.
Good timing with this latest essay of yours. I have started conception of a new piece (2nd one after a 2+ month long absence of doing art). This new piece is just in the planning stage and that gives me a false sense of 'now I can relax before I actually begin physical work on it'........Hah! I know I can't get too comfortable during this break as I may end up with another 2 or more month absence (damn procrastination demon). Anyway.....your words have inspired me to go in there and begin doing what I need to do to create this new piece and stop mucking around watching yet another youtube video and get off my butt from this comfy chair and just. do. it. (stole that from Nike; hope they don't sue me). Thank you once again for your insight and wisdom.
As I write this I am hoping you have gotten off your butt and back in the studio. Clearly I have not since I am responding. But you have inspired me to get off my butt and get to work! Onward through the fog!
Actually......I did get off the butt and make art! Not only did I do the "dirty/not fun" work on this one piece, but when stuff was drying and I couldn't do more on the piece, I ended up hanging in the studio and NOT leaving and not one, but TWO pieces got conceived and they will be pieces I'll love for sure. Grateful, relieved, content even though "guilt" played a small role in getting me there. Accomplishment sure does feel good when it happens!