Oh, I could have written this piece myself. It is exactly how I am feeling right now. I have no goals and target and I don't want to have any. We all need some time to play. Congratulations on being accepted for the Art and Architecture trail though. That is wonderful.
Thx so much Gillian. Exactly - sometimes, I put so much pressure on myself to reach my targets, it takes all the enjoyment out of why I'm doing it in the first place - and I think that stress comes through in the art. So, taking the time to play and enjoy is just a great feeling isn't it!! X
I am the same. I am always trying to hit targets and have lost the joy of creating because of it. It is really nice to just take time to play and try out new things.
I’ve found recently that slow sales has given me a little more time to ‘play’. I’m trying not to worry about the selling (thankfully it’s not my main income!) and the playtime is giving an opportunity to try new things, explore new ideas which is vital for moving forward and for enjoyment. Important to go with the flow sometimes and love your floral explorations…keep playing xx
Thx Tanya - thankfully, it's not the main source of income either, but I do like the art to pay its own way. But yes, trying not to fret too much and just have fun exploring and playing! As you say, vital for moving and developing!
For me, it came down to figuring out WHY I create. Am I doing it for the money, recognition or the fame? Where really why I create is to feed and soothe my soul. I am passionate about creating and when more than a day goes by without painting, drawing or writing, I feel a little lost. I believe for me, keeping my work close to my heart without all of the pressure of getting my work out there is enough.
Thx Debbie, yes, figuring out your why is so important. Like you, I need to paint, draw or write most days. Am slowly figuring out that the enjoyment of the process & creating is the why. Anything that comes as a result of that is a bonus!! Have a fabulous, creative weekend!!
Oh, thank goodness, yes! There are some things you can plan, and gain huge benefit from doing so, but other things it seems to me, are better when allowed to develop and flourish naturally. I used to be part of an artists' business network, but found myself focusing on things that I "ought to" be doing and not doing any actual work as a consequence. It was a case of the tail wagging the dog! I love the freedom of your new work and look forward to seeing more.
Exactly Deborah! I'm not saying that having a plan etc isn't important if I'm to consider the art as a business, but as you say, sometimes the business side of it takes over, and then I put such pressure on myself to 'do everything' that I lose the enjoyment of why I'm doing it in the first place. And I think that the stress shows in the work. Having some work that I'm really excited about is just so exciting...and I want to bottle that feeling and go with it while it lasts!!
That excitement is what matters as an artist and really needs to be kept at the forefront. I am so pleased to see it in your work, there really is nothing like it.
Doing the "business" side does take over, adds pressure and certainly made me feel wholly inadequate at times! I am trying to put my enjoyment of painting first at last.
Oh, I could have written this piece myself. It is exactly how I am feeling right now. I have no goals and target and I don't want to have any. We all need some time to play. Congratulations on being accepted for the Art and Architecture trail though. That is wonderful.
Thx so much Gillian. Exactly - sometimes, I put so much pressure on myself to reach my targets, it takes all the enjoyment out of why I'm doing it in the first place - and I think that stress comes through in the art. So, taking the time to play and enjoy is just a great feeling isn't it!! X
I am the same. I am always trying to hit targets and have lost the joy of creating because of it. It is really nice to just take time to play and try out new things.
Oh yes, isn't it just Gillian! Here's to taking time & trying new things!!
I’ve found recently that slow sales has given me a little more time to ‘play’. I’m trying not to worry about the selling (thankfully it’s not my main income!) and the playtime is giving an opportunity to try new things, explore new ideas which is vital for moving forward and for enjoyment. Important to go with the flow sometimes and love your floral explorations…keep playing xx
Thx Tanya - thankfully, it's not the main source of income either, but I do like the art to pay its own way. But yes, trying not to fret too much and just have fun exploring and playing! As you say, vital for moving and developing!
For me, it came down to figuring out WHY I create. Am I doing it for the money, recognition or the fame? Where really why I create is to feed and soothe my soul. I am passionate about creating and when more than a day goes by without painting, drawing or writing, I feel a little lost. I believe for me, keeping my work close to my heart without all of the pressure of getting my work out there is enough.
Thx Debbie, yes, figuring out your why is so important. Like you, I need to paint, draw or write most days. Am slowly figuring out that the enjoyment of the process & creating is the why. Anything that comes as a result of that is a bonus!! Have a fabulous, creative weekend!!
Oh, thank goodness, yes! There are some things you can plan, and gain huge benefit from doing so, but other things it seems to me, are better when allowed to develop and flourish naturally. I used to be part of an artists' business network, but found myself focusing on things that I "ought to" be doing and not doing any actual work as a consequence. It was a case of the tail wagging the dog! I love the freedom of your new work and look forward to seeing more.
Exactly Deborah! I'm not saying that having a plan etc isn't important if I'm to consider the art as a business, but as you say, sometimes the business side of it takes over, and then I put such pressure on myself to 'do everything' that I lose the enjoyment of why I'm doing it in the first place. And I think that the stress shows in the work. Having some work that I'm really excited about is just so exciting...and I want to bottle that feeling and go with it while it lasts!!
That excitement is what matters as an artist and really needs to be kept at the forefront. I am so pleased to see it in your work, there really is nothing like it.
Doing the "business" side does take over, adds pressure and certainly made me feel wholly inadequate at times! I am trying to put my enjoyment of painting first at last.
Here's to cheering each other on Deborah!!
Hip, hip hooray!
Good decision! Love the last quote about June! I'm going to do just that! Thanks for this! Good one!
Glad you like the decision and the quote - here's to throwing off cold and dark spots!!