On being an artist…

Last night I had a lovely evening with my artist friend Jennifer. We went to a few openings and had a great Italian dinner. The best part of the evening was talking about what it means to be an artist. I don’t mean the talent or creativity or inspiration, although I guess in a way I do, but about the other stuff. The studio visits, trying to get into shows and galleries, supporting other artists, jealousy and self confidence or lack of.

Being an artist is hard work. I have two full time jobs, working in the ER and being an artist. By far, being an artist is the hardest. Of course, it is the best job in the world too. I absolutely love being an artist and wouldn’t change it for the world. But, being an artist pushes me emotionally, psychologically, mentally to a point where my self confidence as an artist goes down the drain. There are soooo many talented artists out there, how do I compare and compete? Walking through the galleries I see themes for the art season, similar subjects, medium, technique. My work doesn’t fit that mold. That can be good and bad I guess. I have to do what I love to do, what I want to do and not adhere to the standards of the market.

I always think about what I learned in grad school and workshops I have taken. I need to figure out what my goals are. Do I want to be represented by a gallery, or show in art fairs or be written about in ArtForum? Do I want to sell my work or just work because I have to as a form of expression? What do I want? What do you want? Honestly I still haven’t figured that out.

Ok I do have one goal or dream… I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to be featured on this website http://highlike.org/ I follow them on Facebook as https://www.facebook.com/fileelectroniclanguageinternationalfestival and EVERY work of art shown is absolutely amazing!!

I know every artist struggles with the same thoughts and insecurities.

I try to always look back to a list of rules I have for being an artist. The #1 rule that stands out, WORK!! Just continue to work! You can’t go anywhere else, do anything else until you have a solid, cohesive body of work. I am definitely working on that.

I also work in different media which can be challenging in the art world. I am not just a painter, but I work in new media and performance art. So now instead of marketing to a particular gallery who I believe my art would fit perfectly in, I have to market to 3 different venues for painting, new media AND performance. Oy Vay!!!

For right now, I know I just have to take each day at a time and work work work. Everything else will work itself out. I have no doubt!!

Ohhhh and Art speak and rejection… don’t get me started on these topics..LOL

I am thinking of starting up some type of artist meet-up for like minded artists to talk about this stuff. To share ideas, anecdotes, suggestions and advice for other artists. I totally believe we have to help each other. What do you think? Would you be interested?

Here are a few pics from last night… really some amazing art!! I am soooo jealous!!! LOL