Portion of a new work on paper in progress
Some days the practical aspects of being an artist can seem a never-ending trial. Having had years of dealing with the issues that come up, I'm usually able to deal with what comes my way and move on. Every once in a while, the mental and financial gymnastics one has to go through sometimes are enough to leave a black cloud the size of Texas dangling over my head, like this morning. Once again, I was able to get by, but it still left me in a foul mood for a while. Luckily, I had things to do before heading up to the studio, so I had some time to distract myself, reflect, figure things out and ease out of my bad mood so that it wouldn't affect me creatively.
Once I got up there, I was more than ready to dive into work. I've spent more time out of the studio in the past couple of weeks than in and in that time, I'd had plenty of time to think, and re-think some ideas for projects that I've been working on. No matter how rough things might make me feel, getting into work-mode always puts me in a better place. I always feel at my best when I'm figuring out problems in the studio and seeing the results of learning from the good and bad can work wonders.
5 comments:
Well said Tim.
At times the financial struggles seem like they are never going to end.
I'm glad you're back in the studio.
I find this quote to be of some help when I'm feeling overwhelmed...
"An artist cannot fail; it is a success to be one." Charles Horton Cooley
cheers, ian
re: the struggles and black cloud moods...you are in fine company, my friend
the work you show here is evidence of your silver lining...most wonderful!
ian: Thanks, that's a great quote and something that I tell others, as well-that I feel successful just being able to do what I want to do, have people see the work, and, having people purchase something is the icing on the cake.
Pam: Thanks! I appreciate your thoughs, as always.
A little off target, but I have a Philip Guston quote on the wall of my studio: "Frustration is one of the great things in art. Satisfaction is nothing." Some days it seems like frustration against one form of barrier or another is all we get.
Nancy: Thanks for that quote. If channeled correctly, that frustration can bring about some good things, as I've found after my rant.
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