I wrote this post in May of 2007 — more than FIFTEEN years ago.
- Wow! I have been blogging for a loooong time.
- I was a different person 15 years ago. Childless. Married to a different man. Living in NYC. Working in the theatre. Art as a hobby.
- And yet, I was the same person I am now — inquisitive, thoughtful, approaching art through an intellectual lens, and always striving to improve.
Despite the cringe-worthy reference to the New York Times article about a generation of sore losers, I feel like this blog post gets at so many things I still believe. It's also a reminder that art is a journey. Some people move quickly through various phases while you move slowly and that can be frustrating. The thing to remember is, art as a career or a serious hobby is a marathon. I trust my daily art practice to keep me on track!
So without any further ado or commentary, here is the original post from May 2007 (I did add some images since the original was text only. The internet has changed a lot. Pinterest was founded in 2010 — three years after this post. I tried to find images that were close in age with the original post.)
——–
Last night, I went to my TAAB Quilt Critique Meeting. It was a good meeting (I always feel so motivated afterwards). Today, I find myself thinking a lot about one of the comments made last night. One of the ladies in the group, showed us some New York Beauty blocks she made in beautiful bright colors and wild prints. She then asked the following question, "Do you think this is **serious** work?"
Hmmm. What does that mean? Serious work?
She explained, "Serious work. Something that can be displayed in a serious gallery or exhibit. You know, serious work."
I pointed out that quilter Karen K. Stone is enormously famous for her variations on the New York beauty. I thought that was a good answer. But, then one of the women in the group posited the following:
"If you want it to be serious, you have to figure out what you bring to it. Do you know what I mean? What makes it different from a quilt copied out of a book. Beyond fabric choice. Where are you in it?"
Wow.
It was such a simple way of looking at it. Simple, but frightening. "Serious" work seems to have only one requirement: unique-ness. So, now the frightening part: is my work unique? Do I bring myself to it?
I don't know.
A lot of my quilting is autobiographical, so I literally bring "me" to it. But, that can't be considered unique. So, what do I bring to it? And what about my scrapbooking? My jewelry? How about the theatrical work I do for a living?
This question keeps rolling around in my head and this morning I was checking out Two Peas (ETA: This is a now defunct Scrapbooking website) and reading through several of the threads and found a fascinating conversation on a similar topic:
So last night I went to my local bookstore, looking for a good graphic design book, and came across this one, which I really liked. As I was perusing it last night, I read this statement:
"Rules act as guides in helping to build a communical discussion about interpreting and evaluating creative work. If everything is "good", then nothing really can be. Relativism is great, to a point, and then is just gets in the way of honest judgment; the result is a celebration of ubiquitous mediocrity."
And I immediately thought that I'd love to know what the Peas have to say about that.
Truthfully (no flames, please), my opinion is that this is true, to some degree. How many times have we seen (or received) praise that says, "Great job!" on a lo that we know, for whatever reason, is really not that great. Do we create an atmosphere of "ubiquitous mediocrity" when we praise that way? Or is the encouragement it may give more important than honesty?
I immediately connected this to something I read in The New York Times about the current generation of children and teens and a problem that is arising. There are all these sports and events where they give everyone a ribbon or a trophy so that there are "no losers." Everyone is a winner. A great theory! Why make little kids feel bad? But, now it's having repercussions. These kids can't stand losing. They're furious and shocked when they get bad grades. Etc.
Where am I going with all of this?
I'm not totally sure. I guess this hails back to my post about "Who Is An Artist." Is that a word we save to describe unique creators? Creators who are not mediocre? (Can you be a mediocre artist?) Can everyone be an artist ("no losers" — all winners)? Perhaps I'm lost in the semantics of all of it.
I don't know. Have you got an opinion?
——
And so now, the coda.
At the time, it seems like I wasn't quite sure how to wrap all of those big thoughts together. Here are my 15-years-later wrap-up thoughts on the topic(s):
- Yes, if you want to create serious art, you have to have a point-of-view and bring something fresh and interesting to the table.
- You develop that unique take through making art and thoughtfully assessing what you make and where it fits into the world.
- You can absolutely be mediocre and be wildly successful (financially and critically).
- Conversely, you can be a genius and be a total failure (financially and critically). VanGogh anyone?
- 100% true that you don't get any better by hearing false praise. Nor do you get any better by being told how much you suck. Thoughtful, helpful critique is the way. (And the reason why Design Boot Camp and Group Coaching exist in my world.)
So I guess the advice I'd give to my younger self is: Don't worry about being unique. Keep making artwork that interests and excites you. Don't try to be like everyone else. Keep learning. Keep mastering new skills. Go towards the colors and techniques and topics and ideas that interest YOU. Over time, your unique-ness will emerge and shine!
I'd love to know your thoughts.
Golly, I agree 100%. I think it is important to be clear about your own intentions. Do you want to just play with color and shiny pretty things? Fine, go for it, have fun with the process. Do you want to create a “thing” (quilt, painting, collage) with particular attributes that will please you? Then you need to learn about the techniques and materials that will produce that thing in a way that pleases you. (And this includes learning the NAMES of things — colors, elements of composition, etc — so you can articulate what is right or wrong with your drafts, and know what it is you need to learn or do to improve your next outcome.) Do you want to communicate a feeling or idea to your observer? This is tough. Test, try, share, and listen to the feedback.
Golly, I agree 100%. I think it is important to be clear about your own intentions. Do you want to just play with color and shiny pretty things? Fine, go for it, have fun with the process. Do you want to create a “thing” (quilt, painting, collage) with particular attributes that will please you? Then you need to learn about the techniques and materials that will produce that thing in a way that pleases you. (And this includes learning the NAMES of things — colors, elements of composition, etc — so you can articulate what is right or wrong with your drafts, and know what it is you need to learn or do to improve your next outcome.) Do you want to communicate a feeling or idea to your observer? This is tough. Test, try, share, and listen to the feedback.
Golly, I agree 100%. I think it is important to be clear about your own intentions. Do you want to just play with color and shiny pretty things? Fine, go for it, have fun with the process. Do you want to create a “thing” (quilt, painting, collage) with particular attributes that will please you? Then you need to learn about the techniques and materials that will produce that thing in a way that pleases you. (And this includes learning the NAMES of things — colors, elements of composition, etc — so you can articulate what is right or wrong with your drafts, and know what it is you need to learn or do to improve your next outcome.) Do you want to communicate a feeling or idea to your observer? This is tough. Test, try, share, and listen to the feedback.
Golly, I agree 100%. I think it is important to be clear about your own intentions. Do you want to just play with color and shiny pretty things? Fine, go for it, have fun with the process. Do you want to create a “thing” (quilt, painting, collage) with particular attributes that will please you? Then you need to learn about the techniques and materials that will produce that thing in a way that pleases you. (And this includes learning the NAMES of things — colors, elements of composition, etc — so you can articulate what is right or wrong with your drafts, and know what it is you need to learn or do to improve your next outcome.) Do you want to communicate a feeling or idea to your observer? This is tough. Test, try, share, and listen to the feedback.
Golly, I agree 100%. I think it is important to be clear about your own intentions. Do you want to just play with color and shiny pretty things? Fine, go for it, have fun with the process. Do you want to create a “thing” (quilt, painting, collage) with particular attributes that will please you? Then you need to learn about the techniques and materials that will produce that thing in a way that pleases you. (And this includes learning the NAMES of things — colors, elements of composition, etc — so you can articulate what is right or wrong with your drafts, and know what it is you need to learn or do to improve your next outcome.) Do you want to communicate a feeling or idea to your observer? This is tough. Test, try, share, and listen to the feedback.
Golly, I agree 100%. I think it is important to be clear about your own intentions. Do you want to just play with color and shiny pretty things? Fine, go for it, have fun with the process. Do you want to create a “thing” (quilt, painting, collage) with particular attributes that will please you? Then you need to learn about the techniques and materials that will produce that thing in a way that pleases you. (And this includes learning the NAMES of things — colors, elements of composition, etc — so you can articulate what is right or wrong with your drafts, and know what it is you need to learn or do to improve your next outcome.) Do you want to communicate a feeling or idea to your observer? This is tough. Test, try, share, and listen to the feedback.
Golly, I agree 100%. I think it is important to be clear about your own intentions. Do you want to just play with color and shiny pretty things? Fine, go for it, have fun with the process. Do you want to create a “thing” (quilt, painting, collage) with particular attributes that will please you? Then you need to learn about the techniques and materials that will produce that thing in a way that pleases you. (And this includes learning the NAMES of things — colors, elements of composition, etc — so you can articulate what is right or wrong with your drafts, and know what it is you need to learn or do to improve your next outcome.) Do you want to communicate a feeling or idea to your observer? This is tough. Test, try, share, and listen to the feedback.
Wonderful advice… A great example of why journaling and writing can be so important for growth and inspiration.
Wonderful advice… A great example of why journaling and writing can be so important for growth and inspiration.
Wonderful advice… A great example of why journaling and writing can be so important for growth and inspiration.
Wonderful advice… A great example of why journaling and writing can be so important for growth and inspiration.
Wonderful advice… A great example of why journaling and writing can be so important for growth and inspiration.
Wonderful advice… A great example of why journaling and writing can be so important for growth and inspiration.
Wonderful advice… A great example of why journaling and writing can be so important for growth and inspiration.
Yasss! I have been thinking a lot about journaling and writing this morning.
Yasss! I have been thinking a lot about journaling and writing this morning.
Yasss! I have been thinking a lot about journaling and writing this morning.
Yasss! I have been thinking a lot about journaling and writing this morning.
Yasss! I have been thinking a lot about journaling and writing this morning.
Yasss! I have been thinking a lot about journaling and writing this morning.
Yasss! I have been thinking a lot about journaling and writing this morning.
I think it helps to be clear about your intention. Do you want to just have fun with the process? Great — play with color and shape and all the pretty supplies you want. Do you want to create a specific thing (painting, sculpture, collage, whatever) that will please you? In that case you may need to start really learning about the craft — the different tools and techniques that will allow you to create what you want. And this includes being able to name things, like the elements of composition, so that you can identify what doesn’t please you & figure out how to fix it. But even with this intention, you can be intending to make a perfect quilt that matches a pattern that you like. So, yes, I have to agree that to be a “serious artist” you have to bring something original to the work, and take the risks involved in making it YOUR work. All this said, it becomes even more important to find teachers like Julie who will teach the elements of the craft while allowing and encouraging you to use them YOUR way.
I think it helps to be clear about your intention. Do you want to just have fun with the process? Great — play with color and shape and all the pretty supplies you want. Do you want to create a specific thing (painting, sculpture, collage, whatever) that will please you? In that case you may need to start really learning about the craft — the different tools and techniques that will allow you to create what you want. And this includes being able to name things, like the elements of composition, so that you can identify what doesn’t please you & figure out how to fix it. But even with this intention, you can be intending to make a perfect quilt that matches a pattern that you like. So, yes, I have to agree that to be a “serious artist” you have to bring something original to the work, and take the risks involved in making it YOUR work. All this said, it becomes even more important to find teachers like Julie who will teach the elements of the craft while allowing and encouraging you to use them YOUR way.
I think it helps to be clear about your intention. Do you want to just have fun with the process? Great — play with color and shape and all the pretty supplies you want. Do you want to create a specific thing (painting, sculpture, collage, whatever) that will please you? In that case you may need to start really learning about the craft — the different tools and techniques that will allow you to create what you want. And this includes being able to name things, like the elements of composition, so that you can identify what doesn’t please you & figure out how to fix it. But even with this intention, you can be intending to make a perfect quilt that matches a pattern that you like. So, yes, I have to agree that to be a “serious artist” you have to bring something original to the work, and take the risks involved in making it YOUR work. All this said, it becomes even more important to find teachers like Julie who will teach the elements of the craft while allowing and encouraging you to use them YOUR way.
I think it helps to be clear about your intention. Do you want to just have fun with the process? Great — play with color and shape and all the pretty supplies you want. Do you want to create a specific thing (painting, sculpture, collage, whatever) that will please you? In that case you may need to start really learning about the craft — the different tools and techniques that will allow you to create what you want. And this includes being able to name things, like the elements of composition, so that you can identify what doesn’t please you & figure out how to fix it. But even with this intention, you can be intending to make a perfect quilt that matches a pattern that you like. So, yes, I have to agree that to be a “serious artist” you have to bring something original to the work, and take the risks involved in making it YOUR work. All this said, it becomes even more important to find teachers like Julie who will teach the elements of the craft while allowing and encouraging you to use them YOUR way.
I think it helps to be clear about your intention. Do you want to just have fun with the process? Great — play with color and shape and all the pretty supplies you want. Do you want to create a specific thing (painting, sculpture, collage, whatever) that will please you? In that case you may need to start really learning about the craft — the different tools and techniques that will allow you to create what you want. And this includes being able to name things, like the elements of composition, so that you can identify what doesn’t please you & figure out how to fix it. But even with this intention, you can be intending to make a perfect quilt that matches a pattern that you like. So, yes, I have to agree that to be a “serious artist” you have to bring something original to the work, and take the risks involved in making it YOUR work. All this said, it becomes even more important to find teachers like Julie who will teach the elements of the craft while allowing and encouraging you to use them YOUR way.
I think it helps to be clear about your intention. Do you want to just have fun with the process? Great — play with color and shape and all the pretty supplies you want. Do you want to create a specific thing (painting, sculpture, collage, whatever) that will please you? In that case you may need to start really learning about the craft — the different tools and techniques that will allow you to create what you want. And this includes being able to name things, like the elements of composition, so that you can identify what doesn’t please you & figure out how to fix it. But even with this intention, you can be intending to make a perfect quilt that matches a pattern that you like. So, yes, I have to agree that to be a “serious artist” you have to bring something original to the work, and take the risks involved in making it YOUR work. All this said, it becomes even more important to find teachers like Julie who will teach the elements of the craft while allowing and encouraging you to use them YOUR way.
I think it helps to be clear about your intention. Do you want to just have fun with the process? Great — play with color and shape and all the pretty supplies you want. Do you want to create a specific thing (painting, sculpture, collage, whatever) that will please you? In that case you may need to start really learning about the craft — the different tools and techniques that will allow you to create what you want. And this includes being able to name things, like the elements of composition, so that you can identify what doesn’t please you & figure out how to fix it. But even with this intention, you can be intending to make a perfect quilt that matches a pattern that you like. So, yes, I have to agree that to be a “serious artist” you have to bring something original to the work, and take the risks involved in making it YOUR work. All this said, it becomes even more important to find teachers like Julie who will teach the elements of the craft while allowing and encouraging you to use them YOUR way.
I so agree with you (and thank you for your kind compliment)!
I so agree with you (and thank you for your kind compliment)!
I so agree with you (and thank you for your kind compliment)!
I so agree with you (and thank you for your kind compliment)!
I so agree with you (and thank you for your kind compliment)!
I so agree with you (and thank you for your kind compliment)!
I so agree with you (and thank you for your kind compliment)!
Dear Julie,I have been following your work for so long and I am a fan of your generosity, your skills and of course your art. Seeing your growth as an artist and teacher, especially in the last couple of years, and what you share makes me feel so proud for you.
The idea of true or serious art is complicated by our own feeling of inadequacy because we so often compare. Well that’s my take on it.
Thanks, sincerely, for all you share and make us think about.
Chris from Takaka, New Zealand
Dear Julie,I have been following your work for so long and I am a fan of your generosity, your skills and of course your art. Seeing your growth as an artist and teacher, especially in the last couple of years, and what you share makes me feel so proud for you.
The idea of true or serious art is complicated by our own feeling of inadequacy because we so often compare. Well that’s my take on it.
Thanks, sincerely, for all you share and make us think about.
Chris from Takaka, New Zealand
Dear Julie,I have been following your work for so long and I am a fan of your generosity, your skills and of course your art. Seeing your growth as an artist and teacher, especially in the last couple of years, and what you share makes me feel so proud for you.
The idea of true or serious art is complicated by our own feeling of inadequacy because we so often compare. Well that’s my take on it.
Thanks, sincerely, for all you share and make us think about.
Chris from Takaka, New Zealand
Dear Julie,I have been following your work for so long and I am a fan of your generosity, your skills and of course your art. Seeing your growth as an artist and teacher, especially in the last couple of years, and what you share makes me feel so proud for you.
The idea of true or serious art is complicated by our own feeling of inadequacy because we so often compare. Well that’s my take on it.
Thanks, sincerely, for all you share and make us think about.
Chris from Takaka, New Zealand
Dear Julie,I have been following your work for so long and I am a fan of your generosity, your skills and of course your art. Seeing your growth as an artist and teacher, especially in the last couple of years, and what you share makes me feel so proud for you.
The idea of true or serious art is complicated by our own feeling of inadequacy because we so often compare. Well that’s my take on it.
Thanks, sincerely, for all you share and make us think about.
Chris from Takaka, New Zealand
Dear Julie,I have been following your work for so long and I am a fan of your generosity, your skills and of course your art. Seeing your growth as an artist and teacher, especially in the last couple of years, and what you share makes me feel so proud for you.
The idea of true or serious art is complicated by our own feeling of inadequacy because we so often compare. Well that’s my take on it.
Thanks, sincerely, for all you share and make us think about.
Chris from Takaka, New Zealand
Dear Julie,I have been following your work for so long and I am a fan of your generosity, your skills and of course your art. Seeing your growth as an artist and teacher, especially in the last couple of years, and what you share makes me feel so proud for you.
The idea of true or serious art is complicated by our own feeling of inadequacy because we so often compare. Well that’s my take on it.
Thanks, sincerely, for all you share and make us think about.
Chris from Takaka, New Zealand
So well put! Comparison is indeed the thief of joy.
So well put! Comparison is indeed the thief of joy.
So well put! Comparison is indeed the thief of joy.
So well put! Comparison is indeed the thief of joy.
So well put! Comparison is indeed the thief of joy.
So well put! Comparison is indeed the thief of joy.
So well put! Comparison is indeed the thief of joy.
False or generic praise is not helpful and, I believe, fosters mediocrity. Just as asking the question, ‘what do you think…do you like this?” isn’t helpful, nor ia stating, “this is awful…I don’t like what I’ve done with this…ect”, then getting comments of reassurance that it’s wonderful. You will never grow as an artist or a person. Learning to ask the right questions and accept the answers, whatever they be, is a necessary skill to learn if you want to grow your own voice.
False or generic praise is not helpful and, I believe, fosters mediocrity. Just as asking the question, ‘what do you think…do you like this?” isn’t helpful, nor ia stating, “this is awful…I don’t like what I’ve done with this…ect”, then getting comments of reassurance that it’s wonderful. You will never grow as an artist or a person. Learning to ask the right questions and accept the answers, whatever they be, is a necessary skill to learn if you want to grow your own voice.
False or generic praise is not helpful and, I believe, fosters mediocrity. Just as asking the question, ‘what do you think…do you like this?” isn’t helpful, nor ia stating, “this is awful…I don’t like what I’ve done with this…ect”, then getting comments of reassurance that it’s wonderful. You will never grow as an artist or a person. Learning to ask the right questions and accept the answers, whatever they be, is a necessary skill to learn if you want to grow your own voice.
False or generic praise is not helpful and, I believe, fosters mediocrity. Just as asking the question, ‘what do you think…do you like this?” isn’t helpful, nor ia stating, “this is awful…I don’t like what I’ve done with this…ect”, then getting comments of reassurance that it’s wonderful. You will never grow as an artist or a person. Learning to ask the right questions and accept the answers, whatever they be, is a necessary skill to learn if you want to grow your own voice.
False or generic praise is not helpful and, I believe, fosters mediocrity. Just as asking the question, ‘what do you think…do you like this?” isn’t helpful, nor ia stating, “this is awful…I don’t like what I’ve done with this…ect”, then getting comments of reassurance that it’s wonderful. You will never grow as an artist or a person. Learning to ask the right questions and accept the answers, whatever they be, is a necessary skill to learn if you want to grow your own voice.
False or generic praise is not helpful and, I believe, fosters mediocrity. Just as asking the question, ‘what do you think…do you like this?” isn’t helpful, nor ia stating, “this is awful…I don’t like what I’ve done with this…ect”, then getting comments of reassurance that it’s wonderful. You will never grow as an artist or a person. Learning to ask the right questions and accept the answers, whatever they be, is a necessary skill to learn if you want to grow your own voice.
False or generic praise is not helpful and, I believe, fosters mediocrity. Just as asking the question, ‘what do you think…do you like this?” isn’t helpful, nor ia stating, “this is awful…I don’t like what I’ve done with this…ect”, then getting comments of reassurance that it’s wonderful. You will never grow as an artist or a person. Learning to ask the right questions and accept the answers, whatever they be, is a necessary skill to learn if you want to grow your own voice.
So true, Ellen. Well put!
So true, Ellen. Well put!
So true, Ellen. Well put!
So true, Ellen. Well put!
So true, Ellen. Well put!
So true, Ellen. Well put!
So true, Ellen. Well put!
It’s such an interesting exercise to go back and look at writing from more than a decade ago with the view from today. Kudos to you Julie for your vulnerability!
I have trouble with the word “serious” … I would substitute serious for “your own”. This differentiates it from “copying someone else’s work” and therefore means you bring your own point of view, something unique to you, yourself —- to the work. “Serious” has so much judgement implied.
I totally agree that false praise does not move us further in our journey to improve ourselves or our art and at the same time social media has done a disservice to us with followers and likes. (But that’s a whole different blog, Julie) :o)
I agree with your final wrap up —- i say —create what you like, experiment, play, and learn, learn, learn. I truly believe that as we learn more about ourselves our art becomes an extension of that.
It’s such an interesting exercise to go back and look at writing from more than a decade ago with the view from today. Kudos to you Julie for your vulnerability!
I have trouble with the word “serious” … I would substitute serious for “your own”. This differentiates it from “copying someone else’s work” and therefore means you bring your own point of view, something unique to you, yourself —- to the work. “Serious” has so much judgement implied.
I totally agree that false praise does not move us further in our journey to improve ourselves or our art and at the same time social media has done a disservice to us with followers and likes. (But that’s a whole different blog, Julie) :o)
I agree with your final wrap up —- i say —create what you like, experiment, play, and learn, learn, learn. I truly believe that as we learn more about ourselves our art becomes an extension of that.
It’s such an interesting exercise to go back and look at writing from more than a decade ago with the view from today. Kudos to you Julie for your vulnerability!
I have trouble with the word “serious” … I would substitute serious for “your own”. This differentiates it from “copying someone else’s work” and therefore means you bring your own point of view, something unique to you, yourself —- to the work. “Serious” has so much judgement implied.
I totally agree that false praise does not move us further in our journey to improve ourselves or our art and at the same time social media has done a disservice to us with followers and likes. (But that’s a whole different blog, Julie) :o)
I agree with your final wrap up —- i say —create what you like, experiment, play, and learn, learn, learn. I truly believe that as we learn more about ourselves our art becomes an extension of that.
It’s such an interesting exercise to go back and look at writing from more than a decade ago with the view from today. Kudos to you Julie for your vulnerability!
I have trouble with the word “serious” … I would substitute serious for “your own”. This differentiates it from “copying someone else’s work” and therefore means you bring your own point of view, something unique to you, yourself —- to the work. “Serious” has so much judgement implied.
I totally agree that false praise does not move us further in our journey to improve ourselves or our art and at the same time social media has done a disservice to us with followers and likes. (But that’s a whole different blog, Julie) :o)
I agree with your final wrap up —- i say —create what you like, experiment, play, and learn, learn, learn. I truly believe that as we learn more about ourselves our art becomes an extension of that.
It’s such an interesting exercise to go back and look at writing from more than a decade ago with the view from today. Kudos to you Julie for your vulnerability!
I have trouble with the word “serious” … I would substitute serious for “your own”. This differentiates it from “copying someone else’s work” and therefore means you bring your own point of view, something unique to you, yourself —- to the work. “Serious” has so much judgement implied.
I totally agree that false praise does not move us further in our journey to improve ourselves or our art and at the same time social media has done a disservice to us with followers and likes. (But that’s a whole different blog, Julie) :o)
I agree with your final wrap up —- i say —create what you like, experiment, play, and learn, learn, learn. I truly believe that as we learn more about ourselves our art becomes an extension of that.
It’s such an interesting exercise to go back and look at writing from more than a decade ago with the view from today. Kudos to you Julie for your vulnerability!
I have trouble with the word “serious” … I would substitute serious for “your own”. This differentiates it from “copying someone else’s work” and therefore means you bring your own point of view, something unique to you, yourself —- to the work. “Serious” has so much judgement implied.
I totally agree that false praise does not move us further in our journey to improve ourselves or our art and at the same time social media has done a disservice to us with followers and likes. (But that’s a whole different blog, Julie) :o)
I agree with your final wrap up —- i say —create what you like, experiment, play, and learn, learn, learn. I truly believe that as we learn more about ourselves our art becomes an extension of that.
It’s such an interesting exercise to go back and look at writing from more than a decade ago with the view from today. Kudos to you Julie for your vulnerability!
I have trouble with the word “serious” … I would substitute serious for “your own”. This differentiates it from “copying someone else’s work” and therefore means you bring your own point of view, something unique to you, yourself —- to the work. “Serious” has so much judgement implied.
I totally agree that false praise does not move us further in our journey to improve ourselves or our art and at the same time social media has done a disservice to us with followers and likes. (But that’s a whole different blog, Julie) :o)
I agree with your final wrap up —- i say —create what you like, experiment, play, and learn, learn, learn. I truly believe that as we learn more about ourselves our art becomes an extension of that.
Yes, yes, yes. Ive always said that when you get brave in art, you get brave in your life. And vice versa. Its all connected.
Yes, yes, yes. Ive always said that when you get brave in art, you get brave in your life. And vice versa. Its all connected.
Yes, yes, yes. Ive always said that when you get brave in art, you get brave in your life. And vice versa. Its all connected.
Yes, yes, yes. Ive always said that when you get brave in art, you get brave in your life. And vice versa. Its all connected.
Yes, yes, yes. Ive always said that when you get brave in art, you get brave in your life. And vice versa. Its all connected.
Yes, yes, yes. Ive always said that when you get brave in art, you get brave in your life. And vice versa. Its all connected.
Yes, yes, yes. Ive always said that when you get brave in art, you get brave in your life. And vice versa. Its all connected.
Gosh… This is something I am working through right now on the other side of the globe. I want to be a “serious” fine artist again. Why again? Well because I had made a niche for myself as a working fine artist back in Cape Town, South Africa… This coming March, I will have been living in Berlin, Germany for 4 years. I am at the bottom of the rung of the ladder here and have to take my courage in both hands and start at the beginning again here in a country where the language is a barrier for me. I can now speak some basic German and even teach a craft class in German… but now to learn the terminology required to be a mover and shaker in the “serious” world of fine art and galleries here. I know I can do it. But it takes time, due diligence and major effort on my part as an introvert to get out there and make the connections and face the early rejections and not let them kill my soul. I have been following you for many years and love your honesty. You are a breath of fresh air.
Gosh… This is something I am working through right now on the other side of the globe. I want to be a “serious” fine artist again. Why again? Well because I had made a niche for myself as a working fine artist back in Cape Town, South Africa… This coming March, I will have been living in Berlin, Germany for 4 years. I am at the bottom of the rung of the ladder here and have to take my courage in both hands and start at the beginning again here in a country where the language is a barrier for me. I can now speak some basic German and even teach a craft class in German… but now to learn the terminology required to be a mover and shaker in the “serious” world of fine art and galleries here. I know I can do it. But it takes time, due diligence and major effort on my part as an introvert to get out there and make the connections and face the early rejections and not let them kill my soul. I have been following you for many years and love your honesty. You are a breath of fresh air.
Gosh… This is something I am working through right now on the other side of the globe. I want to be a “serious” fine artist again. Why again? Well because I had made a niche for myself as a working fine artist back in Cape Town, South Africa… This coming March, I will have been living in Berlin, Germany for 4 years. I am at the bottom of the rung of the ladder here and have to take my courage in both hands and start at the beginning again here in a country where the language is a barrier for me. I can now speak some basic German and even teach a craft class in German… but now to learn the terminology required to be a mover and shaker in the “serious” world of fine art and galleries here. I know I can do it. But it takes time, due diligence and major effort on my part as an introvert to get out there and make the connections and face the early rejections and not let them kill my soul. I have been following you for many years and love your honesty. You are a breath of fresh air.
Gosh… This is something I am working through right now on the other side of the globe. I want to be a “serious” fine artist again. Why again? Well because I had made a niche for myself as a working fine artist back in Cape Town, South Africa… This coming March, I will have been living in Berlin, Germany for 4 years. I am at the bottom of the rung of the ladder here and have to take my courage in both hands and start at the beginning again here in a country where the language is a barrier for me. I can now speak some basic German and even teach a craft class in German… but now to learn the terminology required to be a mover and shaker in the “serious” world of fine art and galleries here. I know I can do it. But it takes time, due diligence and major effort on my part as an introvert to get out there and make the connections and face the early rejections and not let them kill my soul. I have been following you for many years and love your honesty. You are a breath of fresh air.
Gosh… This is something I am working through right now on the other side of the globe. I want to be a “serious” fine artist again. Why again? Well because I had made a niche for myself as a working fine artist back in Cape Town, South Africa… This coming March, I will have been living in Berlin, Germany for 4 years. I am at the bottom of the rung of the ladder here and have to take my courage in both hands and start at the beginning again here in a country where the language is a barrier for me. I can now speak some basic German and even teach a craft class in German… but now to learn the terminology required to be a mover and shaker in the “serious” world of fine art and galleries here. I know I can do it. But it takes time, due diligence and major effort on my part as an introvert to get out there and make the connections and face the early rejections and not let them kill my soul. I have been following you for many years and love your honesty. You are a breath of fresh air.
Gosh… This is something I am working through right now on the other side of the globe. I want to be a “serious” fine artist again. Why again? Well because I had made a niche for myself as a working fine artist back in Cape Town, South Africa… This coming March, I will have been living in Berlin, Germany for 4 years. I am at the bottom of the rung of the ladder here and have to take my courage in both hands and start at the beginning again here in a country where the language is a barrier for me. I can now speak some basic German and even teach a craft class in German… but now to learn the terminology required to be a mover and shaker in the “serious” world of fine art and galleries here. I know I can do it. But it takes time, due diligence and major effort on my part as an introvert to get out there and make the connections and face the early rejections and not let them kill my soul. I have been following you for many years and love your honesty. You are a breath of fresh air.
Gosh… This is something I am working through right now on the other side of the globe. I want to be a “serious” fine artist again. Why again? Well because I had made a niche for myself as a working fine artist back in Cape Town, South Africa… This coming March, I will have been living in Berlin, Germany for 4 years. I am at the bottom of the rung of the ladder here and have to take my courage in both hands and start at the beginning again here in a country where the language is a barrier for me. I can now speak some basic German and even teach a craft class in German… but now to learn the terminology required to be a mover and shaker in the “serious” world of fine art and galleries here. I know I can do it. But it takes time, due diligence and major effort on my part as an introvert to get out there and make the connections and face the early rejections and not let them kill my soul. I have been following you for many years and love your honesty. You are a breath of fresh air.
Oh, goodness, you are brave! Good luck on this journey…
Oh, goodness, you are brave! Good luck on this journey…
Oh, goodness, you are brave! Good luck on this journey…
Oh, goodness, you are brave! Good luck on this journey…
Oh, goodness, you are brave! Good luck on this journey…
Oh, goodness, you are brave! Good luck on this journey…
Oh, goodness, you are brave! Good luck on this journey…
How brave to move to a new country where you dont speak the language. I have no doubt that you will succeed!
How brave to move to a new country where you dont speak the language. I have no doubt that you will succeed!
How brave to move to a new country where you dont speak the language. I have no doubt that you will succeed!
How brave to move to a new country where you dont speak the language. I have no doubt that you will succeed!
How brave to move to a new country where you dont speak the language. I have no doubt that you will succeed!
How brave to move to a new country where you dont speak the language. I have no doubt that you will succeed!
How brave to move to a new country where you dont speak the language. I have no doubt that you will succeed!
I love the overall style and color pallet of these works of art. Do you have more?
I love the overall style and color pallet of these works of art. Do you have more?
I love the overall style and color pallet of these works of art. Do you have more?
I love the overall style and color pallet of these works of art. Do you have more?
I love the overall style and color pallet of these works of art. Do you have more?
I love the overall style and color pallet of these works of art. Do you have more?
I love the overall style and color pallet of these works of art. Do you have more?