Dear Artist,

I do find that most days “life” does get in the way of my precious creation time. There are many obstacles that hinder my ability to make art, but unfortunately the worst offenders are in fact “life” necessities.

 

My biggest hindrance is sleep. I do love it, but if I didn’t sleep I could make so much more work. But, honestly, it wouldn’t be very good if I gave up my much-needed rest as most of my mistakes or unwanted efforts arise when I am tired. My best time to paint is in the morning. The start of the day flows in such a way that the brush often floats over the canvas as if dancing.

 

The next obstacle is sustaining a somewhat normal life style. Bills need to be paid, groceries need to be purchased, meals must be prepared, laundry and cleaning should happen daily, all of which eat precious time. On top of these basics, people need to be conversed with; animals and children need to be fed and cared for; there is really so much to do each and every day. But art must fit in somewhere.

 

Living “life” cannot stop us from our passions. Creation time must be valued and treated with deep respect. Even if it a short period here and there it will make a difference. Little by little it matters, the time we spend sustains our art experiences.

 

Because it can feel like we are rushing through trying to get as much as possible done in our limited time its a normal feeling to second-guess ourselves during the creation process. Think of Francis Bacon’s words when doubt arises, “No artist knows in his own lifetime whether what he does will be the slightest good, because it takes at least seventy-five to a hundred years before the thing begins to sort itself out.” It may take time for your work to be fully appreciated or an art collector might be snap it up today, either way push on!

 

Bryan Dunleavy says, “Good artists – those who retain their integrity and have grit – are usually successful in time. It can't be hurried. Art takes time.” Therefore we must give it the time it demands. Especially if honing our skills to create unique artistic styles and messages. Viewers too will need time to process what they see and experience.

 

If you are trying to develop something new it may take time for your audience to catch on. According to Philippe Benichou, “At all levels of technique and idea, art is 100% timing as existence is timing itself.” Even Andy Warhol who seemed to have the world at his feet had to at times wait.

 

It was two years after his first showing of his Borax boxes before any sold. Stable Gallery art dealer Eleanor Ward remembers in David Bourdon, Warhol, 1995, “[The boxes] were very difficult to sell. He thought that everyone was going to buy them on sight, he really and truly did. We all had visions of people walking down Madison Avenue with these boxes under their arms, but we never saw them.” Of course everyone knows the story, on how the boxes turned out, right? If not, watch HBO’s documentary “Brillo Box” for a short powerful documentary.

 

The point is, don’t give up! If daylight runs out, there will be more tomorrow for you to try again. If no one buys your work, it may sell on a later date. Just keep producing and things will all work out. Do what you have to do to keep making art.

 

If you have a new art piece that you wonder if it needs more work or not, send me a photo of it on Instagram @ Uncle5star_studioselfie4 and I will give you a quick 5 ★ rating. It’s free and an easy assessment to give you piece of mind or a gentle nudge to continue.

 

Time is creation’s power,

​

Uncle Salvador