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Dear Artist,

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Have you taken any risks with your art yet? In other words, are you creating with such verve that there is no way that the next art selection committee can pass up selecting your work? This kind of production all comes from your sense of self, or more simply put, how strong is your own attitude about your art?

 

If you love it and can’t get enough of it, then this feeling will become contagious. If you don’t love it, then it’s time to evaluate what you are doing. Some self-doubt is normal, so don't confuse the artist process with a need for a reevaluation of your current production mode.

 

Normal artist self-doubt goes like this:

            I love this idea!

            This looks great!

            What just happened to this piece?

            Did I ruin it?

            I’m still not okay with what is happening here.

            I hate it now!

            Oh, but that’s better!

            I’m done with this and am satisfied with the results.

            Then a month later, I love this piece-HOW DID I EVER MAKE IT?

 

Are you working on an all call for an art show currently? If not, then go to CaFÉ at Callforentry.org and find an art project to begin today. Push yourself and compare what you doing with your contemporaries. Get feed back, and if you’re not selected keep creating.

 

Learning doesn’t just happen by doing. In art production learning best occurs when taking risks. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is the only way to really see if you are able to compete in today's market and to create what is needed to meet your aspirations.

 

If you're not loving what you've been making currently, then consider what George E. Allen once said, “People of mediocre ability sometimes achieve outstanding success because they don't know when to quit. Most people succeed because they are determined to.”

 

Get determined and go make some art!

 

Uncle Salvador