On Tuesdays I invite you Behind the Scenes at my studio.
Today: There is a whole undiscovered country that exists in the arts, a world in between play and professional – and there is magic there.
Today: There is a whole undiscovered country that exists in the arts, a world in between play and professional – and there is magic there.
I enjoy listening to your words and your gentle way of presenting. I definetly relate to The Grey Area; it was a great reminder of validity for me. Thx. Gail
I am so glad, Gail. Thank you for taking time to let me know. Here’s to this beautiful and worthwhile path!
I enjoyed your talk about the gray area. Perhaps the gray area could have the name “productive” as in playful, productive, professional.
Thanks, Ann! And thanks for the recommendation!
Hi Jamie. What you said resonated with me bigtime. I have never had any formal art education but have been creative all my life. I took classes in whatever called to me (and still do) and am lucky enough to have a dedicated studio space in the garden. In the last 10 years I have entered some artwork in local art shows and galleries and sold some but I don’t enjoy the process and avoid any galleries that want to vet work before allowing it in. It goes against the grain that someone should judge my work worthy or not to be put on their walls! I create mainly for myself (walls full of paintings, art quilts, etc.) and for friends. I rarely feel pure joyful play when creating as I have debts and the pressure of using my time on something that won’t bring income weighs on me. But I don’t want to go full-in with trying to make a living with my creative work as that feels like it would spoil it and I would have to deal with the art market world again. So I am definitely in the middle of the 2 extremes. It’s good to know that I am part of a big (perhaps bigger than we know) section of people who express and honour their creativity as part of our everyday life. We are natural creatives and there is something very sacred and life-affirming about that. Well done for giving voice to this. Much Love, Val
I truly believe this represents a large swathe of the creative community that is rarely named or acknowledged. This is such a sacred path, particularly for the reasons you’ve described. Thank you so much for sharing your story, Val!
Your presence is so delightful, thank you for sharing your wisdom. Mastering a skill is art in itself and it is good for our soul. I just read the book Ikigai, the Japanese people so good with this.
Thank you so much for your lovely words, Agnes. I will be sure to check out the book. It sounds like it illuminates something beautiful about Japanese culture. (I think this is perhaps the way to describe it so that we don’t make assumptions about individual people). Thank you so much for sharing it!
Jamie, thank you for this! I am absolutely in the area in between and comfortably there! Every time I have thought about monetizing not only my creative pursuits but other skills, I freeze up! Monetizing thoughts cause my stomach to clench. I’ve also avoided having my work juried and submitted to local art shows. I am still so much in the learning and exploring phase and I feel vulnerable about being judged. Thank you for your wisdom. It touches me deeply and is clearly what I need right now.
Hey there, I am so glad that this spoke to you! It is truly a vulnerable thing to put our work out into the world. It is a true act of artistic discernment to know when the time is right and good for you. Here’s to the joy of learning and exploring!! Who knows where it might lead. ;)