Are YOU the Artist?
As I venture into the new year, I've been getting up each morning and working in my sketchbook. Part of that process is to read something inspirational before I draw. Recently, I discovered a little book by Seth Godin called The Practice - Shipping Creative Work. It's really about claiming the title of "Artist" and the fact that SHARING your work is a civic responsibility—a way to do your part in the world. You've got to both create AND put your creations out there!
That can be really scary, but I know the wonderful feeling of validation when my work is in an exhibit or a gallery. Getting immediate feedback (either through social media or by physically talking to people at an event) fills my heart with confidence.
Last week, as I was re-arranging the work in my exhibit at Cedar Coffee Company in Two Harbors, a man asked, "Are you the artist?" I proceeded to talk with him and his group about my work and the printmaking process. We ended up planning a printmaking workshop for his entire family!
As I packed up my things, I realized that the exchange—in the context of being in the presence of the work—shifted the emphasis of "Are YOU the artist?" to "Are you THE artist?" I am "the artist" who made all of this! I left with a sense of great accomplishment for what I had created and a deep connection with my viewers.
Those experiences of connecting with supporters are vital to my sense of self and my motivation to continue my work. I am ever grateful to people (and organizations) who provide spaces for exhibits and fairs. If you are a supporter of the Arts, you should know that your enthusiasm for an artist's work is vital to their process. If you are an artist or a student of art, I encourage you to show your pieces so that you can feel the connection, the link that art creates between us as humans with shared experiences. Think back to a time when, as a viewer or creator, you felt that connection.
Send me a note (https://www.gettencreative.com/contact) to let me know what that looked and felt like for you.
I'm so grateful for my connection with all of you!
