I am on the island of Moloka’i with 13 artists teaching an ArtLife Workshop. I am constantly amazed at how artists, when they are in dialogue with one another, when they have the opportunity to see one another’s work, their own Art dramatically improves. It is really why workshops are so effective.
I used to wonder why this always happens. But now, during this week, I see it so clearly. It really is quite simple. It’s community.
When we engage with a community of like-minded artists, our own Art is strengthened.
I believe there are 3 primary reasons why.
#1 You are not the only one who feels this way.
Sometimes I find it pretty challenging to be pursuing something so fervently on nothing more than a hunch. The future is never clear. Making Art can lead to questions and emotions that can feel overwhelming. Talking to other artists doesn’t necessarily take those feelings or thoughts away but they do validate them. Knowing others sometimes feel as you do is truly comforting. You just are reminded that this is entirely normal.
#2 Seeing what others make is inspiring.
The more I refine and develop my own work the more I appreciate the work of others. Getting a break from constantly staring at your own work, by looking at what others are making, can be extremely helpful. Seeing Art that is new and different – (without having to do any of the work) is refreshing. Dropping into someone else’s work, even briefly, allows you a new perspective, a new point of reference to gaze back at your own and possibly see it in a new way. Your inspiration can be reignited by someone else’s. Thankfully, inspiration is contagious.
#3 Saying it sometimes makes it so.
This is one of the most interesting, compelling reasons to spend time in dialogue with other artists. Most of the time our ideas and thoughts about our work stay quietly within us. Once we verbalize, actually say it out loud in conversation, it releases it somewhat beyond ourselves. From what I have seen, this simple act then allows your ideas or thoughts about what you are trying to do within your art to occur.
[Tweet “”Thankfully, inspiration is contagious.” – Nicholas Wilton”]
It sounds a little far fetched but when we share, when we say out loud what we want, what we are aiming for, to others, it is almost like we have bolstered, renewed our intentions.
The tide of the universe only seems to shift in our direction when this occurs. It must first clearly hear from you. Even if you are just talking to one person, the universe seems to overhear.
It sometimes is daunting to think of yourself always pushing your work forward alone. I prefer to think of myself as part of a larger, growing community, an immense upward spiral that is carrying everyone towards their own unique creative expression. There are just way too many of us, way too much forward momentum for this not to occur.
What do each of you think about this? What communities are you part of? I would be greatly appreciative to read your responses below.
In gratitude, Nicholas
11 Comments
Hi! I’m
Nicholas Wilton
the founder of Art2Life.
With over 20 years experience as a working artist and educator, I’ve developed a systematic approach that brings authenticity, spontaneity and joy back into the creative process.
Join me and artists from all over the world in our Free Art2Life Artists Facebook Group or learn more here about Art2Life.
I agree that it is very important to create a community of artists in your life who you see on a regular basis. These are the people who understand what you,are feeling as an artist. I am one of the founders of the International Encaustic Artists, we have over 400 members, chapters in over 20 cities and an annual conference.I also am the president of the Northern CA chapter. I arrange a small yearly retreat, studio visits and field trips to galleries and art shows. We need to stay connected to other artists…eventually we can help each other make the connections to galleries and support each other.
Wow! I teach a lot of encaustic artists–or rather I seem to get a lot of them at workshops–maybe becausee my work is layered like encaustic. I love the idea of a conference. Where will it be this year?
Dear Nicholas, Yes International Encaustic Artists has a conference…I think the next one will be 2016. There is one on the east coast but I would NOT recommend it, the person who runs it is a problem… http://www.international-encaustic-artists.org
Here is one of my paintings, Dwelling 4, 30×30, encaustic on wood panel, ©2014EPGoldenberg BTW… I am very good friends with Sue Stover and Judith Williams… Eileen P. Goldenberg
OH kay well thanks for the tip!
Hi Nicholas, I always appreciate your blog postings and find them very nurturing, affirming, and supportive. What you say is true for me. Last spring I participated in a weekend workshop with Alex and Allyson Grey of the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors (CoSM). The Greys have built an international community of visionary artists through their efforts. There were about 15 of us in their art studio doing a drawing intensive with live models and a focus on energy and the chakras. We had 30 minutes to do a full nude sketch and then color the invoked chakra. It was inspiring to see 15 different interpretations of the same experience! I felt both inspired and at times I felt jealous as some people got more oohs and ahhs than others. Noticing how people react to the work of others was equally interesting. What one person loooooved, I might have had no response to. So I learned to accept that my work won’t inspire everyone, but when I see someone’s face light up when they see my artwork, it gives me great satisfaction. Before the workshop, I was an amateur artist who showed my work once every five to ten years. Since the workshop, my art work has blossomed and become prolific and has taken a life of its own. I am beginning to feel as though the artist in me has taken over the driver’s seat, and “I” am along for the ride holding on to the saddle! I have three works of art and a children’s book which I plan to illustrate all in the works at the same time. I can see myself putting on shows once a year (easily) and publishing annually as well. Staying connected to the artists I met at the workshop and this blog continues to inspire me as well. It’s like my new family, and I want to make them proud!
I totally agree–when it is just not you alone you are showing up for it really helps — it sounds like you are launched–really great to hear..
It does feel that I am “launching,” and I hope I can sustain this level of focus and commitment as I still consider myself a beginner with great potential but not what I envisioned for myself as a child…so I wonder if this is authentic or not. It feels like the right thing nonetheless.
#4, you get to see your work through their eyes. I am, like most, my own worst critic and working with others allows me to step back and look at my own work with fresh eyes.
Yes ….that is refreshing
I was first aware of this phenomena 25 years ago when I joined a group of artists who met at the local art guild to paint together once a week. I saw an improvement in my work right away. Then again 20 years ago when I first attended Springmaid watermedia workshops in myrtle beach, sc. Not only did my work improve but my confidence as an artist was fed. I have 3 weeks in the spring and 3 weeks in the fall every year in an environment designed for artists where art is all I have to think about! It is amazing to be in that creative vortex where the energy of a large number of people are focused on a common goal. The sense of validation! My imagination can play openly knowing it will not be squashed by the artist community. It is essential to my health and well being. The workshop experience has been a life altering experience for me. I highly recommend it! Vera Tracy
I think what is most beneficial about hanging out with other artists is seeing that we all struggle in similar ways. Knowing that I don’t have to be so hard on my self when I am having moments of self doubt or working on a painting and not knowing where I am going because other artists also have these challenges. I now know that I have solidarity with other artists and can share in the triumphs, joy and the struggles that we all share. Also it was great to be exposed to people who are very committed and choosing their art as a profession because it is like having a guide showing a pathway to where I would like to go and to see the possibilities of making this a reality.