• I have a hunch that I might be able to create some kind of art that is meaningful. I do not know what it is, nor do I admit this to anyone. I think about this for possibly years.
• One day I try to do something in the smallest way possible, when nobody is looking. I keep the art supplies in a drawer.
• I am unsure but find that it feels good to experiment with the art supplies. So I do it again. And then few more times.
• I finally show someone what I have been making. They really love it and want to see more. Whenever I see this person they always ask about my Art. They tell a friend.
• I continue making my Art. It is sporadic but over time it starts to become habitual. For a birthday gift, I give my favorite one to my closest friend. When everyone sees it I am not prepared for the attention it and then I receive. I feel elated and vulnerable at the same time. This Art is more me than I thought. It scares me a little.
• Even so, I prefer making my Art to doing most things now. I start to look for ways to be more efficient. Finding a small corner where I can leave things set up makes a big difference.
• Within a year I have moved into the garage. Even though it is cold at times, having the extra space is wonderful. I notice that as my space gets bigger so does my Art. When I was working yesterday with the roll up door open, my neighbor came by and loved what I was making. He ended up buying two. I didn’t know what to charge. He liked the two that I liked the best and even though I am sure I undercharged him, it felt so good to have someone besides me love my work.
• It has been over a year now. I now have made so much Art that it feels OK to let it go. I do not need to keep everything I make. I am more interested in the Art I am making rather than the Art I made.
• I am not sure where all this is going. I do know I feel more and more like myself. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and find myself thinking about my Art. I can’t imagine not doing this now and I wonder where my Art will lead me in the coming years. I am so curious.
• There is so much uncertainty about my Art and that can be hard sometimes. There are so many things I do not know yet.
• I do know one thing, however. In fact, I am absolutely certain.
• When I make my Art, I feel more alive.
In gratitude, Nicholas
9 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 started following you because of your quote in Brene Brown’s book, Daring Greatly. I am a potter and also a paper artist. So may of the things you write about ring true with me. This post tells of my journey with my art. When I first started putting my paper arts out in the world, I couldn’t even use my real name, I made up a pseudonym. The first time I took my pottery to a gallery, I felt like I was naked in front of the world…now I am in two galleries and am still becoming the artist I want to be. I, too, am absolutely certain, that when I make my art, I feel more alive. Thank you for your writing about the process.
Isn’t the progression amazing?–even signing your name at a certain stage is hard…It is hard to be seen when you are used to not being seen–here is a blog post that relates….http://lailarezaicom.dotster.com/
Glad it resonates-thanks, N
I love your writing and your work which I just discovered last week. My journey changed direction when I asked a neighbour what she did and she replied ‘artist’. It was the first time I really thought I could go somewhere with this skill and desire that wasn’t a ‘proper job’. So I started, I held an exhibition – and to my surprise sold lots of pieces. Rinse and repeat several times! I’m still learning – I think that’s a lifetime ahead of me but I can’t think of anything else I would rather do. I’m just being brave enough to share what I’m doing as I go along, rather than presenting the finished pieces. I think the journey and discussion is of so much interest and you don’t get to see it hanging on a gallery wall! Whenever I have an Open Studio I share my sketchbooks and work in progress and people are so intrigued. My blog in its infancy is currently at http://www.creativetortoise.com but you have really inspired me this last week ( and stopped me working by reading your back log of old posts!) Thank you!
Alice–that is great–I know how much non artists are interested in how artists actually work…this is an advantage that artists have in terms of connection with people who might purchase your art that galleries don’t have…People just want to connect–an extension of that it bringing one of your paintings home! I enjoyed your site–we r both in the same stream…fun!
Thank you. For a while I wondered if it was unprofessional to have the blog alongside my work – as if the finished work had to be presented in isolation. But finding sites like yours has convinced me of the benefits of having the two together and offering a more personal insight. I’m also realising that finding my written voice is informing my work. All fascinating stuff. Here’s to breaking the isolation of working alone!
I am blooming late. Started making art past age 60, about 6 years ago so am enjoying trying to catch up on all I missed in my early years!
Points you make that resonate: Find a space for yourself that you can leave messy; share your work and joy with like-minded people; let it go and move on.
wonderful….yes it really helps to create space–not just in your physical space but in your life too!
At a time when I am re-visiting painting in my life, it is such a pleasure to have found someone like you who so eloquently puts a voice to SO many of the thoughts, feelings, fears, hopes, and process of art making. It helps me tremendously – and indeed, reminds me that when I am creating art, I feel more alive than when I’m not. Thank you!
Thank you for this Nicholas. So true.