I am often asked how my career is going. There is a real curiosity especially amongst friends and acquaintances that are not artists. They just cannot fathom what it must be like to be doing something all day long that is entirely self-generated. There are no deadlines, except those we create ourselves, there is no certain time we have to arrive at the studio and hopefully there is no one overseeing our progress. It is, in the end, just you holding onto a handful of ideas, hunches and dreams. There is some security, some assuredness gained from looking back at what we have made in the past, but most of the challenge, most of the uncertainty drifts around what we might possibly be making in the future. It often is not clear.
So when asked from the outside, “how is it going?” if I were entirely honest I would say I actually am not sure. The movie is still playing. I don’t have a clue how all of this is going to turn out.
So I tend to speak of concrete things from the recent past- maybe a show or a commission I recently completed that – looking from the outside – makes the life of being an artist appear more like a job. I go in to the studio, people order these paintings and I produce them and because there is only one of me, the supply is limited so over time the prices go up. And yes, I am so fortunate because unlike everyone else driving to work in traffic at 8:30 am, I am sleeping in or waiting around in a beautiful setting for the muse to strike. That pretty much sums up how the outside world likes to paraphrase what we do. What’s funny is that I just kind of play along with this and help create this narrative.
But there is one problem. It isn’t true. Does it make sense, just because it is too complicated or daunting, to describe what we do more truthfully? I go to great effort to make art that feels authentic and truthful, so why describe the process of making it so simplistically?
But what can I possibly say that is truthful and will be understood by those who have conference calls and management meetings? What is the universal thing that connects all of us, whether we are artists, investment bankers, business owners, stay at home mom or dads, schoolteachers or even circus performers?
The one that easily pops to mind is money. But this isn’t entirely accurate. To try to describe the activity of art making from primarily a money perspective is almost laughable.
There must be something else. And then it hit me.
[Tweet “”The knowledge we gain about each other, the world and ourselves is how positive change occurs.””]
The one thing we all need, the one thing we all cherish at the end of the day is Learning.
It is what we are all after in life. We are learning about our selves and each other. We are learning about tiny pieces of the universe illuminated by the particular activities we spend our time doing.
It is also, when you really think about it, a pretty good yardstick of how well you have lived, if at the end of your life you can say that you learned so, so much. The knowledge we gain about each other, the world and ourselves is, in the end, how positive change occurs. And not just small incremental personal change but also massive world change. This kind of change is breathtaking and offers us purpose. It is the kind of change that makes life worth living.
So now when people ask, how is it going? I still mention the gallery show but put way more emphasis on what is actually happening in my studio and as a result, my life. I simply say, what I am mostly excited about these days, what I am so grateful for, so incredibly happy about is that I am learning.
I am learning more than I ever, ever dreamed possible.
In gratitude, Nicholas
42 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 on our Art2Life Instagram account or learn more here about Art2Life.
So many thoughts (and anxieties) come up when I hear that question, although moreso in the past than now. I think people would love to say the unsaid after asking the “How is it Going”, which is, “…are you making any money yet?”. This of course translates into the studio; it may not be the intention of an artist to “make money” or even think about money (which is actually such a left brain thing, harassing the right brain) and I once wrote in my blog about the impact of all the weight I felt when just entering my studio and called it “The Dragon In my Studio”. The dragon would be telling me it “must be good, it must be beautiful, it must be perfect, and of course it better make money!”. Talk about stress!
However, with your insight, Nick, I feel a great deal of weight has been lifted just through your capacity to express the true (and simple) reality of why we paint. I will now go into my studio (today) and be more free to do the things that would otherwise scare me, because in the end, it is about learning, and to learn, you must make mistakes 🙂 Thanks, Nick!
oh yeah–your work is going so well–really. Try super hard to relax in it..only be thinking about it when you are working on it..then let it go at all other times. Super important to get this stress gone for the long term…have fun!
So many thoughts (and anxieties) come up when I hear that question, although moreso in the past than now. I think people would love to say the unsaid after asking the “How is it Going”, which is, “…are you making any money yet?”. This of course translates into the studio; it may not be the intention of an artist to “make money” or even think about money (which is actually such a left brain thing, harassing the right brain) and I once wrote in my blog about the impact of all the weight I felt when just entering my studio and called it “The Dragon In my Studio”. The dragon would be telling me it “must be good, it must be beautiful, it must be perfect, and of course it better make money!”. Talk about stress!
However, with your insight, Nick, I feel a great deal of weight has been lifted just through your capacity to express the true (and simple) reality of why we paint. I will now go into my studio (today) and be more free to do the things that would otherwise scare me, because in the end, it is about learning, and to learn, you must make mistakes 🙂 Thanks, Nick!
oh yeah–your work is going so well–really. Try super hard to relax in it..only be thinking about it when you are working on it..then let it go at all other times. Super important to get this stress gone for the long term…have fun!
Great post.
I think what it comes down for at the end of the day for me, is similar to the one word (learning) you chose to cover it. My word would be ‘meaning’. Or two words, ‘creating meaning’. Lewis Hyde in his book, ‘The Gift’ explores the gift vs commodity aspect of art. He says we labour with a gift. But we work at a job. Labour is closer to the heart, is our calling. Work is a task to be completed often for compensation. Labour is not easily quantified, but is related to our quest for meaning in life. Sarah
interesting–thank you. I have not read this yet…
Great post.
I think what it comes down for at the end of the day for me, is similar to the one word (learning) you chose to cover it. My word would be ‘meaning’. Or two words, ‘creating meaning’. Lewis Hyde in his book, ‘The Gift’ explores the gift vs commodity aspect of art. He says we labour with a gift. But we work at a job. Labour is closer to the heart, is our calling. Work is a task to be completed often for compensation. Labour is not easily quantified, but is related to our quest for meaning in life. Sarah
interesting–thank you. I have not read this yet…
I love what you wrote, Nick, but for me I am still struggling with getting past mental blocks and distraction of being a home-owner who is very busy running an international guest house at the same time and wanting to eventually transition to be a full-time children’s book illustrator/author. I think it is time to go back to just making art that inspires and fulfills me, rather than making a book the end goal because that is clearly not working for me right now. So how is it going for me? I’m busy developing and discovering what my art style is and what it wants to communicate to the world through me. I just need to get out of the way of trying to control the end-product (wanting it to be something I could make money with and be known for rather than enjoying the process.
Well it sounds like you already know what to do…sounds like just painting for yourself for awhile is what is needed…that will surely bring you some new material, ideas, inspirations. And yes focus on just enjoying the process- then you have already won.
I love what you wrote, but for me I am still struggling with getting past mental blocks and distraction of being a home-owner who is very busy running an international guest house at the same time and wanting to eventually transition to be a full-time children’s book illustrator/author. I think it is time to go back to just making art that inspires me, rather than making a book the end goal because that is not working for me right now! So how is it going for me? I’m busy developing and discovering what my art style is and what it wants to communicate to the world through me. I just need to get out of the way of trying to control the end product (wanting it to be something I could sell and be known for, thanks ego). 🙂
Well it sounds like you already know what to do…sounds like just painting for yourself for awhile is what is needed…that will surely bring you some new material, ideas, inspirations. And yes focus on just enjoying the process- then you have already won.
Insightful! Thanks for all those great posts, which feed my motivation each time. I finally dare posting.
Nick, I took your workshop twice in Jackson, WY several years ago, and only this year was I brave enough to dive headfirst into painting. Your work remain one of my greatest inspiration. If you care to see where I’m at some of my work is at work https://flic.kr/s/aHsk9z2hgp and I’ve just been nominated to be part of a group gallery show for the Fall Arts Festival. What an auspicious year!
Now, about your post, I’m facing so many emotions and feelings as I move forward. I am not making money -yet- from my art, but in fact learning so much about everything. However, I would say that aside than the money factor, which is a complex subject on its own, what I am most happy about lately is … sharing. That may seem obvious and naive. Yet I get excited about the viewer hopefully reacting to a piece, whether positively or not, instead of being indifferent. I wonder what they will think, what they will feel and yet I paint “authentically” as you mention, not trying to cater to some preference.
I am the one feeling in gratitude!
Audu, l think your paintings are fantastic!! Bravo!
Thank you, Karen.
Aude-so nice to hear from you! Your work looks great. Definitely get it out there as it is pretty strong. Your time is now. bravo
Thank you, that means a lot coming from you! That made my day 🙂
Insightful! Thanks for all those great posts, which feed my motivation each time. I finally dare posting.
Nick, I took your workshop twice in Jackson, WY several years ago, and only this year was I brave enough to dive headfirst into painting. Your work remain one of my greatest inspiration. If you care to see where I’m at some of my work is at work https://flic.kr/s/aHsk9z2hgp and I’ve just been nominated to be part of a group gallery show for the Fall Arts Festival. What an auspicious year!
Now, about your post, I’m facing so many emotions and feelings as I move forward. I am not making money -yet- from my art, but in fact learning so much about everything. However, I would say that aside than the money factor, which is a complex subject on its own, what I am most happy about lately is … sharing. That may seem obvious and naive. Yet I get excited about the viewer hopefully reacting to a piece, whether positively or not, instead of being indifferent. I wonder what they will think, what they will feel and yet I paint “authentically” as you mention, not trying to cater to some preference.
I am the one feeling in gratitude!
Audu, l think your paintings are fantastic!! Bravo!
Thank you, Karen.
Aude-so nice to hear from you! Your work looks great. Definitely get it out there as it is pretty strong. Your time is now. bravo
Thank you, that means a lot coming from you! That made my day 🙂
It is true that the ‘public’…that is friends, family, and others…really want to equate your efforts with $$$s. For me, I have the luxury of being a self-funded retiree, I don’t have the pressure of having to earn a living and can ‘play’ to my heart’s content. That means I can constantly learn by stretching my boundaries without worrying if a gallery will like it, or if it will win a prize. As Picasso said “I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it”
What a great spot to be in…and so good you realize it and take advantage by pushing yourself.
It is true that the ‘public’…that is friends, family, and others…really want to equate your efforts with $$$s. For me, I have the luxury of being a self-funded retiree, I don’t have the pressure of having to earn a living and can ‘play’ to my heart’s content. That means I can constantly learn by stretching my boundaries without worrying if a gallery will like it, or if it will win a prize. As Picasso said “I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it”
What a great spot to be in…and so good you realize it and take advantage by pushing yourself.
Many years ago I heard someone say, ” our jobs either steal our energy or give us energy”. This reasonated with me because I had a job that drained my energy. It feels great being able to do my art at this time in my life and makes it bearable to work jobs that are draining…knowing that making art fills me with energy overflowing.
Having something going that inspires you makes everything easier- even less than jobs…great comment
Many years ago I heard someone say, ” our jobs either steal our energy or give us energy”. This reasonated with me because I had a job that drained my energy. It feels great being able to do my art at this time in my life and makes it bearable to work jobs that are draining…knowing that making art fills me with energy overflowing.
Having something going that inspires you makes everything easier- even less than jobs…great comment
At times I sense people ask the question and don’t really want to hear a truthful answer because it might contradict their preconceptions. I hate to say it, but in general people are not rooting for the artist to succeed by a measure they can relate to….which most often is money. Every day that I come to work is a day that is going well. Process begets work and work begets questions and so on. My yard stick may not match what the world chooses to measure success by, but I made the choice long ago to seek a different quantification.
Great sentiment. thanks
At times I sense people ask the question and don’t really want to hear a truthful answer because it might contradict their preconceptions. I hate to say it, but in general people are not rooting for the artist to succeed by a measure they can relate to….which most often is money. Every day that I come to work is a day that is going well. Process begets work and work begets questions and so on. My yard stick may not match what the world chooses to measure success by, but I made the choice long ago to seek a different quantification.
Great sentiment. thanks
What a beautiful post. Thank you. People usually ask me “are you still painting?” To which I reply ‘always’. Or they ask “How is the painting going?” which is a bit more difficult to answer beyond “good.” Then it does seem expected to talk about coming shows, etc – especially from other artists, who really should know better. But living in a rural area rather than a big city, we are always curious to know how other artists survive.
Learning. Yes, that is one way to express this continuous journey of unfolding where it is always new.
What a beautiful post. Thank you. People usually ask me “are you still painting?” To which I reply ‘always’. Or they ask “How is the painting going?” which is a bit more difficult to answer beyond “good.” Then it does seem expected to talk about coming shows, etc – especially from other artists, who really should know better. But living in a rural area rather than a big city, we are always curious to know how other artists survive.
Learning. Yes, that is one way to express this continuous journey of unfolding where it is always new.
I had a super hectic day today–I couldn’t get to my computer till the very end of the day–what a nice surprise to see all the discussion–i can’t wait to read all these! thank you for your comments
I had a super hectic day today–I couldn’t get to my computer till the very end of the day–what a nice surprise to see all the discussion–i can’t wait to read all these! thank you for your comments
That question is constantly in the forefront of a lot of conversations I have with friends. They still seem to think that this is a hobby of mine even though I’ve had numerous exhibitions constantly for the last 10 years or so. One question I hate when they call to say hello is; are you at work or “painting”? I think though, that the more time I spend painting and showing my work, the more people are starting to realize that yes, this guy is serious about this thing called art and that takes a lot of talking for a long time. I decided almost from the first day that I started painting, that this is what I wanted to do. The rest is convincing others to see that.
That question is constantly in the forefront of a lot of conversations I have with friends. They still seem to think that this is a hobby of mine even though I’ve had numerous exhibitions constantly for the last 10 years or so. One question I hate when they call to say hello is; are you at work or “painting”? I think though, that the more time I spend painting and showing my work, the more people are starting to realize that yes, this guy is serious about this thing called art and that takes a lot of talking for a long time. I decided almost from the first day that I started painting, that this is what I wanted to do. The rest is convincing others to see that.
Thank you Nicholas,
I’ve enjoyed so many of your essays. This is one of the best you’ve sent. At least it feels that way tonight. It’s something I needed to hear right now.
Today I said I was probably going to keep changing things in my current painting forever, and my husband couldn’t understand why I didn’t just quit it and start another..
Usually I work fast and I trust my instincts, knowing when I’ve said everything I need to say. But I also don’t care how long it takes to get to where it feels right. Those moments, those parts of the work where I can recognize that something went absolutely and typically surprisingly right. That process, the learning and the discovery, sets those nerves in my head connecting with sparks, that is one great feeling.
Thanks for putting it into words …and emailing them!
Gratefully,
Nan
Thank you Nicholas,
I’ve enjoyed so many of your essays. This is one of the best you’ve sent. At least it feels that way tonight. It’s something I needed to hear right now.
Today I said I was probably going to keep changing things in my current painting forever, and my husband couldn’t understand why I didn’t just quit it and start another..
Usually I work fast and I trust my instincts, knowing when I’ve said everything I need to say. But I also don’t care how long it takes to get to where it feels right. Those moments, those parts of the work where I can recognize that something went absolutely and typically surprisingly right. That process, the learning and the discovery, sets those nerves in my head connecting with sparks, that is one great feeling.
Thanks for putting it into words …and emailing them!
Gratefully,
Nan