Yue Minjun in his studio. Photo credit: www.boredpanda.com
There are many challenges the artist must face to pull off a consistent art practice. But today I don’t want to talk about those. Besides, they pale in comparison to these positive ideas and truths regarding art making that I have come to embrace and believe. When I am not making my art, I am busy teaching these principles in workshops, mentorships, blogging and other programs. I have found that these points – when even slightly embraced – can dramatically shift, not just your outlook, but also your art and then ultimately your life.
It has been my experience, I am happy to report, that these are true. Today I would like to focus on the first eight…
8 Positive Points on Art Making
1 Intention actually changes what comes across your path. Saying out loud what you want helps it become so.
2 Artists can create any kind of art and build careers in any direction they choose.
3 The process of art making can become an enjoyable, creative, and financially sustaining practice.
4 All success is taught, especially in art. Artists realize this and no longer invalidate themselves or their work because they simply have not been given the information they need to achieve their goals.
5 Art does not fit in any particular category. It is by its very nature limitless and those that make it are inspired because of this fact. It excludes no one.
6 Making personal, authentic art gives the rest of the world permission to do the same.
7 People will collect your art because it makes them feel and see the world in a way they have never before. Your work transports them.
8 Sharing your art and what you know with those not as far along helps make you a better artist. There is more than enough for everyone. There is abundance for those who give.
I know for many of you these are familiar but possibly there are a couple in here that are not. If so, then hopefully you will feel just slightly more buoyant, slightly more energized as a result of discovering them.
When I read these, it reminds me of the tremendous possibilities available for not just me, but for all artists.
It is an amazing time in history to be an artist.
Do all these 8 points resonate with you? What are some of yours? I would love to improve this list with your help.
Have a great rest of the week!
In gratitude, Nicholas
18 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.
Number 8!
All of these points have been surfacing for me over the past couple of years, though it has taken time for me to really believe, embrace and integrate them into my practice. The Inner Critic has been a big ogre for me all my life, and I’ve finally come to realize that my work and my Self are larger and more powerful than it. The acts of teaching and sharing about my work are opening a whole new door for me… Thanks for your words of wisdom and encouragement!
A very financially successful artist told me that the money you receive for your art is never enough. He know another artist-very famous-who was grousing that 5 million dollars at a Christy’s auction for his piece wasn’t enough!- at that moment the former artist realized he needed to stop chasing financial success and just do his very best work when he could. The monetary success would take care of itself- or it wouldn’t. ♥️
Amen!
Very good points to ponder as you think about creating. Thank you Nicholas!
I LOVE this one: #4 All success is taught, especially in art. Artists realize this and no longer invalidate themselves or their work because they simply have not been given the information they need to achieve their goals.
I have found that to be true. Once upon a time in America, we mythologized the ‘up by the bootstraps’ ideal, and forgot that everything builds upon everything else, including actual paintings. NOBODY gets there on their own and one has to defined what and where the concept “there” is for oneself. I have SO MUCH TO LEARN! Thank you for teaching it!
I absolutely agree…
The more you look the more you see. The more time you spend looking at art i.e. art museums, art shows, plein air shows, art books etc. the more possibilities you will see all around you for your own art creations. “Art does not tell us what to see, it makes us see.” -Anonymous
Love this quote. I was driving today and randomly saw some haphazard wires coming out of the street and it looked to me like a wire sculpture of a bird and I thought about how art gives me(my mind) a fresh perspective to always see beauty in whatever and it just filled my heart with gratitude.
#4 struck me at first as artists needing to learn how to monetize their art. But then I saw that it’s also relevant in another way, especially for the women fiber artists I meet. Many would never call themselves artists because 1) they do a ‘craft’ not a ‘fine art’, 2) they think an artist is born ‘talented’ and doesn’t have to learn anything. All artists have to learn their medium, and keep on learning about seeing, composing, work habits, etc. It is the constant learning that will never cease that is the true thrill of making art.
Many years ago when I was taking my first life(figure) drawing class in college the instructor grumbled at us when we were having a little trouble drawing ‘what we were seeing’…..”It takes ten years to learn how to draw. It takes ten years to learn how to do anything well, like playing the piano for example. Drawing is no different. Practice makes perfect. If you can draw the human figure you can draw anything!” The words have stuck with me over the years even though I don’t believe you have to be an expert “drawer” to create art. I have see some amazing fiber art. It is a valid art form! Those people know their medium well!
Yes!! It is the constant discovery of what was done before you and how it is possible to bring that forward. Learning basic structure and composition that opens up the world of seeing what others have done with these tools. Amazing. And fun!
#1 my favorite! Intention, attention….I just keep showing up and keep the faith….. that I will get there….wherever that is!
Love these dialogs… 🙏
In addition to # 1 I will add “If you make it, they will come.” Thanks for your eagerness to share what you do.
Thank you Nicholas for being a living testament to number 8! It’s unbelievable what fear and the scarcity mentality has us believe. Thank you for filling the world with your generosity instead of competition and dog eat dog attitudes.
When I remember that the art I make is a “valuable contribution” to life on earth, it helps me though the hard times
Inspiring thoughts to remember as I create art. Thank you!
Regarding #5. In college I submitted 2 pieces for the la de da annual student art show. And they were rejected, i.e. excluded. There were others who were rejected. We were irritated and decided to have our own show, calling it “Salon de Refuzees” in the student lobby by the cafeteria the same day as the official student show reception. We advertised with flyers we made and had a big crowd, a grand and memorable time and sold several pieces.