Over the last few weeks i have been thinking a lot about my work and where i stand in the art world (which is still nowhere) but where do i want to stand? The old question..what is art? and yesterday Shari's post just made all of those thoughts swirl even more... the idea of 'accidents' is very familiar to me..i nearly always over-think ideas and then never carry them out...if i dont try, something quite nice comes out. I always worry about what people will think but really, i think the only thing that matters is that you are true to yourself and follow your instincts...you should push ideas until you can push no more...
I worry about my work being tacky instead of tasteful...i often leave things unfinished...i have dreamed of being an artist since my first painting of an apple tree at the age of four, i lay awake at night excited by an idea i may have, i cannot live without creating...but i dont seem to have gotten anywhere...i am a little lost...
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oh goodness. i am right there with you. it helps to know that others feel the same way, i think. your work is beautiful. i always look forward to seeing your creations! i love the idea of keep pushing ahead and following your heart. i'm confident you will find your way. xo shari
I guess you truly are an artist, this scepticism is just characteristic...
Regarding those little accidents: I am experiencing them all the time, things often just happen, one fabric meets the other, I am throwing something together and suddenly something surprisingly charming is being made. But especially with those objects that I let just happen, often in a enthusiastic rush or in passing I mostly doubt if I can show the results on my blog because they seem "too easy" to me, based only on instincts...
But then, I don't consider myself as an artist, as you know, so I am free to show anything.
Go on making, Julie, you'll see where it's going!
xoxox
All those highs and lows, the ups and downs, are all a part of the ride. And I know just how you feel... I often feel lost at sea.
take care, g
your work is amazing and I just got the proof today!!
Julie, my dear Julie you shouldn't worry too much and shouldn't question so much. Just follow your instincts and work, work, work, work...as much as you can. Tear out pages you don't feel are right, discard the things you feel have no strenght, hide away others to look at a later stage but work, work, keep on working.
Most of the things you see that you appreciate so much are products of much work. Behind those pieces you are sure to find many discarded ideas, things that the author didn't find right.
You produce wonderful work and have very beautiful and honest ideas. That's what is important.
Everyone has the need to be recognised by others even if it is only by the ones that are closed to you and that is so natural.
You are in need of creating a constant pace, a rhythm for your work.
Ideas also come out of habit by creating a steady working pace.
And get ideas from many sources. Most of my teachers here keep telling us to read and see work that has no relation to ceramics. So you can bring inspiration from other places into your work.
It's OK to feel a bit lost at times. Everyone does and it's so natural and I love you because of that :)
on feeling lost...
and it
takes
a lot of
confidence
and
dedication
to put
your work
out there...
i think we
all struggle
with
whether
we
are
good enough...
wish i had
read this post
days ago
to shout out
that
"you ARE
already
an artist"-
so evident
by your work
and passion.