My diary: artist's talk

It's been a long time since I've done a post that wasn't an interview. Since I've just sat down and shared my thoughts with you. And I'm thinking I need to start doing more of that. I'm going to try to be vulnerable and real about how I'm navigating this journey to establish myself as an artist, as a creative.

So without further ado...today I'd like to share with you some insights I had after attending an artists talk and demo. The talk featured one of my favorite abstract artists, Gretchen Warsen, and took place in a beautiful old home that houses Gallery Twist.

Insight number 1:

We get a lot out of supporting our fellow artists.

This is something I already knew, after all it's a big reason I started the blog and have made interviewing artists a priority. However, going to see Gretchen's talk reinvigorated this feeling in me. She was so happy to see me at her talk, and I felt so excited to be there to support her. I really truly believe that we do not have to compete and that the support, advice and community that develops when we show-up for each other helps us all move forward in our careers. 

Gretchen's talk

Insight number 2:

Just because someone is further ahead in their creative journey, and is selling their art, doesn't mean they know way more than you do.

Full disclosure, I totally fall into this trap. I put myself down and feel like an amateur. I started thinking that all of the artists I admire have it figured out, while I'm a bumbling mess who is constantly struggling to move forward in their career. Welcome to that stinky voice in my brain that is super pushy and uber negative!

Okay, let me pull this back around. The point I'm trying to make is that I truly think we are not so different from those folks we look up to who are where we want to be. They don't have special powers that we are lacking.During her talk, Gretchen mentioned that she's still trying to figure out the best varnish to use on her artwork. And she still struggles to know when a painting is done. These are two things that I've been occupying my mind as of late. 

Number 3:

Sometimes what we see as a failure or a setback in life can actually be a gift.

During Gretchen's talk she mentioned that when she first went off to college she was a music major, but had a professor who told her it probably wasn't the right fit for her. After showing this professor her paintings, and getting very positive feedback, Gretchen switched to a fine arts major. While it must have been hard to get that kind of feedback about her music, her professor cared enough to help direct her to the right path.

Similarly, Gretchen shared with the group that when she first took-up painting she filled her canvases with very realistic scenes. Well, until the point when her professor told her that while her painting of an artichoke was very realistic, it wasn't very inspiring. Just a very good version of an artichoke. This feedback helped Gretchen break free and pushed her to experiment with abstract painting.

Now, I don't know about you, but I think the world is a better place with Gretchen's gorgeous abstracts in it. So again, a well meaning professor had helped her get on the path that was right for her. So how can I wrap-up this diary entry? By saying this:

Be bold, go for it, know it is possible and open yourself up to the angels among us that may help you find the right path.

Until next time, keep creating!