Stepping out of my comfort zone!

I am an artist. I am a whole lot of other things also, and I have had a number of different roles in my life: wife, mother, employee, business owner, friend, volunteer. I have worked in a number of professions and been very successful in each. But for the purpose of this writing, I am an artist.

For me, those are hard words to put out into the world. Not having undertaken formal training or education in art, perhaps that is a bold statement. However, I have had some beautiful artist mentorship in my life, notably my Auntie (may she rest in peace), and I have explored enough through my our self-taught practice to gain skills that allow me to create art that both makes me happy and brings joy to others. And sometimes it is financially rewarding also. The latter is not always the point, but it certainly helps.

Once of the toughest parts of being a creative is overcoming the criticisms of those who do not understand nor appreciate the work, passion and time invested in each and every piece of art. Even more so is overcoming the critic within. For every naysayer in the public realm, there is louder, stronger critic between my two ears. This is why it takes some of us so long to find the confidence to put ourselves out there, to pump our own tires so to speak. We value the compliments of those in our circle but the fear of drawing attention to ourselves, of a damning comment or negative criticism looms in great clouds in our minds.

This is of course not true for all creatives, but for some of us it certainly rings true. Many are confident and do not take seriously the comments of others regarding their work or skill. Those are the ones who are out in the public, doing lessons and teaching others. They have no problem being accepted by galleries and shops because they have confidence in their work and skill. We are not all like this, obviously. For some of us, we are fearful and uncomfortable with the public eye, with our own vulnerabilities being on display, and with attention in general. I know I undersell my work often because I have a difficult time putting a price on the piece I am selling. I have a difficult time quantifying the time and effort invested. I started this journey, not with the intention of being a self-sufficient artist, but of using my creativity and skill to heal my own self, bring joy to my life and to others. But the reality is that it is an expensive hobby and in order to produce art, some income is required.

I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by amazing scenery and ocean side life. It can be an unforgiving environment at times but the beauty of the rugged coastlines and small fishing communities rivals some of the most beautiful places on this planet. It is an outdoor enthusiasts dream and is a beautiful place for all types of creatives, artists, photographers and craftspeople.

Many of my recent pieces are based on this lifestyle, this coastal existence. The ruggedness, the buildings that are deteriorating along the shore; memories of a lifetime ago, of a life of hard work and struggle, and of an existence that recent generations do no know firsthand. I enjoy trying to recreate scenes from the past on canvas or paper. I enjoy how it brings joy and memories to people. And I like attempting to paint scenes that I feel a connection to, whether it is a photo that appeals to me or it’s a memory or snap I have captured on my travels. Things that make it on to my canvas are usually things I feel challenge my abilities. I do like to stretch my abilities, within reason. I still do not take on portraits as it is just not my thing. And I have many partially finished pieces in my studio, ones that I started in gusto and then lost the mojo to complete. Some pieces just never get finished and some go through start to completion in a matter of days. It really just depends on how I feel moving through a piece.

I don’t share this journal entry as a way to justify my art or my art prices. I share only to ask the reader to understand the many parameters of fine art, of the skills of the creative and of the inner thoughts of a working artist. Over the past year I have stepped out of my comfort zone. I have allowed a number of people into my messy studio to see all my work, all my mess. I have entered art competitions. I have a number of prints and pieces for sale in a number of businesses. I am grateful for the support and patience of my husband, daughter and our family and friends. Their words of encouragement and commitment to lift me up in my art journey does not go unnoticed. Thank you, you beautiful people.

These are new waters for me and as I try to balance the business part of art, as well as trying to stay in my creative vibe and maintain my home and work life. I am not yet a skilled mariner so bare with me as I sail along.

Always, Carolyn