The Willingness to Try

When I think of things that define an artist the willingness to try is one characteristic that is prevalent.

Willingness, as defined by the Oxford dictionary is: “the quality of being happy and ready to do something”. And try is defined as: “to make an attempt or effort to do or get something”.

So basically, artists are often happy and ready to make an attempt or effort to do or get something. I see so many artists who are willing to try their craft, create a work and sometimes even share that work with others. But often those same artists are uneasy about sending that same artwork into a gallery call, or an art competition or even applying for a spot at a market to sell their work.

Let’s pause here for a minute: Why do I feel its important to share your art? Simply because art is often an expression of joy, or sorrow, or whatever it is that the artist is feeling. (this is the same for dancers, musicians, writers etc) AND when you share your feelings/emotions you can connect with other human beings on the most basic level. It reminds us of what it means to be alive. And this is why I believe art and artists are very important. But I digress…

Without going into too much Freudian examination here; I can wager a guess that those who do not easily make the decision to enter and apply for opportunities to show or sell their work feel that their work is not worthy. I find that to be sad. Often their unwillingness to try stems from fear of the unknown. And sometimes its just a lack of self confidence. This type of thing isn’t just an anomaly of visual artists; it permeates all artists from musicians to writers, dancers to actors. Our fear of the unknown and what others may think of us too often dictate what we do in this short life.

Stop it.

Just stop that nonsense.

I deal with many issues that negatively affect my view of myself and the world around me. These monsters claw out of the cage at the most inopportune times. Yet I still put my work out into public spaces as often as I can. Am I still afraid? Hell yes!! Fear will cause one of three main responses: fight, flight or freeze (oops sorry for the Fruedian stuff). In this case, the fight response motivates me to apply to opportunities to show my art, even if I “perceive” the opportunity is above my “perceived” skill level. After all, I’m not judging the art; so that’s one less person who will vote me out; LOL. But seriously what’s the worst that will happen?  My art will spontaneously combust causing little flecks of paint to deposit all over my studio??? I will be walking the streets in bare feet?? No!! Heck no!! The worst that will happen is I will receive an email that says; “ We thank you for your submission to the X Exhibition, however at this time your work has not been accepted. We encourage you to apply again next year. “ Hmmm. How painful or dangerous or life-threatening is that??? Not!!

Yeah, it sucks to be “rejected” but here’s something you artists forget - and I didn’t realize – until someone explained it to me during a presentation about grant writing:  Applying for grants, exhibitions, markets and festivals is in some ways like buying a ticket in a lottery. Each opportunity (call) has different possible outcomes. This is because each time a different number of artists will apply, each with different skills, each presenting different art, each time providing for a different number of spots or money (if it’s a grant) and each time is different judges. If you’re a mathematician, you know that these variables will give different results every time. So bottom line; if you apply for something and do not get accepted, try again; and again, and again!!! BUT each time you try, up your game; learn from your mistakes, change up your approach. Because we all know what “doing the same thing over and over in the same way and expecting different results” is….insanity!! Don’t be a crazy artist. LOL.

BE willing to TRY!!  Life is short. Do it now. Before its too late.

As an aside; another reason to apply to opportunities - as if you need another reason – is because each time you apply your work is seen by more people. And the more people who see your work, the greater the chances of becoming known as an artist.

Enough for now; enjoy your day and thanks for reading!!!