Moving forward means letting go of things that hold me back.
1. Attitudes (like "I can't!" and "I'm not good enough!") that lead to playing small.
2. Encumbrances (like the clutter of the household and even the studio that make having a clear vision difficult or even impossible)
3. Commitments that no longer serve the Goal (where am I committing time, energy and resources that is no longer serving me? Saying yes to one thing means saying no to another. Particularly when I have so little physical energy to use and none to spare).
4. Chasing "experts" and "education". Shiny object syndrome... chasing the squirrels that offer to teach me how to build a better business, a successful business. Dividing my (limited) energy and attention this way has too long distracted me. Instead, stay focused on painting and creating.
5. Chores that drain energy and could be done by someone else (probably even better than I could do it!)
~ I've never claimed to be a good or even mediocre house keeper. The energy it takes to vacuum, wash floors, dishes, dust and tidy is better spent in the Studio. My energy levels, since starting the struggle with fibromyalgia, have suffered serious depletion. Recovery takes much too long, further taking away from productive time in the studio. It's simple math.
I'm learning (again) the value of saying "no" and " not now".
It requires clear eyed assessment.
First, a clearer understanding of my Goal.
~ To be a working artist, who builds a business and livelihood from creative endeavours that first of all satisfy the Creative Spirit within myself. I cannot be so caught up in pursuing sales that focusing too heavily on them crushes my own vision and actually smothers my urge to create.
Second, a clear eyed understanding of what contributes to and what hinders this Goal.
~ the membership in the cooperative?
~ accepting commissions (how many are acceptable?)
~ participating in shows?
~ finding galleries or other locations in which to exhibit?
~ developing online venues?
Plenty of questions to ask. Still seeking some answers.
I do know that more studio time - more disciplined studio time - will be essential!
Wishing us all a Happy New Year!
~ Renée
1. Attitudes (like "I can't!" and "I'm not good enough!") that lead to playing small.
2. Encumbrances (like the clutter of the household and even the studio that make having a clear vision difficult or even impossible)
3. Commitments that no longer serve the Goal (where am I committing time, energy and resources that is no longer serving me? Saying yes to one thing means saying no to another. Particularly when I have so little physical energy to use and none to spare).
4. Chasing "experts" and "education". Shiny object syndrome... chasing the squirrels that offer to teach me how to build a better business, a successful business. Dividing my (limited) energy and attention this way has too long distracted me. Instead, stay focused on painting and creating.
5. Chores that drain energy and could be done by someone else (probably even better than I could do it!)
~ I've never claimed to be a good or even mediocre house keeper. The energy it takes to vacuum, wash floors, dishes, dust and tidy is better spent in the Studio. My energy levels, since starting the struggle with fibromyalgia, have suffered serious depletion. Recovery takes much too long, further taking away from productive time in the studio. It's simple math.
I'm learning (again) the value of saying "no" and " not now".
It requires clear eyed assessment.
First, a clearer understanding of my Goal.
~ To be a working artist, who builds a business and livelihood from creative endeavours that first of all satisfy the Creative Spirit within myself. I cannot be so caught up in pursuing sales that focusing too heavily on them crushes my own vision and actually smothers my urge to create.
Second, a clear eyed understanding of what contributes to and what hinders this Goal.
~ the membership in the cooperative?
~ accepting commissions (how many are acceptable?)
~ participating in shows?
~ finding galleries or other locations in which to exhibit?
~ developing online venues?
I do know that more studio time - more disciplined studio time - will be essential!
Wishing us all a Happy New Year!
~ Renée
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