Tales from an Artist's Journal Part Eight.....Who We Really Are..
Lapis Lazuli Bravura Finish
What question are you grappling with in your art?
Tales from an Artist's Journal Part Eight.....Who We Really Are.. belongs to the following groups:
Complex Simplicity of Art, Everyday Life, Light In The Darkness, Live, Love, Dream: , Safe Haven and The PatchworkAs artists, when we are beginning to work on a new piece, we may sometimes find ourselves lost along the way....
We might begin to doubt our abilities, and start worrying about the things that we lack..at that point we may actually feel like giving up, comparing our talents to everyone else, expecting our art to be like others or at least better than it is…
It’s at times like these that we have to look deep inside ourselves for the courage to wait patiently, for that fresh inspiration, that new dimension to the work to appear. This is the time to step back and to take a long hard look at priorities…berating ourselves for the things we don’t have keeps us stuck in a mode that may actually stifle creativity....
It is important for us to realize that our gifts are exactly right for us, to be willing to trust that while we were waiting, a better plan for that difficult piece will emerge, and at the same time we may learn new lessons about who we are…
In time we are all given what we need to express uniquely who we are…we grow through pain to a new reality...
Inspired by the Artists’ Soul
Distressed Wood Finishes Janis Zroback
Avril Brand
:-)... your wisdom is so appreciated!
Janis Zroback replied
Avril, I am so pleased that you are enjoying both my paintings and my writing…thank you so much for the lovely comment…
kjgordon
this was well versed…So true…You are truly an inspiration…
encore wahini!!!!!
Janis Zroback replied
Thank you beautiful KJ…I am inspired by all, in this wonderful community of ours…
kjgordon
indeed the rb `ohana family is a good one,....
Janis Zroback replied
Yes it is….none like it.
Racheli
Hi Janis, i was waiting to see the incomer…..lol i am glad, thank you very much.
Janis Zroback replied
I am glad too Rachel…I love reading your comments on my work…thank you once more…
Joanne Bradley
A little introspection is certainly beneficial and in todays fast paced environment we must learn to wait patiently for things to happen as opposed to forcing the issue! It is sometimes difficult for the new artists among us to come to grips with our own creativity. It took me a long time to realized that I had pegged myself into a role that wasn’t always the true me. And now that I am liberated I find that I had expressed it all along just didn’t recognize it. Thank you so much for all your words of inspiration Janis and your wonderful positive take on the world, as well as sharing the experiences you have encountered on your artitistic journey.
Janis Zroback replied
Thank you Joanne…I’m so happy you enjoy my work, as I enjoy yours.
I think all artists struggle with this at one time or another…it crops up usually when you are trying something new or coming to grips with a technique thats elusive….but the joys of getting older means you can say…I will do as I please and to heck with it…if it doesn’t work today, it will work another day…and my work does not have to be like anyone else’s work…
Aging is a real comfort….life can be so simple if you let it..
Alison Pearce
As an amateur artist, this really spoke to me Janis. I enjoy creating art (art is in the eye of the beholder right? So I can call it that!) and once I was very confident in my artwork. I’ve lost a lot of that confidence over the years and stick with what I know best; writing.
Writing will always be my primary genre, but I guess the problem I am grappling with is finding that confidence that I once had again.
I really want to create my own posters with my poetry on it, but like you say, I compare myself to other artists and think, “Who would want one of my pieces hanging in the living space?”
Thanks for providing a forum for this discussion. It is rare for an artist of your talents to reach out in to others in the way you do, Janis!
Janis Zroback replied
Thank you for that wonderful encomium Alison….
I think the way to start building up confidence about your art is to have faith in yourself first of all. Then look objectively at the work and try to analyze where you feel it falls short….going to a painting course run by a non judgmental teacher who can give you some guidance would be the second step, at the same time start reading as much as you can about painting, and tackling some of the exercises they often include for beginners….these will not hurt your style of painting….they will help to enhance it…I found that In the beginning I had to try many different ways before I found what was my way…actually it was there all the time, but it was necessary to go through the exercises to find out….
If you need more specific advice, please don’t hesitate to send me a Bmail…
CateTownsend
Thank you so much Janis. I am really struggling atm with a piece, and your words of wisdom have come at the right time for me. I was trying a layering effect and well it didnt really work. I was putting way too much pressure on myself, but as it has to be marked of course I want it to turn out well. I will just sit back and let it speak to me, every time I have done this, unfortunately I have fought because what it is saying and what I intended seem to be altogether different. After reading this I feel I can relax a bit now.
Janis Zroback replied
I have found that leaving a piece [sometimes for years] that is not responding is the best way…a finished piece can speak to you many months or even years later, and suddenly you realize that you can change it and make it better….this can happen with any medium, even watercolours…if there is a deadline as in your case, then leave it and go out, for dinner, shopping, a walk, whatever you need to help you relax, then go back to it with new energy and a fresh eye…whatever you do, don’t fight what your innermost self is telling you to do..
Janis Zroback replied
P.S.You’re very welcome Cate, and I am sure your piece will get great marks…
DanaMS
Beautifully done! Thank you for bringing it up! Your words can help many to relize what we actually know down deep inside but usually we seem to be deaf for our own thoughts! Wonderful writing Janis!
Janis Zroback replied
Artists are so often a prey to self doubt…it’s par for the course….and of course we start listening to others tell us that we should do this or that…fatal…your inner voice is always the right one…
Karin Taylor
wonderful and very helpful words Janis :D
beautifully presented!
Janis Zroback replied
Thank you Karin…I’m so pleased you enjoyed reading this article and found it helpful…
coppertrees
You always inspire all Janis
Janis Zroback replied
Thank you Vickie…I’m happy to help…
DanaMS
And today is the day I need your words as air to breathe… Thank you
Janis Zroback replied
I’m happy to help in any way that I can Dana….
Alison Pearce
Thanks for your advice Janis. It is always much appreciated!