Comments on: Facing Our Art Fears

By: Kirsty Hall

Kirsty Hall — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 01:24:37 +0000

I think it can work really well as long as you're clear that you're not quitting, you're just taking another path. And as long as you know what you're aiming for.

By: Kat

Kat — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:19:18 +0000

i love your comment about not pushing any more…i think when we let things happen organically, instead of forcing it, it helps relieve fears, doubts and stress. i've decided to stop forcing a career in art and just see what happens. i'm tired of pushing so hard and letting other things fall to the wayside, it's not easy letting go of a dream but am feeling way less pressure and for now that's a really, really good thing!!

By: Kirsty Hall

Kirsty Hall — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 03:55:49 +0000

Thanks iHanna, I've not listened to that podcast before but I do listen to lots of them whilst sewing my sequins, so I'll definitely give it a go.

By: iHanna

iHanna — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 02:41:37 +0000

When I started reading this I was thinking about a podcast I recently listened to, I don't know if you have checked out Jamie's shows? Anyway, you need to listen to her talk with keri smith here: http://jamieridlerstudios.ca/creative-living-wi... – it will encourage your decision not to do contests! :-)

By: Kirsty Hall

Kirsty Hall — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:38:43 +0000

It's a bit unnerving how many art fears lurk in our unconscious mind, isn't it. I try to keep a lid on mine but they do emerge from the attic and rampage through the house on occasion!

A lot of artists have day jobs, Francesca, even quite successful ones. Sometimes a day job can even help, it stabilises your income of course but it can also be a source of inspiration if you're in the right job. Some artists kept their day jobs for their whole life, even after they could have quit. And many a writer has written their novel on company time. Have you read Carol Lloyds book, Creating A Life Worth Living. It's a good book on careers development for creative people and she really 'gets it'. There's a great chapter called The Drudge We Do For Dollars about finding the right day job to fund your practice.

By: Kirsty Hall

Kirsty Hall — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:34:29 +0000

It's tough when you're geographically isolated, Stephanie but you just have to keep believing that you'll find your 'right people'. Fortunately the internet makes this easier than it ever has been. I think if you're making good work and putting it out there, it'll eventually find an audience. I take great solace from the fact that Louise Bourgeois didn't become famous until she was in her 60's!

By: Kirsty Hall

Kirsty Hall — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:31:04 +0000

Oh blush, thank you Amber. It's great to hear that.

Children are a wonderful inspiration when it comes to making art. I love sitting down with the 2 daughters of my friends and just drawing. They always want me to draw cats – which I do very badly but they don't care. I'm looking forward to making art with my niece and nephew once they're a bit older (they're both still under 1, so it's going to be a couple of years yet)

By: Kirsty Hall

Kirsty Hall — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:28:18 +0000

Oh, that's a hard one, Caroline. I think we all need praise. I'd encourage you to surround yourself with people who do like your work. Of course, we sometimes need criticism to grow but if you're in a vulnerable place, it can just completely destroy your ability to work. You do have to protect your muse and your art.

By: Kirsty Hall

Kirsty Hall — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:26:58 +0000

It's a constant struggle, isn't it. There's always the sense in the artworld that there isn't enough to go around so when opportunities come up we all tend to grab them violently without stopping to wonder if they're in our best interests.

By: Kirsty Hall

Kirsty Hall — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:26:07 +0000

Thank you Laura. You're so right, we are often our own worst enemies. It took me years before I could gift a knitted item without pointing out the flaws!