Chapter one reflected the stigmas and negative connotations associated with choosing art as a career path. It discussed how in school, students are not generally taught to be a successful direction and that even in art schools themselves, teachers tend to avoid the topic of professionally living as an artist. Most schools support the idea of dual careers in order to gain financial stability, because living on just your art alone is not realistic. The book discussed out why that is not necessarily true and further explained ways someone could make it as an artist based on their own expectations and efforts. It was interesting to hear her address people's attitudes toward art as a profession and I found it relatable. Ever since I started art school my father has always stressed that I should have a fall back or I should live with realistic expectations, meaning I should expect to not succeed in making a living. While I have determination to prove him wrong, as well as others who have shared their concern, his voice still echoes in my head. I understand his concern, but my goal is not impossible.
Chapter Eleven addressed the various hindrances to us as artists. We hold ourselves back from becoming successful out of fear of failure. The most common ways that we prevent ourselves from making it as artists are our rationalizations, paranoia, and an overwhelming fear of competition and rejection. Artists often see other artists as a threat and take preventative measures to assure others don't succeed, rather than banding together as a community and trying to help each other out. We also rationalize why we can't produce any current art, why we shouldn't try to expose ourselves, and what ever other excuses we can come up with to hold us back. As I was reading this chapter I could feel myself slowly sinking into my chair. Almost every excuse or paranoia she had listed, I knew that I had used myself. I am insecure and drowning in anxiety over failure and rejection that hasn't even really occurred yet. We really are our own worst enemies.
April, we've all relied at times on various excuses for not producing, failing to meet deadlines, etc. The pressure to create a drawing, painting, sculpture, etc., can feel overwhelming and it can be easy to let those obstacles get in the way. So in this class, we'll try to eliminate or at least be ready for those obstacles, so they don't impede your goals.
ReplyDeleteCatherine