First, I'm one of the artists who has tried not to stick to one style (i've changed my painting style three or four times).
Second, my change of styles has actually helped me become more appreciative of my artworks. Beside that, i don't draw based on what my mind says, i draw from my heart (that's why i sometimes get furious when sb views my paintings from their mind's eyes).
Third, i haven't yet found my voice in a specific style, and i call most of my paintings "my experiments", some of which have been successful, and some not.
And finally, up until this year, i didn't have the courage to reveal my "failed experiments" to those who'd seen my paintings (hell, i didn't even consider them my experiments). But now, i'm not afraid to create a painting that doesn't look beautiful, and if sb gives a negative comment about it, i would act indifferently.
Thank you for opening up about your journey, it takes courage to be so vulnerable! I appreciate you sharing your experiences about exploring different styles, overcoming self-doubt, and reframing each piece as an "experiment."
That growth mindset is inspiring. Every work contributes insights, whether visibly successful or not. Being indifferent to criticism gives you the freedom to take risks and evolve. You should never worry about what others think of your creations. Although I understand it's human nature.
BTW... in my humble opinion, a painting is not about how beautiful or ugly it is. There are a lot of dark and what some people may consider ugly paintings that are critically acclaimed in the art world, and have sold for millions of dollars. It's about the impact that painting has on the viewer or collector, be it good or bad.
Please keep sharing your experiences — it motivates the community to see a fellow artist open up about the realities we all face. Wishing you the best as you continue creating. I've no doubt you'll create art that authentically speaks from the heart.
Great article, Chris! I agree with everything you said, I just have a couple of additional thoughts (and maybe a slight quibble).
While I am all for non-attachment in principle and as an ideal, in the four decades I've spent making work and putting it out there, I have not had a whole lot of success in shielding myself from the intense pain of rejection and failure. And this is after years of therapy and meditation! Of course, rejection and failure are inevitable parts of the journey, and progress is not a straight line. And as you say, creative work always feels intensely personal, and it is this close fusion of creator and creation that leads to our suffering. I'm just not sure how possible it is to avoid it. I think most would agree that embracing vulnerability is a key component of authenticity in creative work. If so, then by making ourselves vulnerable, are we not by definition consciously exposing ourselves to the risk of pain and suffering?
So, in addition to the many wise insights in your thoughtful piece on coping with failure, I would add the components of self-compassion and also, community. Because, for me, what has helped immensely in building and improving resilience is the understanding and realization that I am not alone.
Thanks for your informative article, Chris.
First, I'm one of the artists who has tried not to stick to one style (i've changed my painting style three or four times).
Second, my change of styles has actually helped me become more appreciative of my artworks. Beside that, i don't draw based on what my mind says, i draw from my heart (that's why i sometimes get furious when sb views my paintings from their mind's eyes).
Third, i haven't yet found my voice in a specific style, and i call most of my paintings "my experiments", some of which have been successful, and some not.
And finally, up until this year, i didn't have the courage to reveal my "failed experiments" to those who'd seen my paintings (hell, i didn't even consider them my experiments). But now, i'm not afraid to create a painting that doesn't look beautiful, and if sb gives a negative comment about it, i would act indifferently.
Hey Negar,
Thank you for opening up about your journey, it takes courage to be so vulnerable! I appreciate you sharing your experiences about exploring different styles, overcoming self-doubt, and reframing each piece as an "experiment."
That growth mindset is inspiring. Every work contributes insights, whether visibly successful or not. Being indifferent to criticism gives you the freedom to take risks and evolve. You should never worry about what others think of your creations. Although I understand it's human nature.
BTW... in my humble opinion, a painting is not about how beautiful or ugly it is. There are a lot of dark and what some people may consider ugly paintings that are critically acclaimed in the art world, and have sold for millions of dollars. It's about the impact that painting has on the viewer or collector, be it good or bad.
Please keep sharing your experiences — it motivates the community to see a fellow artist open up about the realities we all face. Wishing you the best as you continue creating. I've no doubt you'll create art that authentically speaks from the heart.
Thank you, Chris. You'll see more of my paintings soon. Before that, i'll start sharing my old works.
Amazing! Great to hear Negar!
Thank you😉. Enjoy your weekend.
P. S.: today's my weekday, not weekend (the Persian weekdays are Sat-Wed).
So much truth, Chris! Read this a few times hoping it sinks in.
It will. Just keep creating! BTW.... when is your next newsletter coming out? The world needs it.
It’s out and on Substack! 🎉🎉🎉
Oh, I somehow missed it. It looks great! Congratulations. 🎉👏🏻
And you have 100 subscribers already. Amazing!
Yep! Brought over my subscribers from Mailchimp!
Great article, Chris! I agree with everything you said, I just have a couple of additional thoughts (and maybe a slight quibble).
While I am all for non-attachment in principle and as an ideal, in the four decades I've spent making work and putting it out there, I have not had a whole lot of success in shielding myself from the intense pain of rejection and failure. And this is after years of therapy and meditation! Of course, rejection and failure are inevitable parts of the journey, and progress is not a straight line. And as you say, creative work always feels intensely personal, and it is this close fusion of creator and creation that leads to our suffering. I'm just not sure how possible it is to avoid it. I think most would agree that embracing vulnerability is a key component of authenticity in creative work. If so, then by making ourselves vulnerable, are we not by definition consciously exposing ourselves to the risk of pain and suffering?
So, in addition to the many wise insights in your thoughtful piece on coping with failure, I would add the components of self-compassion and also, community. Because, for me, what has helped immensely in building and improving resilience is the understanding and realization that I am not alone.