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Do you really want to "make it"?

AdamParsons_75
By: AdamParsons
Mood: other
Date: 05/11/2008 15:02:08
Music: None


I have been filled with contemplation recently about the strivings of my heart. 

I think it's the human nature for us to push forward and for us in turn to want what we don't have, only to find that most of the time that we can have it... that we don't want it. In the past I've been guilty of this.

My battle is to whether or not I really REALLY want to be a commercial painter. By this I don't mean to sell out or to paint just what others want, but I mean although I've been trying hard to 'make it', now that it seems that it could happen, and I have a large body of work... do I really want it?

I paint because I have something caught in me. For the most part I have no idea what it is, but I feel stuffed and cramped unless I get it out. This is why I have so much art, but what if I have a gallerist wanting me to produce another 30 works, in effect sucking the poop out of me rather than me poopin' cos I gotta go!

As so many of you out there are striving to 'reach the top', I just want to ask you if you've thought about the same things or am I alone in this?



MEMBERS COMMENTS



VIEWING 1 - 3 OUT OF 3 COMMENTS



From: sarj259
05/11/2008 18:34:14
You're definitely not alone. Today I had a similar conversation with my husband during a long drive home. Of course mine didn't include the poop analogy. I think those feelings are part of the human condition. Where you go in your life will depend on which of the voices in your head you choose to listen to.


From: AdamParsons
05/11/2008 15:47:41
Keemosan. That's a great start. 
I am very blessed. I came to this country from Japan never touching a computer. Most of what I've learned as now a multimedia designer by trade have all been from trying to find new ways to promote and/or sell my art.

I became a webdesigner from no budget to frame. Nothing more.

Now I earn well. I create the face to an educational system and I don't NEED to sell anything. I just have a huge body of work... and want the world to see it. It's really not about the $ as much.

From: keemosan
05/11/2008 15:36:14

Hi Adam,
I used to find great difficutly with this same questions. It has taken many years to come to a point where I realized that using terms like "making it" and "reach the top" were hindering my progress as an artist and as a person. Do what you do because IT IS what you do. No other reason. Create your art. Let your art be you. However, art is a business. If you plan on selling art you will have to treat it as a business or galleries and buyers will take complete advantage of you.  If you don't plan on selling your artwork then your answers are easy to find.


For the artist who would like to sell their artwork: I personally believe that the most important thing an artist can learn is to seperate thier art FROM the business of art. That is much easier said than done but once you can do that, everything clears right up. Also, run your "business" how it fits your life.


You are not alone in thinking what you think. However, when I compare working 60 hours to get a ton of paintings done for a show or working 60 hours at some job where I make someone else rich, that answer is simple:


Paint.


I hope my two cents helps you a bit. Keep painting and don't worry about "reaching the top". Just when you think you've reached the top you will realize you have got a long way to go.


Take care.









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