It's hard to beat a person who never
gives up. -Babe Ruth
It is hard to keep forging on when
the ‘Energizer Bunny’ is next to you. Sometimes it can be pretty tiring
creating new ideas and visualizing the present ideas. None-the-less it is
important to continue moving forward so that you become the one no one can
beat.
How does one keep up the pace? One
way is never become complaisant in your work. This is why reflecting on the
reason for creating the work is so important.
Create artwork that you love. If you
do not enjoy creating the work you do it is less likely that you will look
forward to working on the project. The work needs to be relevant to you as well
as to others. Your love of the creation can be seen in the imagery and
presentation. Take pride in the work you create for it is yours and no one
else’s. Be true to your inner voice.
The unexamined life is not worth
living. ~ Socrates
For me this is a call to reflect on
why we create art in the first place. Who are we as artists and what is our
work saying to others?
So take a moment and reflect upon an
individual image that you have created or maybe a series. This could be old
work or new image. If you can have it in front of you that would be ideal so
you can easily reflect upon the image. Then write the answers to the following
statements.
Remember the answers do not have
long. You might use only one word or a phrase but despite if it long or short
be honest. This is for you and not the world to see.
1] Describe the image in words.
2] How do you feel when you see
this image or this series?
3] Write a history of the work.
When, where and why was it taken.
4] Is this the best format or
technique for the image or series and if so Why?
5] What are the strengths of
this work?
6} What are the weaknesses?
7] Finally if you could do it
over again what would you change?
It is important to note that history has crowned masters in each field yet all artists strive for more. We
create work in the moment. It is important to look back and know in the next
moment we could have created something even better.
There are no right or wrong answers
here - only failure is not asking more of yourself or your work.
There will be many things that will
keep you from creating work. One could be the frustration that no one but
yourself is interested in the body of work you have created. This might be true
if you ARE the only person who sees the work. There is no magical gallery
director out there surfing the web looking for you. You have to search for
them. You have to place the work out for others to see. In this day and age art
is everywhere and the competition is fierce. But remember it is your voice –
your artwork is unique to you and it will be noticed. This will take effort on
your part but there will be more rewards than just keeping the work in storage.
You created it to be seen and it will be up to you to bring to the world
through social networking, entering competitions, having exhibitions and more.
Being the artist who never gives up
is tiring. So renew your energy by learning new techniques, visiting
museums/galleries, and reading what other artists are thinking. The more you
know the stronger you become as an artist and as person.
You have selected a career that is
very demanding. Being an artist in today’s world is a challenge for now you are
the image maker, the business person, the public relations staff just to name a
few of the hats that you will wear in one day. It is also very exciting for
there is never a dull moment.
Originally written for: http://maritagooteephotography.com/blog/
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