3 Things I'm Learning About Being an Artist/Creator
Anam Cara Clay Goods has been an incredible journey so far! One of discovery, courage, self-confidence, enlightenment, and well just good 'ol fun! Some days I am so energized and excited about what I am doing, and other days I have doubts and question whether to keep going. I realize that both of those are okay. It's not always going to be sunshine and rainbows, sometimes we have to embrace the stormy and cloudy days. With the mountaintops, you have to embrace the valleys too.
I find myself doing a lot of self reflection, trying my best to look at this year through a new lens. To discover and BECOME more of myself than I was last year, heck than I was last week, even yesterday. I keep thinking about what it means to be an artist/creator and the things that I am still figuring out. Those lessons that reverberate and remain a constant companion, reminding me why I do what I do, especially when it seems too much to carry on. So here are a few things I am still learning as I continue on this path. All my artist/ creator friends, are there lessons you have/are finding valuable on your own journey?
Lesson #1:
Vulnerability...IS. A. MUST. Art is an extension of ourselves, and it can be very scary to show that personal expression with the world. It might be scary at first (it was for me!), but over time I realized that by embracing my love for creating things and channeling that fear in a positive way, I was then free to move forward, to find the path for sharing my art in an authentic way.
Lesson #2:
Figure out what drives you to create. Inspiration comes in many forms, and we often discover we are drawn to certain "wells of inspirations" that feel most natural and sincere to us. It's like a still, small whisper (and sometimes a loud voice!!) that leads us down a path of exploration and discovery. That is when we first start to realize that the artist/creator within us has always been there, it just needed a little help and encouragement. It takes courage and something I like to call "gumption." So when you find those things that inspire you, hang on, because it's going to be a heck of a ride.
Lesson #3:
Research and educate yourself. Learn as much as you possibly can about your specific art medium or craft. Then try to apply it. Work at it over and over and over again, until you feel confident in those skills. Then you can develop techniques and methods that make the art unique to you, putting your personal signature on it. Over time you're own style and niche will start to reveal itself to you. And most importantly, enjoy the process: let it bring you joy!