Return of the King

You are making art, and you feel that your creations should support you. Is this a reasonable demand, or not? Did anyone guarantee such an outcome?

Let’s look and dig deep. Having your art seen and acquired by collectors adds up to prestige and money. But, what if this is not happening? Your philosophy will make the difference between fulfillment and failure.

The essence of making art is to be in that magical space of creation where time and space support your passion. Everything after the painting is marketing, timing, and a bit of luck. To get at the bottom line of making it as an artist, the point is to do whatever it takes to keep going so that you can be in that sublimely powerful space of creation. If your art isn’t yet paying the bills, you must step up. Otherwise, who is fooling whom?

The true artist will always find a way. 

Talisman of Awareness

A question that often arises among art lovers as well as artists themselves: What is the purpose of art?

Here, we are not talking about advertising, illustration, or any other artwork with a predefined motive or purpose. We are talking about art from the soul, the collective unconscious, which is creation magic in the material world.

Such art has one overriding purpose for the artist and the collector. Such art reminds us to break out from the pack, to question authority, to confront mindless dogma, to be free from social conditioning, and in the end, to think and be for ourselves, whatever the cost may be.

Place yourself in the scenario to see where you stand in the stream of awareness.

Girl in Blue Blouse by Peter Falk

Many of us remember Peter Falk who recently died for his world-famous Columbo character. Falk was adept at both drama and comedy.

But did you know Peter was an accomplished artist, a fine draughtsman? In one of his roles, he played himself in the film, Wings of Desire, where he can be seen carrying his pad, sketching various people in the movie.

Peter Falk’s versatility of expression brings up a fine point, which I often make: an artist has no medium.

Thank you, Peter, for sharing your many talents with the world. Rest in peace.

Waiting for Rorschach

This observation is relevant for both the artist and the art appreciator.

The artist may ask: What is the inherent value of my art?

The art appreciator may ask: Is this art or not?

But, what do these questions mean? How can you appreciate the end product without comprehending its creation?

How did that apple, chair, face, doggie, name your object, get onto the canvas? From what source did that abstract painting reveal itself? Was it a product of conceptualization and planning, or alchemy?

The answers to these questions unveil all—that is, if you have the fortitude to find the elusive curtain and see what’s behind it.

Beach Villa

From An Artist Empowered:

Nothing—except you—can prevent you from living an authentic life.

If your desire to create is fueled on less than a fire in the belly, then fully realize your situation: to be self-aware is the goal.

To live your dream, you must wake up and remain awake. The artist’s life isn’t for everyone. You must decide if this observation is relevant for your situation. To maneuver the rugged terrain while avoiding the pitfalls as one ascends the mountain is a required skill that comes with its share of bruises.

After all, you wouldn’t plan on climbing Mount Everest without training, the proper equipment, a seasoned guide, and a party of fellow mountaineers who shared your vision. The quest for art demands no less . . .

The next time you are fortunate enough to catch yourself grumbling about your art life—stop thinking. Grab hold of this moment of disenchantment; it is an opportunity to feel the truth of your fears, doubts, motivations, and the value of your art. Step up and confront your complaints and self-inflicted woes; if you want depth, you must dig deep.

Use disappointment, including rejection to affirm your purpose and to develop your strength of character; this is the object lesson.