Pushing ourselves and stepping out of our comfort zones is not an easy thing to do. We can all get too comfortable keeping the status quo. But, deep down, I think we all know that as artists, in whatever medium, we need to continually challenge ourselves to grow. I've always loved a Ralph Waldo Emerson quote that says, "unless you try to do something beyond what you've already mastered, you will never grow." Makes sense - I think we all know that - but I think many of us fear taking that next step.
The photo above is one of three of my photographs that are now showing in a fundraising art show called The Big Draw, through Beacon Open Studios in Beacon, NY. This is actually the first time I've put my work in a show, even though I have had several people telling me (over and over) that I should do just that! This was an easy first choice. First of all, it's a fundraiser for the arts - something near and dear to my heart. (If any of you are familiar with Beacon, NY you know that it is a wonderfully diverse art community that wholeheartedly supports area artists.)
Secondly, as you can see on their website if you visit, it's a very unique art show. There was no need for framing and matting! Each piece of art needed to be unframed and sized exactly 6 x 8 inches. For those of you who have shown in art shows you know just how time consuming and expensive it can get to matte and frame several photos or pieces of artwork, and so this was an easy-peasy decision for me to go ahead and take that first leap!
This show runs through January 26th, but I've already begun searching for other shows, juried, and open, that I can hopefully enter some more of my work. This is going to be the year that I push myself, take that leap, and get my work out there!
Do you have something that you've always wanted to do but just haven't pushed yourself to do it yet? Maybe this is the year that you take that leap of faith! Maybe it's putting your work in art shows, like me. Or learning how to paint. Is it taking your photography to the next level by joining classes or a photo excursion? Or selling your creations at fine art shows and craft fairs? You tell me.
I'd love to hear what it is that you've been wanting to do, but haven't dared to take the next step yet. This blog is the perfect place for you to share your dreams and to get support and love from all of us. Leave your comments here, or even better, start a discussion thread in our Focusing on Life flickr group so that everyone can support each other!
Could this be the year for you too? I hope so!
19 comments:
Wow Judy! When you come out of hibernation (according to you) you really come out! Congratulations on your first show! I am so happy for you. I have to go look up Beacon NY - it sounds like a cool place. So glad you stepped up because your photos are beautiful and your talent obvious!
Congratulations, Judy! So excited for you! This is something I've always wanted to do and have even been asked to do a couple of times but just haven't taken the leap. I can't even list all of the reasons I've given myself not to do it. But I think once you step out of your comfort zone and go for it, the next time is easier. My sister and her husband own a restaurant in a summer tourist area and have asked me to hang prints and sell cards there. It's about 2-1/2 hours away and my excuse has always been that it's too far to have to go up and check and see if they need more and resupply them. But if I dig deep, that's not the real reason. It's the fear t hat they won't sell, that they will just hang there and be a reminder that I'm not good enough to be selling my work. Isn't that silly? I think with your encouragement I'm going to do something about that and go for it. Good luck on your show and I'm sure there will be many more.
this is so great judy! congratulations on taking that leap. it's the scariest feeling to put yourself out there and time after time i just chicken out thinking i'm not good enough. i'm not a 'real' artist. my word for the year is REACH and i think it's time for me to start peeking out of my comfort zone. thank you for the inspiration!! love, kelly
This is so wonderful...congrats to you and your leap..you will be an inspiration to us all to take that step!!
Very proud of you, Judy! YAY!!! Your story does inspire others. I was asked to participate in a local show last year but gave the excuse that I'd be out of town. Deep down it was fear of results but also I didn't want to bother with the ding-dong framing requirements! Your frameless show sounds ideal to me!
Keep it up!
Oh Terri, you have to do it! We all need to just do it - everyone always believes in us but ourselves. Last Easter I was asked to participate in a unique art experience at my church using whatever I want to to express what Easter meant to me. I ended up not doing it out of fear I think of the same thing...they weren't for sale, but I was fearful I guess that mine wouldn't be as good as the others. So silly, because it was about expression and that just isn't something that is better or worse than someone else. I hope they ask me again this year...I'm ready..I'm about possible!
Yay Judy! I hate to think about all the possibilities that I've passed up. It's another reason why I talked myself out of participating in something I was asked to do last year (see my reply to Terri) - the cost of making that expression something physical. I'm trying to be brave enough to explore the possibility of that book I want to do....sigh!
Dotti, this show is open to anyone, anywhere. I'll let you know next year when it's coming around again. No frames. No matting. :)
I know you will do wonderful things this year with your word "possible" guiding you through Kim! I know that the fear of rejection and feeling inadequate has stopped me so many times. Luckily I had to get my photos submitted before I got so sick. Otherwise it would have been another missed opportunity.
Thank you Deanna!
Maybe this is your year too Kelly. What a great word! It's just been in this past year that I clearly state that I am a photographer, even though it's been yearsssss that I have been! Take the leap Kelly - your work is wonderful!
Terri, I agree with Kim. You must do this! I'm sure it will be a wonderful experience. When I travel I love to buy work from the local artists. Be sure to leave your business card as well so people can contact you too. Please go for it Terri!
Oh thank you Carol! Coming from a seasoned art show participator as you are I take that as a huge compliment! Thanks for your support!
Way to go, Judy!! You deserve to be showing your images! Your artwork is beautiful! I think it sounds like we're all just a little too tough on ourselves!!
I had to come back and post again. I left FOL and went to Courtney Walsh's site. Her topic for today is "for those who are afraid" and she gives the best advice "so be afraid, but do it anyway." I may have to hang this saying on my mirror! http://courtneywalsh.typepad.com/telling_stories/2013/01/for-those-who-are-afraid.html
Thanks so much for sharing this Cathy. I will look at it right now!
Love it Cathy. I'm posting that in my work area as well! Be afraid. But do it anyway! Thanks for sharing!
So exciting Judy! Your post is so motivating...thank you for that little push we all need!
Congratulations Judy! This is so exciting for you. Best of luck on this show and finding future shows.
Post a Comment
Thank you for sharing part of your day with us. If for any reason you are unable to leave a comment here on this post, please leave your comment on our Facebook page or in our Flickr discussion group. We love hearing from you!