Running an art gallery showing 20+ artists has been an amazing learning experience. My artwork is here as is the work of others. I always try to show all the artists, tell all their stories and let the client decide what speaks to them.
Today a group designing a new office lobby came in. They were interested in one piece by another artist but were headed back to another gallery to buy a few pieces they had seen there first. They had noticed my work but decided that they thought they wanted a piece by another artist. I’m happy, thinking they will be back.
But after they had gone, I looked at the piece that was preferred and wondered what my work is missing? Maybe my work needs to be more complex? Maybe putting some of my work in frames would help? etc etc.
Then the tiny voice within said, “this is what you do… you don’t need to be someone else.” And I did relax and go on with the day.
Maybe an hour later, the group was back and in the end commissioned four paintings to be made… by me. As they had decided that my work had just what they wanted. And I had to smile… inside and outside. While, of course, I’m grateful for the commissions but I’m particularly grateful for that tiny voice in my head (or is it in my heart) that says… you are okay, just as you are. I attribute that voice partly to age and experience… as I certainly didn’t have that voice when I was younger. The voice that blasted thru my head generally told me I wasn’t good enough. And now, the “not good enough” voice does still live in my head but she’s more like a doddering old lady, muttering in the corner. And to me, that is truly cause for celebration!!!
Believe in yourself… you’re the only you that there is.
4 Replies to “Do we ever learn? YES!!”
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Thanks for sharing this wisdom, Su, as you know so many of us need to affirm that tiny voice. My doddering old lady is still too often a shrieking harpy, but she’s learning. Love you.
Love you too!!
Just try telling her to stuff a stocking in it??
The little old man in my head is always right. But I never feed him ‘ice scream’ anymore. I just look at him and ask, “Why do *I* have to change when it is *you* who needs to change?”
Congratulations on the commissions! Both to you, and to those who are commissioning work!
Thanks Paul. There are many voices in my head. Some right… some crazazzy. It’s just taken me a longish time to figure out which gets my attention. Sounds like you’ve got it figured out perfectly.