Thank you Heather. Your beautiful writing is a lovely way to get into the art of my day. As you well know, I am currently attempting to integrate art into my daily life - in a very different way. As an art teacher, I would always be on the lookout for what might spark joy for my students. It has been a long year of moving away from looking through the eyes of others - to looking through my own eyes. What sparks joy for me? You are so right - solitude and slowing down are key. The exploration is delicious and I look forward to figuring my next steps of art making out in the world.
Good morning Jody! I love your journey of "looking through your own eyes" and "what sparks joy for you!" To be in this place can only bring out the best of you as a person and as an artist ! Slowing down is often harder than it sounds but it sounds like you are offering this gift to yourself :-) Look so forward to hearing about your path as you move through this exploration !
I retired a couple of years ago and only now am I settling in to making art every day with the goal of improving my skills as well as expressing myself. I have sold a few pieces in the past but I have decided to forgo the exhibition route because I just don’t have the energy to pursue it. That may change at some point but for now it is enough to immerse myself in the play of mark making.
Well I have to say I have been picking away at this for many years. Art has been a major chord in the music of my existence. Sometimes it’s been quite or taken on another form but it will not be silenced and it has returned in full force, to make up for lost time. I look forward to the days I can rise and slow the pace and hope they arrive. I still try to make art that sells. I just don’t have the space to keep it all, but it’s ever changing and suits my whim. Marketing it out to other worlds would be a great load off my shoulder. Only so much can sell here, sadly. Thank you for this great opportunity to be part of a community of similar souls!❤️
Hi Lorrie I know you as a prolific talented artist with a wide repertoire of skills and mediums ! I agree with you re breaking out of selling exclusively to a smaller community - it’s easier than before to sell to a larger patron base - but it’s also a learning curve ! Thanks for being here and hopefully the jetpack group will be of value to you!
Hello there, this really struck a chord as I am fast approaching a cross roads in my life and I’m looking forward to having the time soon to just pause and think.
Sorry for late reply Mrs B I’m actually in Uk now ! Travelled that dreaded red eye overnighter so my mind is likely a bit more scrambled than usual ! I totally agree re time to mull and think.. so many possibilities and potential directions ! Working at salaried employment and making time for art can be a challenge in itself to balance one’s energy reserves ! Moving to a full time art career for me felt both liberating and daunting . I was so accustomed to going at rapid speed that I forgot to leave time to think . Still thinking .. and I know it will fall into place in time :-)
Good to know the content is relevant for you Sarah :-) As for the marketing aspect -I am thinking about how I might create a separate thread for this . It is something I have been mulling around for awhile now -how to offer tips/strategies for personal art growth with the ageless artist in mind!
Hi, well you hit a nerve! I also came into this game later in life. As I age( almost 70!) I find it harder to push for recognition etc. but I think I still want it. Mostly I create to please myself but it really is lovely to get a pat on the back and maybe a sale occasionally. I find myself often conflicted and doubtful.
Hi Sarah..Thanks for this.. It really is harder to push for recognition-a reason why I believe many artists of our vintage just throw up their hands and give up. The recognition and response to our art seems to be a part of what drives us to make. I also think we were raised in a time where it was not appropriate to put yourself front and centre and "blow your own horn ". I recall that being perceived as vain was a negative attribute of personality - So much of what is asked of us publically (on social media) is to confidently and assertively promote ourselves . How do you move from being humble and private about your art -to broadcasting out loud to the world to see and buy your art -and with heightened regularity. The old style of presenting portfolios and slides and waiting for acceptance or rejection was the order of the day. It's been a huge leap and learning curve.
What I see as progressive is that we can take complete charge of our own marketing. We can learn about and from our potential clients whether or not we are making what excites them. We do not have to rely on one person's subjective viewpoint. The more I have researched different kinds of marketing for artists the more I learn it's rather the same basic tenets that one might follow for all kinds of products. I'm very happy to share what I have discovered and synthesized for myself. I will not mince words -it takes a bit of energy and dedication..but it does work. Sorry to have gone on..lol ..I do understand your words "conflicted and doubtful"
Wow! It’s always so wonderful to find someone who has had a similar art journey. I’ve been rethinking so many of my expectations with what actually feels in line with my spirit. I find that hard decisions are a “no” for me and I want more fluidity in how I move forward. I show up as I can and to be consistent in my fluidity!😊
Indigene : It seems like we have travelled some parallel paths in our art journeys. A contemplative time for sure. I love your attitude and embracing of incorporating "fluidity" into your practise . Thanks for your wonderful response.
I am an inconsistently consistent art maker. I too came to art in my forties and did a stint as a gallery artist, thinking that was how I wanted to make a living. I have come to realize that I don't much care if people outside of my intimate circle see/like my work. The process is what nurtures my soul.
I too am an early morning riser, often due to my terror (terrier) and love that this is the first thing I read this morning. Thank you Heather.
Hi Sarah ! it's good hearing from an inconsistently consistent artist like yourself. I think talking about our experiences in the gallery milieu can be a whole conversation in itself . . It sounds like you have made some peace in how you wish to put your art out there -or not and lovely that you are finding joy in the process of making! Thank you for your thoughtful comments .
Hi Jane and welcome! So good to hear you are making art daily - that’s a huge achievement in itself ! I know the exhibition and gallery route can be exhausting - mentally and physically !!I hope you will check
Out our “artist jetpack newsletter too for tips and ideas about experimenting with different ways to show and sell your art .. also thanks for joining this community !
it's so true Janice we all have our own personal clocks and energy streams! I am sure your afternoons (when I am fading) are quite magical too!
I do think incentive propels us forward -and you having a purposeful goal to show your art and elicit a response seems pretty natural to me. I believe the true need to create over and over is driven by repeated acknowledgement and reaction as much as the delight of doing. Taking leaps to get your art out there is key- and when you feel yourself getting excited about a prospect for showing (or selling)then you know the making comes easier.
It sounds like you are at a place of personal change and are ready to take some risks . if you already have the skills in the kind of work you enjoy then the more you do it - well I think that is where the learning happens too ...
Thank you Heather. Your beautiful writing is a lovely way to get into the art of my day. As you well know, I am currently attempting to integrate art into my daily life - in a very different way. As an art teacher, I would always be on the lookout for what might spark joy for my students. It has been a long year of moving away from looking through the eyes of others - to looking through my own eyes. What sparks joy for me? You are so right - solitude and slowing down are key. The exploration is delicious and I look forward to figuring my next steps of art making out in the world.
Good morning Jody! I love your journey of "looking through your own eyes" and "what sparks joy for you!" To be in this place can only bring out the best of you as a person and as an artist ! Slowing down is often harder than it sounds but it sounds like you are offering this gift to yourself :-) Look so forward to hearing about your path as you move through this exploration !
I retired a couple of years ago and only now am I settling in to making art every day with the goal of improving my skills as well as expressing myself. I have sold a few pieces in the past but I have decided to forgo the exhibition route because I just don’t have the energy to pursue it. That may change at some point but for now it is enough to immerse myself in the play of mark making.
Well I have to say I have been picking away at this for many years. Art has been a major chord in the music of my existence. Sometimes it’s been quite or taken on another form but it will not be silenced and it has returned in full force, to make up for lost time. I look forward to the days I can rise and slow the pace and hope they arrive. I still try to make art that sells. I just don’t have the space to keep it all, but it’s ever changing and suits my whim. Marketing it out to other worlds would be a great load off my shoulder. Only so much can sell here, sadly. Thank you for this great opportunity to be part of a community of similar souls!❤️
Hi Lorrie I know you as a prolific talented artist with a wide repertoire of skills and mediums ! I agree with you re breaking out of selling exclusively to a smaller community - it’s easier than before to sell to a larger patron base - but it’s also a learning curve ! Thanks for being here and hopefully the jetpack group will be of value to you!
Hello there, this really struck a chord as I am fast approaching a cross roads in my life and I’m looking forward to having the time soon to just pause and think.
I really enjoy reading your posts, many thanks 😁
Sorry for late reply Mrs B I’m actually in Uk now ! Travelled that dreaded red eye overnighter so my mind is likely a bit more scrambled than usual ! I totally agree re time to mull and think.. so many possibilities and potential directions ! Working at salaried employment and making time for art can be a challenge in itself to balance one’s energy reserves ! Moving to a full time art career for me felt both liberating and daunting . I was so accustomed to going at rapid speed that I forgot to leave time to think . Still thinking .. and I know it will fall into place in time :-)
That's good to know Heather thank you, I think it will take me a while to 'decompress' but I'm planning on having a relaxing summer!
All the best chuck
Relaxing summer sounds like just the right tonic ! Cheers
Thank you! Great comments and I would love to hear more about your marketing strategies.
Good to know the content is relevant for you Sarah :-) As for the marketing aspect -I am thinking about how I might create a separate thread for this . It is something I have been mulling around for awhile now -how to offer tips/strategies for personal art growth with the ageless artist in mind!
Hi, well you hit a nerve! I also came into this game later in life. As I age( almost 70!) I find it harder to push for recognition etc. but I think I still want it. Mostly I create to please myself but it really is lovely to get a pat on the back and maybe a sale occasionally. I find myself often conflicted and doubtful.
Hi Sarah..Thanks for this.. It really is harder to push for recognition-a reason why I believe many artists of our vintage just throw up their hands and give up. The recognition and response to our art seems to be a part of what drives us to make. I also think we were raised in a time where it was not appropriate to put yourself front and centre and "blow your own horn ". I recall that being perceived as vain was a negative attribute of personality - So much of what is asked of us publically (on social media) is to confidently and assertively promote ourselves . How do you move from being humble and private about your art -to broadcasting out loud to the world to see and buy your art -and with heightened regularity. The old style of presenting portfolios and slides and waiting for acceptance or rejection was the order of the day. It's been a huge leap and learning curve.
What I see as progressive is that we can take complete charge of our own marketing. We can learn about and from our potential clients whether or not we are making what excites them. We do not have to rely on one person's subjective viewpoint. The more I have researched different kinds of marketing for artists the more I learn it's rather the same basic tenets that one might follow for all kinds of products. I'm very happy to share what I have discovered and synthesized for myself. I will not mince words -it takes a bit of energy and dedication..but it does work. Sorry to have gone on..lol ..I do understand your words "conflicted and doubtful"
You are not alone with these feelings.
Wow! It’s always so wonderful to find someone who has had a similar art journey. I’ve been rethinking so many of my expectations with what actually feels in line with my spirit. I find that hard decisions are a “no” for me and I want more fluidity in how I move forward. I show up as I can and to be consistent in my fluidity!😊
Indigene : It seems like we have travelled some parallel paths in our art journeys. A contemplative time for sure. I love your attitude and embracing of incorporating "fluidity" into your practise . Thanks for your wonderful response.
I am an inconsistently consistent art maker. I too came to art in my forties and did a stint as a gallery artist, thinking that was how I wanted to make a living. I have come to realize that I don't much care if people outside of my intimate circle see/like my work. The process is what nurtures my soul.
I too am an early morning riser, often due to my terror (terrier) and love that this is the first thing I read this morning. Thank you Heather.
Hi Sarah ! it's good hearing from an inconsistently consistent artist like yourself. I think talking about our experiences in the gallery milieu can be a whole conversation in itself . . It sounds like you have made some peace in how you wish to put your art out there -or not and lovely that you are finding joy in the process of making! Thank you for your thoughtful comments .
Hi Jane and welcome! So good to hear you are making art daily - that’s a huge achievement in itself ! I know the exhibition and gallery route can be exhausting - mentally and physically !!I hope you will check
Out our “artist jetpack newsletter too for tips and ideas about experimenting with different ways to show and sell your art .. also thanks for joining this community !
it's so true Janice we all have our own personal clocks and energy streams! I am sure your afternoons (when I am fading) are quite magical too!
I do think incentive propels us forward -and you having a purposeful goal to show your art and elicit a response seems pretty natural to me. I believe the true need to create over and over is driven by repeated acknowledgement and reaction as much as the delight of doing. Taking leaps to get your art out there is key- and when you feel yourself getting excited about a prospect for showing (or selling)then you know the making comes easier.
It sounds like you are at a place of personal change and are ready to take some risks . if you already have the skills in the kind of work you enjoy then the more you do it - well I think that is where the learning happens too ...