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SO being an artist…gulp…a term I am still getting used to, is challenging.
Everyone and their brother can take a pot shot at you…everyone has an opinion.
Putting what feels precious to you out there for all the world to see?
Scary.
But, it must be done. It is this crazy jumble of thoughts and emotions that colide every which way and they must be dealt with.
What if no one likes what I do?
What if they don't understand?
The thing is, the work must be done, it must be completed. It lives on the inside and needs to see the light of day.
Just like what YOU do, every day. It must get out.
My husband and I went to an event we have here in Philadelphia called "First Friday". It happens in an area of the city where there are many art galleries. It is a big opening celebration and it is a madhouse, if you can even call it that, as it happens on the street. The really amazing thing about this event is not just the artists who show in the galleries. The sidewalks are lined with people showing their art. Paintings, Drawings, Sculpture…it's all there, for all the world to see. And these artists are brave. People walk up and down the street and ignore many of these artists, but they persevere, they are there, offering their art, doing what they do. And for me…they inspire. To be really honest, their artwork was not all great. In fact, some of it I didn't like even a tiny bit, but they put it out there. And for that I am grateful.
They showed me to just put it out there.
That's what it's all about.
Letting people see, letting them in.
And letting them think what they think!
So tell me what YOU think!!! This process happens for all of us in one way or another. Whether you are an artist, or a teacher, or an interior designer or a coach you are putting your thoughts, ideas, work out there every day! Do you ever struggle with any of this? How to you handle your inner parts…the ones that might be afraid?
Can't wait to hear from you and also want you to go out and make today your best day ever!
Today is the best day you've got!
Michele
A Facebook "Like", a tweet and a comment are all appreciated!
COMMENT!!! I really want to hear from YOU!
Looking forward to sharing NEW ideas with you about art and my journey back to doing art. flowers and who knows what else? For the last 30 years Michele has been designing beautiful flower arrangements for all kinds of people, from brides to prom goers, from dining rooms to boardrooms. Trained as a fine artist , Michele brought her unique vision to the art of Floral design. Designing flowers in a more relaxed,"unfloristy" way was always the goal when working for private clients.
Michele continues to do artwork , including paper sculpture (this is new!) and designing various products from table linens to greeting cards to holiday decorations, She continues to have a distinctive and diverse viewpoint she brings to her work. One of Michele's goals is to help people feel confidence and joy, enjoy art, enjoy flowers and enjoy the art of the everyday.
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Today is the best day I have for sure Michelle and the only day I can call the present. Beautiful picture. For sure looking fear in the eye is something we have to face to move forward is how I see it. Great post.
Hi, great post! I believe you just gotta do what you do best and not worry what others think! Put it all out there! The people that need you will come! The people who affirm your an Artist is what counts. www.footpathbizcoaching.com
Great article Michele! If I may…a book recomendation…'The Ant and The Elephant'…I believe you will find it extremely interesting(a good read)…please let me know what you think…Thanks, Hughie
Michele, I can identify with that fear as a writer. Stephen Pressfield called it Resistance. To quote him: Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands Resistance. You are an artist – a gifted artist!
Michele. I love the way you write — another talent of yours! You make me smile — cuz I feel the joy of what you're doing. Keep it up!
Excellent article with such a powerful message…one we all need to hear over and over! Do what we do because we love to do it and then let it go!! Thanks for sharing this!
I keep getting the same reminder… be a duck! – let what others have to say roll off your back! take what works for you! thanks and great job today!
Love your pic and article, Michele! I believe one must do what they enjoy and do best and not worry about what others think. Thanks so much. I always leave your page with a smile.
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You are so right that we need to do things even when we are afraid; do them afraid, but just do them. It is easier said than done though!!! Thanks for the great reminder!!
ahh You got me.. I don't like to face my fears but I'm working on it! It's the only way to make it in business!
Love the power behind this post!
Thank you for this post
I am getting ready to launch into some scary and exciting adventures in my life and this is great advice across the board. I find I rarely regret the things I tried. Carpe diem!
Great post, Michele. No other way to overcome fear but to face it down head on! Just like Joyce Meyer says: Do it AFRAID! :)
Love this post Michele. Especially because of the fact that it has a great message and we can learned something from it. Thank you for sharing this article with us!
Great post Michele. I have a hard time first of all coming up with content sometimes and then the fear that nobody will read it or like it. Just doing it has really made it much easier.
First Friday sounds awesome! I need to see if there is something like that in our area too!
When I was just starting my second career as a singer, I had such a strong desire to get out there and perform. But at the same time, I was petrified. My standards were so high! I would get incredible stage fright. I was scared to offer my art just as it was. In one point in time. I had this sick belief that unless I could be as incredible as Barbra Streisand or Celine Dion, I shouldn't be singing in public at all!
As artists, it's hard for us to "get" that what we offer at any point in our artisitic history is valuable, appreciable and important. That it is in the very act of sharing (or performing) that our art can evolve, grow and become what it wants to become. When we hide our art or talent out of some kind of warped modesty or self-criticism, we deprive everyone… especially ourselves and our Muse.
Get out there, girlfriend! Share your stuff!
First, I love your flowers. But you are right, not everyone will love you, no matter who you are. All entrepreneurs are "artists," and I think it's scary for everyone, at least in the beginning. For me, it's putting out content. Will people hate what I write, and call it too obvious or just wrong? Some days I think about it, but usually not, I just put it out there! Of course with your visual art it's probably a little more intimidating because there's more of an obvious public display. I'm glad you are stepping through the fear to get your stuff out there. Thta's about 80% of the battle right there!
Right on! I love your work….I think of you as a sort of "soul artist" – because your blog posts are always filled with a little something about the creation process, the emotions behind it, and your personal transparency is inspirational!