Boosting your artistic confidence Practical tips
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
- #artistmindset #empoweringartists #artprocess #melrobbins #emmyawards #niecynash
Do you sometimes wish you were more confident or feel that you believed in yourself more. Is that a factor in your progress as an artist? In this video I share some thoughts about how to improve and support our self worth and confidence.
I share some inspiration from others including the Mel Robbins podcast. Specifically this episode:
www.melrobbins...
In it she mentions Niecy Nash and her recent Emmy award acceptance speach: www.emmys.com/...
Also check out @niecynash1 on Instagram.
You can listen to the BBC sounds This cultural life interview with Frank Auerbach here:
www.bbc.co.uk/...
I mention my recent RUclips video book review of David Mankin's book: Remembering in paint. You can see that here:
• Inspiration through ar...
My artist mindset videos playlist is here:
• Artist mindset
We each need to give ourselves permission to be okay with where we are at the moment and open to changes. Sometimes it is out of fear of success, not failure. All this comes down to trust whoever we are for the moment. We have choices
Hi Linda thanks for your comments. Yes I totally agree about being content with where we are -only then will we be able to make the most of the journey we are on . There will be always be people behind and in front. You also have a good point about the fear of success - perhaps because of the unfamiliarity of what that could mean.
I love Mel Robbins. I’ve been watching her for a while she’s awesome.🥰🤗💗
Hi Tina yes she discussed some useful topics hence my mention in this video. It was a coincidental thing where I was thinking about it already and then the podcast popped up!
Thanks Liz for your great videos. As an emerging artist, I found it interesting when my wife said I should have an exhibition at a local gallery run by an artists collective, I immediately said internally “oh my work’s not good enough”…
Outwardly I said “you think so?”.
I am constantly aware of a perception that there is a huge divide between what I want to create and what I actually produce.
Working full time, being a mother, my choices on how to spend my time are key. I identify one limiting thought at a time and create strategies to dismantle them.
Other things getting in the way of art? Keep it small and portable. I have become adept at always having a blank page and a mark making tool in my bag, even if it is tiny. I do 2minute sketches in between throwing the ball for my dog, I sketch anything as my child’s swimming lessons, I have an old backpack that I fill with art materials when we go on holidays… basically I am eliminating excuses. And when I have to “be” with people, I knit or embroider to keep the creative side of me fulfilled.
Financially strapped? You would be surprised at the sheer gold you can find in recycle and reuse centres or thrift shops that can be purchased for a very small amount.
Worried about the waste of materials or surfaces? Always start with mark making on inexpensive materials. Then work up to something of interest on more expensive surfaces.
Limited space? Yes this is a bummer, but make do with what you have. Force yourself to be organised: labelled storage boxes that you can pull out and pack away can make this easier.
Boredom with a piece? Have a few projects on the go.
“Ruining” a piece because I couldn’t wait for the damn paint to dry (and it’s water colour… I mean it only takes a little while!!) have a second piece or sketch always on the go, or step away.
Negative self talk while working on a piece? Step away entirely… you will be surprised how you feel about it in the morning.
Not feeling confident to start anything? Choose a non threatening form of self expression… I like to “doodle paint” using colours straight from the pan. I don’t think about colour, value or composition (which feel completely unintegrated within me), I just get a page, choose a colour and make a shape. Rinse and repeat until the page is full.
Feeling feelings but not arty feelings? Draw, paint or sculpt those using inexpensive materials until you feel emptied.
In terms of therapy, Richard Schwartz the founder of Internal Family Systems has free meditations on Insight Timer. It is a psychotherapeutic approach to understanding that we all have “parts” and the parts that feel like they hold us back need to be heard in some way. Asking them what they need in a meditative state is quite enlightening and freeing.
Social media has been proven to negatively impact one’s mental health over time. It’s a tool that needs to be used judiciously.
Take lots of photos.
Understand what TYPE of art you want to produce and the feeling you want to convey… you covered this so well in your Ramshackle videos… your not after literal or representative, you wanted to convey the feeling as you experienced it in the form of abstraction and mixed media… inspiration INFORMS our choices and then the artistic process and output sort of has a life of its own.
Read books and watch interviews of artists… often the type of art they produce might not be your cup of tea, but their mindset could change everything for you.
Finally, let go of expectations. You can have desires or goals but the artists life (even if it’s only a side hustle or a hobby) is a journey of growth like any new undertaking. Just make stuff and don’t give up… if something isn’t working for you, taking a course where you can get feedback from a teacher you resonate with is invaluable.
Now, back to my concertina sketch book!
Well done and thank you Liz. Your videos and topics are great and helpful. ❤
Hi thank you for your comments. I am so glad that you find the videos helpful.
Great tips Liz, I’ve been a professional artist for over two decades but still struggle with these things. It’s easy to loose sight of the passion and the reason that we paint.
Focusing on the process and enjoying it is so important. (Rather than the end result and whether it will sell, be exhibited etc etc)
I too have pulled back from social media and just post when I have something to share. I rarely scroll now, or just to look at my fav artists, cat videos and recipes lol
I don’t have a group of women artists to meet with and I need to try and fix that this year.
I am in Lewis Noble’s membership group which I find helpful in the meantime, as the studio can get lonely.
Thanks for your comments Olivia - it’s always a tricky balance isn’t it and staying with the process and the joy. Interesting that you have pulled back too. It is all too easy to get overwhelmed with it all.
If you don’t have local artists you can do zoom meetings etc. I do think having a group to connect with can help. That way it can end up being g wider than just art. Useful to be in a membership group though.
For me encouragement (taking heart) has been crucial to my creative practice. Growing up without it I have had to learn to give it to myself - my biggest stumbling block is the comparison stuff, especially on Instagram. Mostly I follow artists like yourself who are passionate about process but can easily get into envy when that artist has a large studio, is supported by spouse or family, travels widely and has exhibitions everywhere! I have to talk myself down from that frequently. Two things have always really supported my practice - I have always been in a womens art group no matter where I've lived, that environment has been sacred. The other is to remind myself that only I can paint what I can paint. My way of expressing myself is unique and it will resonate with some people, not all.
Thankyou for sharing your practice and experience - it always helps to remind me of what I need to do, as well as often inspiring me to try something different.
Hi Marie. Thanks for sharing your experiences. I totally get what you are saying - It’s absolutely right that our art is unique and reminding yourself in that way is helpful. I think intention with our art is the point; alongside the more formal aspects around tone, composition etc. I’m glad you find the videos useful.
Thanks. I, too, listen to podcasts. I'm trying to make a shift, so I'm listening to an audiobook, and to bluegrass music which I've never listened to before, instead.
Sometimes it's hard to keep going. The way I feel when I'm stalled is much much worse than the way I feel when I'm making bad art. So: make bad art. Bad art is infinitely better than no art.
Hi and thank you for your comments. Yes I can appreciate your sentiments there!! Here’s to making bad art then- but then again sometimes we are overly critical of our work so maybe it’s just a matter of making art without judgement, apart from as an assessment of where we are at ie problem solving !
Thanks Liz these 5 pointers are often forgotten and are also great to be given to begginer artists who expect so much of themselves so quickly.
Thanks Anna - I’m so glad that you enjoyed the video. These pointers hold true whatever level you are at.
Thanks Liz - you are a constant support and encourager - with so many great ideas and practical things to pull us up to your best selves. Life is so short and yes indeed we are all dealing with things that challenge and pull us away from who and were we want to be. Great Video! 🥰
Hello Janie I’m so sorry that my response to this doesn’t seem to have registered. Thank you for your generous and supportive message. I am so glad that the video resonated with you. Life is indeed short and we have to make the most of now. Wishing you well x
A dear friend sent me the Frank Auerbach interview this morning, watched it first thing with my tea. Listening to him, in his own words, talk about life/art I found very moving & inspiring. Do take care of yourself, be well. Kindly, Michele
Hi Michele thanks for your comments. How wonderful that you got to hear the interview. It is really inspiring isn’t it.
@@LizAckerley I'm in the US & have no idea where you live, but is a visit to the Courtauld to see The Charcoal Heads in your near future? I'd be jealous & delighted for you at the same time! (more delighted of course😄)
Thank you Liz! Wonderful ideas here. I am a member of Nino Yunardi online artist group and being for the first time in an artist community has made a huge difference in my work. I totally agree with you.
Hello you are very welcome. I am glad that bring a part of an artist community has helped and that you enjoyed the video.
This has been so useful, especially to hear from someone who works in a way I wish I could & comparing myself to (not lost on that irony). I had been coming to some of these conclusions myself so this has arrived just at the right time to sink in properly. I need to stay in my own lane, follow my own style & go easy on myself when I'm in a learning curve, just know when its not going to plan its the practice stage & that 20 drawings to get to the good one is normal & OK & not to think I'm no good at it & to not use that language, just say, 'good practice, not there yet, but soon'
Hi Tania oh I’m so glad that this is useful. The links too are well worth checking out. Focusing on the positives and problem solving is also good practice. And yes all artists no matter their level need to do much to get to the gems- that’s the reality! I put written messages on my wall/desk to remind me because it first we revert to what we are used to doing. Anything that helps. Good luck with it- I know you will feel better for it because it’s kinder and more real.
Liz, this is such a great video, thank you. I’d been avoiding social media for ages to avoid the compare and despair. I’ve been working hard on what I want my work to look like and was worried I’d be copying the work of others like yourself. I now realise I can learn much from you but I don’t copy as I have my own marks. I am inspired by you and also Lewis Noble who I also try to avoid 😅. I realise Im drawn to you both because I identify with the way you both paint, both very different but from inside and with feeling. This is the same as I am aiming for. Many years ago I was assaulted at work and following much trauma I started to work on and research the reason why assaults happen, the effects on both parties and what I could do about it. I was able to return to work and meet the person who assaulted me and also care for them as I could. This is a long way round me saying you triggered that memory with this video and just as I did before and you have done I can now look at my own reasons for self doubt and do something about it. Sorry to be open about my experience but you reminded me we are often the gatekeepers of our own minds. Thank you and I will remember be mindful of what I let into my mind. 😊
Hi Jill thank you so much for your message and sharing these challenging stories. That in itself is a brave act. I am glad that the video will serve as a reminder of the positive self talk but sorry that it triggered what are understandably some painful memories. It sounds like you delt with things in a hugely positive way. With respect to being inspired by others I think what you describe is totally valid and I’m glad you feel able to look at the work of others as a guide. When you evolve your own work it will never be a copy because your own hand and marks will come through. I myself had some very bad experiences with a couple of well known artists ( who should have known better) very early on. I like to think they are the exception and others don’t have that same experience. I think you are wise not to go down the compare and dispair route- it serves no useful purpose and we need to be kinder to ourselves.
@@LizAckerley thanks for your thoughtful reply. The trauma luckily is well behind me and was a one off assault which I’m sure will make a difference. I’m glad I dealt with it, there was no help at work apart from support from colleagues however big changes. I think no one was aware of the trauma it could cause. I’m sorry you had difficult experiences with artists, but you are always supportive of artists. Thanks again for all you give and best of luck for the year ahead
Jillian, I have a special private sketch book where I draw and paint my feeling from “those” times in my life. I remember during therapy, coming to my art desk at 3am one morning and working furiously for an hour without my glasses 🤓 to express what was inside. Some of it is still deeply triggering, but boy was I impressed with what came out of me! I will develop those ideas because art must also be unsavoury and bold… people just might not want it hanging on their walls is all 😅😅❤
Best wishes for grace and ease dear traveller ❤️🩹
Great talk in self care. So important seek support. Great talk x
Thanks Leila I’m so glad you enjoyed it. X
Interesting that we are creatures of sel-doubt, even the best of the best... Thank you for sharing how you resolve this, the zoom meeting idea sounds great !
Hi yes I think this self doubt is common but like most things- it’s how we deal with it that counts. Zoom is a great way of interacting with others when face to face isn’t possible. That is how mentoring can work well too.
Great chat, thanks Liz! I will check out some of the references.
Thanks Deborah I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Yes the references are well worth checking out!
I also love Mel Robbins podcasts. We all deal with insecurity but as you mentioned social media can add layers of overwhelm and comparing our circumstances to others which is a real one two punch.
Ooh another Mel fan! Often really helpful! Yes overwhelm through to much time on socials is why I am reducing time on them. Thanks for your comments. Much appreciated.
Interesting. These videos are supportive.
I’m glad you found it helpful.