Frustrated Artist ?????

Does that title speak to you? It often speaks to me. In trying to be the best I can be so often I fall so short of that goal, or is that frustration just in my own mind? How many times have you said to yourself, this piece just isn't good enough, I can't expect anyone to like this. Do all artists have struggles with this? If so, what can we do to stop this sabotage in our minds? I came across an article, author unknown (if someone does know the author I would love to find out to give proper credit)

How To Feel Fulfilled As an Artist-or how to get over your self-sabotage.

1. Never compare yourself to other artists.
2. Know that your family is biased. Whether for or against, their views are skewed and do not represent an accurate reflection of your work in the world.
3.Base your success on how your art has enriched your life and how YOU feel when YOU create it.
4.Constantly push yourself to expand and learn.
5.Know that art can never be measured in dollars and will only ever appreciate in value.
6.Trust that when you are making the world more beautiful, there is always enough. Honest work is not a compromise if it supports the creation of art.
7.Remember, it is the job of the artist to create new culture, not simply to regurgitate what exists.
8.Never expect your family to understand your art, but do your best to educate them about it, patiently.
9.Whenever a client/gallery/owner/patron offers their advice, smile and nod. Then create your art authentically.
10.Remember what Dau said: "Have no fear of perfection. You will never reach it.

I have re-read this many times to help soothe my frustrated mind (or monkey mind as I like to call it). I hope in some small way by reading this, it will help you too.

Next week we will begin exploring the many contributing artists at Seranya Studios Art Boutique,www.seranyastudios.com ,and see what inspired them.

Stay tuned.

The Serenity of Seranya

As I unlocked the door to Seranya Studios Art Boutique (www.seranyastudios.com) Tuesday morning I could feel the shift in the atmosphere. I came in from a hurried morning of getting the chores done at home in order to be at work at 10 A.M.
There is a calmness in the air that one can not really describe, but needs to experience for themselves.  When you are among the many works of fine art there is a vibe made up of all the energy that went into each piece from each artist.
When I am working on a piece, I never know until it is finished exactly what it will look like because it is a work in progress until I think, ah, you are done.  Sometimes that is the hardest decision to make.  Is it done?  Could I improve it or would I mess it up if I try to do anything more?  Once your signature is on the piece, it is complete.
You take this one feeling of completeness and multiply that by all the fantastic pieces of art that are at the studio and combined they create a serenity in the air.
After all, Earth without "Art" is just Eh !!!
Have you felt that serenity when you are in the midst of art?

Stay tuned.

Messy or creative?

This is the scene that sat before me in the studio when I arrived this morning.  My first thought was oh my, I do need to re-group and get organized.  I can not work this way.                       



After looking again I saw where I wanted to change a certain color of the gourd I was working on and started looking through my selection of paints to see what would be the best combination.
After picking out the right color, I again looked at the desk and thought, now, how can I paint with all of this going on here--I better clean it up. Spotting the Dove candy I just HAD to have one of those before I could even think about anything else.
Messy desk or creativity going on here?  It comes to mind that I once heard that creative minds can not be tidy, so realizing this, I sat down and began creating  The mess can stay for another time.
Do you have these same thoughts?  What brilliant master pieces come from a total disarray of items you just HAD to have front and center to accomplish that master piece?
Please share your thoughts and pictures on how you handle this situation.
Stay tuned.

Seranya Studios Art Boutique Reception

An artist works with his head, heart and hands.  This was truly evident in the work of Tony Mertens
who was featured in a fantastic reception at Seranya Studios Art Boutique (www.seranyastudios.com) at 307 E. Mill Street in Plymouth, last Friday, February 7th.
With trusty little camera in hand I headed for the Studio not really knowing what to expect.   Upon arrival I was so warmly greeted by the owner, Susan, and several of the other artists that I felt totally at home and ready to explore all the wonderful pieces of art.

A beautiful piece by Tony, a sculpted heart hand wrought of steel and cooper (and how appropriate isn't that for Valentine's  month?) was a prize to one lucky person who attended.  Tony and his wife, Wendy, spoke of their love for the art and by the glow in their eyes you knew it truly is a love of the work that he does.

This is such an exciting venue for downtown Plymouth, and as the area awakens again to spring and new happenings, these receptions will blossom along with the seasons.  There is a special vibe in the air when one is among the "works of an artist".  It becomes more than just a piece because it contains the essence of the artist.

Be sure to check out the art boutique, and as soon as I know of the next event I will be sure to post it here so all will know.

The Plymouth downtown is such a vibrant growing area with so much to offer.  I find it ironic that after living southwest of the area for almost 20 years and recently moving to a nearby city last year, I now spend more time in Plymouth than I did while living there.  Has to be the new exciting things that are happening, and the wonderful new store owners' energy bringing that excitement.

Hoping you will check back often to see what is happening, and I promise to re-hone my photography skills to present you with pictures as we go forward.  It was a blast and sure hope you can all join us next time.

P.S.  One didn't have to go home hungry either---there was a fantastic array of the most delicious morsels one could ever imagine---YUM!!!!!!

Stay tuned.