You know, life is just that way. I guess the title for this post could be many common expressions: the glass is half full, two sides to the coin, etc. Trite but true. It’s about perspective. Choices. Focus. Discipline.
As artists, we need to learn more than the multifaceted, infinite aspects of creating our craft. That’s the sweet side of the coin: pure passionate sweetness in pouring our hearts out to develop this gift of talent. We also need to learn the art of juggling the demands of the business aspect. That’s what I’ll call the bitter side.
Planning, purchasing supplies, workshops, conferences, open studios, commissions, DEADLINES, websites, competitions, shows, DEADLINES, galleries, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, framing, crating, shipping, DEADLINES, newsletters (I don’t even have one yet), recordkeeping, studio maintenance…the list is never ending.
These two sides of the coin, the sweet side of creating and the bitter side of the business aspect must co-exist. The sweet artistic creativity can be strangled by endless to-dos, and without the bitter business side of things, few could truly self-sustain as artists. What I’m hoping to learn is the balance between the two–how to manage the tension each exerts on the other. I’m writing about this not because I’ve mastered it, but because I struggle with it. The thoughts in this post are personal, from my singular point of view. It may be that many of you enjoy the business side. (Seriously?!).
I find the clutter of life can be overwhelming, draining and distracting from the passionate pursuit of excellent art. When the to-do list is huge, and the time frame is tiny, stress mounts, abundance is crushed, and the result can be a toxic cocktail, poisoning our creativity and our wellbeing.
I’m finding three major components that serve to protect the sweet and deal with the bitter. Applying these three aspects can help pull us out of inactive frustration into satisfying productivity: choice, focus and discipline. These three separate actions are intertwined, mutually drawing from and strengthening the other.
From our first conscious thought in the morning we’re faced with countless choices. I usually like to head to the easel (the sweet part) early in the day when my mind is most fresh. It’s a choice to focus fully on the task at hand rather than to allow the to-do list to invade my thoughts, making them fragmented and unclear. Disciplining our thoughts is one difficult choice that keeps the mind and heart free and clear for a fire of inspiration. There is solid joy in the process, unhindered and untainted by a myriad of distracting emotions. Distraction is an enemy of success.
I’m usually fretting over the state of my painting and thinking I should just give up and make cookies instead. Fatigue and stress are the culprits that erode peace and confidence. Discouragement knocks on the door of my mind. Far too often, I don’t make the hard choice to do the right thing and instead open the door wide, inviting discouragement to join me in the downward spiral that empties me out.
It’s a proactive choice to ignore the negative stuff and instead choose to discipline my thoughts toward relentless focus. It seems that even small successes with proper focus breed more success…it’s like strengthening the muscles of our minds. Choosing discipline builds strength of focus which builds powerful momentum to stay on track with our goals and desires, both the (bitter) business side and the (sweet) creative side.
“To pay attention – this is our endless and proper work.” Mary Oliver
Personally, I feel so blessed by God with this extravagant gift of passion for art and life. I’m not responsible for having the gift any more than I’m responsible for having brown eyes. But with the gift, comes the responsibility to steward it well. My goal is to strive to balance the bitter and sweet and do my best to develop the gift in honor of the Giver.
Rachelj Stevenson says
Thanks for sharing! I need to learn choice, focus and discipline so that I do not waste the precious gift God has given me!
Ann Kraft Walker says
Hi Rachelj! Thanks for the comment! It’s an ongoing process, that’s for sure! I struggle daily, but I think it makes us stronger and more appreciative of the process.
Guest says
OH no!! where did that huge picture of me come from?! I don’t know how to delete it! so sorry! I honestly don’t know where that came from…
Guest says
Oh no! I just now checked on the post and I have no idea where that huge picture of me came from and I don’t know how to delete it! Well, I’m eating humble pie…so sorry!
Ann Kraft Walker says
Hi Rachelj, I just saw that big picture of me under my answer to you and I honestly don’t know how it got there and I finally figured out how to delete it! so sorry! but I had to delete my reply to you as well. Thank you for your kind comment. The learning is an ongoing process!! I’m struggling!
Rick J. Delanty says
In the midst of life’s trials and challenges, which affect everyone, it is often amazing to me that ANY thing creative is produced. Creativity and its fruits are the evidence that one has triumphed over the negative, the bitter as you call it, Ann. Like a light in darkness, the choice to persevere illuminates life for both the torch-bearer and those who see that example. Art matters, because it keeps the spark alive, as it obviously is in you and your powerful work, Ann. What a relevant and meaningful post–thank you!
Ann Kraft Walker says
Thank you so much, Rick! I loved reading your post! Sounds like you’ve got a lot of good thoughts! Such great word pictures! I’d love to read more of your writing!
Shirley Quaid says
Ann, this is so well written, and every word rings true. The business side sucks the energy out of me so I try to set a day to attend to it instead of taking my creative time and balancing both in a day. I wish I could say that I have been successfull in accomplishing this feat.
Ann Kraft Walker says
Hi Shirley! Haven’t seen you at the portrait group in ages!! Sounds like a great idea to set aside a day for the business! Would love to see you and catch up!
Chris Moeller says
Thanks for your thoughtful post, Amy. I’m feeling that tension particularly strongly at the moment, so good timing for me!
Ann Kraft Walker says
Hi Chris! I’m so glad! I hope it’s encouraging to you. I’ve been really struggling with a painting, and am having to chose to refuse stress.
Chris Saper says
Annie, this is a thoughtful, and poignant essay, and it rings with authenticity. thank you for sharing your thoughts and your contructive approach to dealing with 3issues that we all face eery day.
Ann Kraft Walker says
Thank you, Chris! I admire you greatly and really appreciate your encouragement!
Alice Gunter says
Excellent discussion–all so true in my experience. Thanks!
Ann Kraft Walker says
Best to you, Alice! Thank you!
Lori Woodward says
Ann, I so resonate with everything you said here. You could have described my thought process. You also are a talented writer! Great post. But don’t let that fact get in the way of your artwork 😉
Ann Kraft Walker says
HI Lori! wow, coming from you, I’m really honored! thanks a bunch!!
Barbara Benedetti Newton says
Thanks for voicing challenges we all share. In my case, I actually DO enjoy the business side and that complicates my choices. Like you, painting at the start of the day helps keep me focused on my art. I would rather be remembered for the art I create than for my business organizational skills. Great post…thank you!
Ann Kraft Walker says
HI Barbara! It’s great that you enjoy the business side…wish you were my neighbor and I could hire you! happy creating to you!
smarter than a waffle says
Thank you for this delightful overview of the life of an American painter. Alas, I was born with the talent, drive, passion, commitment, and desire to be an artist. All I’m lacking is the disposable income to live as an artist in a culture that doesn’t support, value, or encourage the life. I’m heading back to the corporate cubicle. Blessings to all of the artists who have found whatever resources are necessary to continue the struggle. We out.
Ann Kraft Walker says
Hi! I understand the struggle. I hope that you can continue to enjoy your artistic side on your off times from work. I’m sure it’s a challenge to juggle everything, but I hope you can enjoy your job and still have some time left over to pursue art!
Anne Nelson Sweat says
Wonderful article, Annie! Great sharing!
Ann Kraft Walker says
thank you, Annie!!
john pototschnik says
Well expressed, Ann.
Ann Kraft Walker says
Thank you so much, John!
Joe Collard says
Your paintings are so wonderful, Annie, I just wish you could spend all that time
painting and leave the rest to a studio full of assistants like Rubens did. You
write as well as you paint!
Ann Kraft Walker says
Joe, you sweetheart!! Thank you so very much!!
Anne says
lovely work! I understand about the minutiae of everyday life that interferes with creating. I actually teach more than enter shows and that definitely gets in the way- thanks for sharing your thoughts and your work
Ann Kraft Walker says
HI Anne! Teaching is a wonderfully creative and giving thing to do! Thanks for your kind comment!
Kerry Reddick says
Annie! This is SO amazing and so speaks to my soul, dear friend! I am not an artist but I so understand from my perspective of my calling and pursuit of finding the balance in my work and ministry! Thank you for sharing that precious heart of yours.. it really ministered to me! Love you and you KNOW I love your art!!!
Ann Kraft Walker says
Sweet Kerry, thank you so much!!