Interview 3: Robyn Tipton

I'm very excited to share my interview with Robyn Tipton of Robyn's Art with everyone. Her photography contains striking images of things we see every single day, but somehow Robyn makes us take notice of them. I think she's magickal! Her blog is always full of insight and she really makes ya think (today's post is about guilt). My favorite thing about her though......the inner strength that shines through everything she does. It's infectious - the good kind ;). Hop over to her etsy shop and take a look (she makes exquisite journals too!).

The past:

How long have you been arting?


I have been creating all of my life. My grandparents had encouraged me when I was very young. My first craft endeavor was making hair barettes and selling them in our family fireworks stand. From there I sewed my own clothes, moved into woodwork, tole painting, pottery, cross-stitch, painting, and now photography. Through all that, I've written. I've written poetry, and have had a novel in the works.

Have you always hearted your art or did you struggle to do so?

I've struggled. However, I have always found outlets to market and sell my art. That has always been affirmative.

If you did struggle, how long did it take for you to heart your art?

With each new endeavor, I doubted. However, I have been lucky to find people to encourage me every step of the way.

Has there ever been a time when you stopped arting because of this struggle?

There have been times that I stopped putting myself out there. But there has never been a time when I stopped creating.

If so, how long was it before you returned?

I returned to marketing my work after analysis and practice, each time.

How did you begin again?

I had a pep talk with myself and just got back on that horse.


Family and Friends:

Is (or was) your family supportive of you and your art?

I have been very fortunate for the support in my life.

How about friends (past and present)?

I have done The Artist's Way 4 or 5 times in my life. I learned the first time to protect my art from those who don't support me. And if they are not supportive of my art, they are not supportive of me.

Describe the type of support they have provided?

Everything from brainstorming to cheerleading to picking me back up when I fail.

How much influence has your experiences with family and friends had on your own feelings about your art?

When I was younger, if I wasn't supported, I didn't put my work out there. Now, I simply seek out those who are not toxic to me, and I forge onward.


Outside Influence:

How much influence does ‘the outside’ have on your feelings about your art?

At times, 'the outside' has caused me to retreat and rethink. I always come out stronger though.

How does positive feedback effect your feelings?

It makes me soar with the eagles! Each positive helps to affirm what I'm doing.

How do you deal with negative comments?

I ponder. I obsess. Then I address and move on.

How do you deal with your art not selling?

That's been a tough one for me. There have been many times when I have been quite down because sales weren't what I expected.


The Now:

What is your current experience with hearting your art?

I absolutely heart my art! I love every bit of the journey and I love watching my art flourish.

Do you still struggle?

I struggle. There are days that I go to take photos and nothing is working. I recently did a photo shoot with my 3 teenage boys. The weather didn't cooperate. The boys didn't cooperate. Out of about 500 shots, maybe 5 worked. That day was frustrating and I struggled.

What do you do?

I breathe deep. I look through my files of my good work. And I go out to shoot again.

How do you survive the moment and continue arting?

I pick up my camera and try again.

Do you compare your work with the work of other artists?

I do. And I have struggled with that in the past. Mostly though, the only time I have struggled with it is when I compare my sales with theirs. I have a wonderful network of artist friends. Comparing work with an artist friend helps me to grow.

How do you deal with comparison from others?

I consider the source. Then I either learn for it or toss it aside.


Do you have a process for your inner critic?

My inner critic gets the royal treatment. I respectfully listen and honor it. Then I apply what my inner critic is telling me or change the inner critics mind :-)

Do you know the ‘what’s the point’ jerk? How do you deal with him?

I close myself off. If I'm dealing with someone who doesn't understand, or care to understand art, that saddens me. But he can't make me feel bad about my art.

In what ways do you feel the struggle to heart your art has manifested itself in your life?

In the past, I struggled greatly to accept myself and my art. However, as I have grown as a person, my hearting of my art has grown.

Where do you believe this struggle comes from - what do you believe the root is?

I have struggled with self-identity and self-love in my past. The same is true for hearting my art. Thankfully, I'm at a much more safe, secure, and protected place now, allowing me to create!

What is your best tip for someone who struggles in this area?

I would recommend to all out there to do The Artist's Way. It's a 12 week program towards 'spiritual creativity' by Julia Cameron. And surround yourself with a support group of friends who love you enough to be supportive and be truthful.

Is there anything further that you’d like to add?

Thank you Melissa for making this your focus! I know that there are many out there who need it. And if any of you reading this need some support, I'll do what I can. Feel free to contact me at robynsart@live.com

Heart Your Art: part 3

Simple ideas, but gosh did it take me what seems like a long time to learn them.

Tip #3: Find a class in your art and take it

Take a class in whatever it is that you want to do. Unless you are born with a special talent, it is unrealistic to expect yourself to know how to do what you want to do unless you've been trained. That's just self-torture.

I've always wanted to be creative. I was especially drawn to painting. But I wasn't any good. People told me to take a class, but really, no one was teaching anything I wanted to learn. At least not that I was aware of. Plus I had this thing about doing it myself - call it being stubborn or self-destructive. Eventually I did find Suzi Blu and knew right away THAT was what I wanted to learn!

There are so many people offering classes, especially online. That's one of the things that makes this time in history great. Here's just two:

Suzi Blu (I took 3 of Suzi's classes)
Sharon Tomlinson

If you have to pay for the class, think of it as an INVESTMENT IN YOU! One class for $55 at the time can seem pricey, but once you break it down into each moment of joyful arting that comes from it....it's pennies! Ask for classes as a gift for Christmas, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, your Birthday. That's what I did. Ask others to invest in your future and your happiness. Who knows where you'll take it!

People are also sharing their knowledge freely, like Sharon who has lots of youtube videos. I'm sure there are a ton more! And you can do a search and find pictures and instructions on how to draw whatever you want (I haven't really tested the whatever, cause that's a lot of stuff). I recently learned how to draw a peacock online for free.

Tip #4: The two "P" Words

It is absolutely unrealistic to expect to reach 'perfect' on the 1st try or even the 20th! It's crazy that we actually think that, expect that, and then get upset when it doesn't come true. I have SO been there! Give yourself lots and lots and lots and lots of time to learn. I won't even say the P word (patience). Let's say, "I am a STUDENT and students are allowed time to learn and practice."

Imagine a child in school who has trouble reading, would we yell at him or her? Or would we give extra help, extra time, and encouragement the whole way through? How would you treat your own child or a niece or nephew? Treat yourself as kindly as you'd treat any child.

I talk to myself, the whole way through, if necessary, saying things like: It doesn't have to be perfect. I am still learning. It's okay for me to be where I am right now because the only way I'll get better is if I go through the now part.

If you've never really drawn, you cannot expect your hands to know exactly what to do. A weightlifter doesn't show up on the first day and bench press 300 lbs. They build up to it.

Recently, my 18 year old daughter saw a baby on tv and said, "Is that how they look? With all those rolls of fat?" I said, "Yeah. What do you think, they come out all buff, with muscle tone? Uh, no, they come out fat - it's called baby fat. That's why they can't walk or really do anything, they have no muscle tone and have to build up their strength, learn how to use their body and teach their body how to do what they want." We are exactly the same when we first learn to draw!!

Practice, practice, practice, practice - but even with lots of practice and a year from now when you're making totally heartable art, there will still be times when you'll have to draw and erase and draw and erase and draw and erase.......accept it, that's just how it goes sometimes.

Tip #5: Be an Artist with Attitude!

A positive "Can do" attitude that is! Go in there kicking butt and taking names, even if, at the end you don't. Going in with a negative attitude certainly isn't going to get you anywhere....so believe in yourself, LIE to yourself if you have to.

Tip #6: The other "P" word: Products

Don't fall into the belief that you have to have expensive products or tools to make beautiful art. A lot of it is everything in tip #3 and especially tip #4 and #5. I have a whole bunch of cheap (under a dollar) acrylic paints that I use constantly. I don't see a thing wrong with them. Society has fooled us into some belief that more expensive means better. That isn't always the case.


I add lots of water to my acrylics (sometimes I make a big batch and keep it in old jars). I was using glaze, but honestly, I get the same effect for pretty much free since we have a well, not public water. I use watered down food coloring. That stuff is really cheap! I use the cheap ink pads from AC Moore for $1.00. Perhaps the others are 'better', but I'm happy with what I've got.


I do have some expensive items like Neocolor II Water-soluable wax pastels. But I also found a product at AC Moore for just over $10 (in which case I used a 40% off coupon and got them even cheaper) that works pretty much the same: Karat Aquarell Watercolor Crayons by Staedtler. The only real difference that I see is that the Neocolors that I have (30 pack) has a wider variety of colors. But I bet I can mix the other product and achieve the same colors. I just have to work harder.




Let's talk about another issue with products:

You cannot be afraid to 'waste' products!!!! This one was a biggie for me - perhaps because I was raised in the 80's and conservation was pumped into us every Saturday morning (not that I condone wasteful'ness either). I didn't want to use my 'good' stuff and waste it while I was learning. But I had no idea how to use that stuff. What a Catch 22! Use your products without fear of wasting them. It is the only way to learn.

There were also times when I ruined something because I had a blob of paint that I didn't want to 'waste' (and couldn't put back for whatever reason), which I ended up putting on the painting and ruining all my hard work. Put that blob on a future piece or just let it go.

Tip #7: The Perfect Studio

"I can't make beautiful art until my studio is perfect." or "Until I have a studio." Both of those things are excuses we use to stop ourselves. I've done it. I've seen others do it. We wait for the conditions to be perfect, thinking that the conditions will give us the results we desire. That's a BIG FAT LIE! In reality, the conditions don't produce any results, we produce results. Perhaps the conditions help put us into a certain mood or frame of mind. But if the conditions are not available, are we going to let that keep us frozen? or are we going to press on making art in whatever conditions we get because we want to make art, not be in a studio?

I am lucky enough to have a studio, but I didn't always. At one point, I was being creative in the master bedroom because we didn't have an extra room. I also would never call my studio space perfect. Especially not after I start working. Here's what it looks like now.


I have to step over all that stuff to get to that small little space I sit in on the floor. That's the other thing.....I have no desk, no chair. I work on the floor. I always have. Perhaps one day when I'm an old lady, I won't be able to get off the floor, but I'll deal with that when it arrives.



It looks like Art threw up everywhere. But am I going to take the time today to clean it up and make it perfect? NO! I'm going to make art in that mess. Yup.

Do you ever think that Life (or God or Goddess or The Universe) is testing us to see what we'll do? On purpose not giving us the studio of our dreams, just to see if we want to make art bad enough? Being an Artist is not an 'easy' path. Some people who are not Artists may think so....oh it's all fun and being creative......not all of it. So maybe we get tested to see if we can really hack the life of Artist? I think I believe this cause I feel like I've gotten the stuffing tested out of me and probably still am and still will be in the future.

Tip #8: BE BOLD, BE DARING, HAVE COURAGE!!

Do not make art afraid! Don't be overly afraid to "mess it up." One thing I am constantly telling myself is: If I mess it up, I can fix it or make it again.

I've been creating some really lovely stuff, but there is one that I'm not happy with. As far as I'm concerned, I messed it up. In the past, that would have completely derailed me and I'd be watching tv for the next week, being depressed and mad at Life for not giving me any talent! But I'm wiser now.....just put her aside and worked on something else.

I see her every time I go in my studio. She's looking at me. I say, "I see you." And I'll get back to her....I'll work it out.....I'll fix her.....I'll remake her....but the one thing that I'm NOT gonna do is let it bother me.


Poor sweet girl just isn't good enough. But she will be. She's just got some growin' to do.

So, I think that's it. I'm all "talked" out for today. I've got some art to make. Maybe you do too.

~magick~
Melissa

For Sandy

This is the earliest picture I took. See the junk mail in the background. The modeling paste in the hair. They are painted with CHEAP ( :) ) flesh colored acrylic paint.



Here I added the spirals like the talented Sharon.


Some shading done on the faces.


More shading.



Color added. Shading muted slightly with watered down flesh color.


close up of sister 2



close up of sister 1



first layer of color on their hair (which I think ended up totally covered - basically I was just getting an idea of where I wanted to go) *sorry these last two are so dark, it was the end of the day



close up



BAM! Apparently I didn't take many pictures in-between - but added more colors to the background, painted their hair, darkened their lips.



close up of the moon - painted it with cheap yellow acrylic and shaded with neocolors II in shades of blue and a little yellow and touches of white acrylic. Shaded around the moon with charcoal pencil smudged in.



Added their necklaces and painted their clothes


changed the color of their necklaces and darkened the spirals in the background with black sparkly gel pen


Added words on their clothes and added some shadow around them with charcoal pencil and smudged.



The almost final version you can see below. It's still not done yet. But one day it will be.

~magick~
Melissa

Taking a break from talking to heart some art

I've been painting almost every day and flying through paintings like an art machine (the good kind of machine, full of fun and inspiration). I get off the computer and go right into my studio and next thing I know it's time to stop. But I don't want to stop....I want to paint 24/7! But I can't. There's cats to feed and me to feed and my family to feed and sleep to get and shows to watch (LOST is back!! and I feel LOST after that episode), blah, blah, blah. So, today, less talky-talk, more looky-look.

None of them are truly DONE....I have some words/writing to add and some other li'l do-dads. They're done enough to share though. And I TOTALLY HEART THEM!







Here's some close up shots of a painting I did yesterday. It's not done enough to completely share, but there's some li'l yummy'ness that I'm really digging.




Oh, the texture!

~magick~
Melissa

Interview 2: Heather at Audrey Eclectic

I have long admired the art of Heather from Audry Eclectic. Her hauntingly beautiful images transport me to a world of the past. Her words below have altered my view and inspired new thoughts. I'm very grateful to her. Check out her etsy shop and her website.

The Past:

How long have you been arting?

Well, like many artists, I've been drawing and creating since I was a little girl. Many afternoons were spent at the dining room table, writing and illustrating little stories in notebooks. I took a lot of art classes in school and college but was always told you couldn't grow up to be an artist. For many years, I just considered it a marginal hobby. I created my little folk art business, Audrey Eclectic in 2007, when I was able to stay home with my infant daughter (audrey!) and wanted to paint again.

Have you always hearted your art or did you struggle to do so?

Well, learning to 'heart your art' is a long process. There's lots to work through, like finding your own style and voice, and also just being confident in what you create. I've always liked to draw and paint...so I suppose I've hearted art since I was a little girl. But only in the last few years have I felt confident enough to call myself an artist.

What was the process you went through?

Well, its an ongoing process. Most artists are always growing and changing and trying new things, usually in the pursuit of creating something 'more' or 'better.' I suppose the key for me is to just put my blinders on and create art that I love and not worry about other people. However, this is a lesson I'm constantly having to remind myself about!

Has there ever been a time when you stopped arting because of this struggle?

Not really...I always seem to find myself starting a new project! Maybe its pathological?

Family and Friends:

Is (or was) your family supportive of you and your art?

Yes, I usually got positive feedback from creating art (well, except for that time I ruined some furniture, haha) but for a long time I always got the impression that having a career in art wasn't possible and I needed to be practical about things. I'm sure this came from my parent's wish that I didnt starve to death once I grew up. They are very proud and supportive of me and my business now, I think they are happy I can follow my dreams.

How about friends (past and present)?

Yes, i have very, very supportive friends--- many of whom I met through my art and doing local shows and events. Its wonderful to have creative people in your life. Also important to me was the presence of many supportive teachers who always made me feel special because of my art.

Outside Influence:

How much influence does ‘the outside’ have on your feelings about your art?

No matter how hard you try, its easy to compare yourself to others and get feeling down. But I also love to see other's art and get inspired, often times I'll see something and it will trigger an idea in my head. With the ease of finding art and beautiful things on the internet, there is no end of inspiration...although sometimes I can get overloaded and overwhelmed by it all. Its a fine line to walk!

How does positive feedback effect your feelings?

It's wonderful! It makes me feel like I am on the right path. It is the most wonderful feeling to know that you've followed your heart and created something that then speaks to someone else. I have gotten so many sweet comments at shows and lovely emails and they always make me feel so loved and blessed, and very lucky.

How do you deal with negative comments?

Unfortunately, for sensitive types like we artists, one negative comment can overshadow a dozen positive comments. I'd like to say they slide right off of me, but I can't help but take negative comments or situation to heart. Fortunately, those are few and far between, and I usually bounce back! It's impossible to think that everyone will love what I make or 'get' it. I just have to keep on keepin' on.

How do you deal with your art not selling?

Well, when your art isn't selling you have to realize it may not be the art's fault ;) many factors--- such as promoting yourself, the economic times, making connections or doing the right shows has a big effect on sales. You just have to keep going no matter what the sales numbers or saying. And thinking of new ways to get people who will love your art to see your art.

The Now:

What is your current experience with hearting your art?

At this moment in time, I honestly feel like I am in a transition when it comes to my art. I decided that in 2010, I wanted to take things more slowly, explore my art more, try new things. It's scary when you feel yourself pulling away from the style/subjects that you have become known for--- but it's worth the try. If you just keep doing the same old thing, you'll never grow.

Do you still struggle?

Of course. There are many times when I feel like a painting didnt translate as I wanted it to from my head to my canvas. Or I wish I did something as well as someone else. Or...the list goes on. I find that the best cure is--- rest when you need to, replenish the well of inspiration. But always go back and try again. All it takes is one good painting to get the confidence back and then I'm off and running!

Do you know the ‘what’s the point’ jerk? How do you deal with him?

Happily, I think I've moved well past that because I am confident there is a point. After doing several shows, selling online, and meeting so many kindred spirits out there who enjoy my art, I feel like being able to make art is a gift I'd be a fool to waste. I feel like I've only got this one life to live and the only 'what's the point' moment would be 'what's the point of NOT following your heart?"

What is your best tip for someone who struggles in this area?

My advice is to give yourself permission to try. I think many times we want to rush into things and it be perfect with the first painting or first collage or first anything. That is very rarely the case. Creating art, especially original art, takes a lot of listening to your own heart and being brave enough to try and fail, and also just create for the sake of creating what you enjoy-- not what you think is popular or what will sell. When you really create out of yourself, then its something you can really be proud of.

~Heather from Audry Eclectic~
etsy shop
her website

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note: Mr Linky isn't working for me again. Ugh. I'm just going to do away with it cause it's becoming too much trouble. Comment if you like. :)

Heart Your Art - part 2

Funny I should be talking about struggling cause I'm struggling right now. This voice in my head keeps telling me what I'm doing is stupid and I'm not saying anything that people don't already know. That's okay - it's allowed to have an opinion - it's not gonna stop me, but there's room for anyone to think what I'm doing is stupid, including this voice. The really cool thing about it is...........It's MY BLOG and I can be stupid here all I want. Haha! :)

Anyways,

Tip #2

As best you can, Accept Yourself.

Not the most original idea, but still very important. It's also a continuation of #1. There is no way I can make beautiful art, love it for its beauty, and do the whole thing joyously when I'm busy torturing the stuffing out of myself because I'm not perfect. Again, if I cannot heart me, I cannot heart something that comes from me.

I believe, one of the most important aspects of accepting myself is being aware of my thoughts.

There are lots of times when my mind wanders around its self while I'm 'busy' painting. Perhaps it's looking through some old files under "E" for embarrassment.....next thing I know I'm thinking about 20 things I did to embarrass myself. Or maybe it's looking under "R" for regret and I start questioning things I've done, choices I've made, even if I've already gone through them a million times and know I've done the best I could. Or maybe it's looking under "O" for all that 'One day' stuff that will 'make me happy', as opposed to how I feel now - "Incomplete."

All of that is not only wasted energy, but it's negative energy that I'm putting into my art. So maybe instead of seeing the art itself, I'm picking up on what I put into it and that's why I can't heart it? (I heart this idea.) It's also destructive to me and my time. Making art should, for the most part, be fun, healing, enjoyable, and if I'm lucky, a trip to the moon!

Joyce Meyer, although not on the same path as I am, is one smart lady! She talks about the mind being a battlefield. She informed me that I don't have to think the things my mind wants to bring up. That's Brilliant!!

Years ago, when something like that popped into my head I just had to take it. But now.....now I just say, "Shut up. I've dealt with that and I'm not thinking about it again." A minute later, I might catch my mind wading through negativity AGAIN and I have to say AGAIN, "SHUT UP." I just keep at it. The great thing is that my mind has figured out that I'm not going there, so it doesn't mess with me as much.

You might be thinking, "Well, if you're talking about accepting, wouldn't accepting those thoughts be the 'right' thing to do?"

Not necessarily, because those thoughts are about not accepting Me because sometimes I do 'wrong' things like stumble over my words, or I don't live my life the way "they" say I should, I don't do what "they" say I should do so I have doubts, which is the larger issue. I accept these happenings, but I don't have to let them disrupt my acceptance of my beautifully imperfect self.

I will never be perfect - which means I'll always have things to learn, always have room to grow, always have new discoveries about Me. That didn't always sound too appealing to me, until recently.

I needed some new music and since I admire Alanis Morissette (because of her dedication to her inner workings, her obvious growth on her journey, and because she shares it in beautiful songs), she was a must on the list. I bought her 2008 CD, Flavors of Entanglement and had my mind changed by my favorite 'new' song.

Incomplete
(Lyrics by Alanis)

One day I'll find relief

I'll be arrived

And I'll be a friend to my friends who know how to be friends



One day I'll be at peace

I'll be enlightened

And I'll be married with children and maybe adopt



One day I will be healed

I will gather my wounds forge the end of tragic comedy



I have been running so sweaty my whole life urgent for a finish line

I have been missing the rapture this whole time, of being forever incomplete



One day my mind will retreat

And I'll know God

And I'll be constantly one with her night, dusk, and day



One day I'll be secure

Like the women I see on their 30th anniversaries



I have been running so sweaty my whole life urgent for a finish line
I have been missing the rapture this whole time, of being forever incomplete



Ever unfolding

Ever expanding

Ever adventurous

And torturous

......but never done



One day I will speak freely

I'll be less afraid and measured outside of my poems and lyrics and art



One day I will be faith filled

I'll be trusting and spacious, authentic and grounded and home



I have been running so sweaty my whole life urgent for a finish line

I have been missing the rapture this whole time, of being forever incomplete

(My broadband usage is really close to our cut-off, so I can't check these out, but here's a link to hear "Incomplete" on YouTube - Sorry! but well worth the listen if you've never heard it)

** I love how Alanis makes the idea of being incomplete (or not perfect) sound more wonderful than the being complete part with just one line! **

Today, I am going to make some art and listen to Alanis and not let my mind torture me and be in the RAPTURE of accepting me and hearting my art, even if neither of us is perfect or complete!

Wha'chu doin'?

~magick~
Melissa

ps: I can't seem to get the Mr. Linky page up and I gotta go make some art.....so, you'll have to accept that making a comment is your only option today. ;)

Interview 1: Shonna Bucaroff

When I was putting together a list of artists that I wanted to interview, Shonna Bucaroff was a must! Her art has a purity that pleases the spirit ~ a beauty that inspires the mind. I admire her dedication to her Artist Self and thank her for her open'ness to this journey. Please visit her blog - Twisted Figures - and her etsy shop.

The past:

How long have you been arting?

I started painting in January of 2008 when I decided to quit the workforce and stay home with my then 2 year old son.

Have you always hearted your art or did you struggle to do so?

I really didn't think too much about it when I first started. I saw a video on YouTube of Paulette Insall painting and I wondered to myself if I could do something like that. So at first it was just a challenge to see if I could even do it. Then after awhile, I started posting pictures of my work on Flickr and other networking sites. The feedback I received was very positive and encouraging to me. It made me feel like this is something I might me good at. So I went on a journey to be a student and learn as much as I possibly could. I took my first online class with Paulette and learned the basics of mixed media painting and then I took Suzi Blu's course on how to draw her Petit Dolls. I had so much fun learning Suzi's techniques and received so much positive feedback from the other students in the course. I began a blog and started posting my work in even more places. I was feeling very confident in what I was creating until someone left a comment on one of the sites I posted my work and accused me of copying Suzi and being unoriginal. This made me question everything...

If you did struggle, how long did it take for you to heart your art?

I went through a very hard time with liking my art when someone accused me of being unoriginal and copying Suzi Blu. I began to hate everything I had painted. Even though I loved creating and couldn't stop, I struggled with trying to be different and finding my own style. I got wrapped up in what everyone else would think and this hindered my creativity greatly.

What was the process you went through?

Finally, after talking with Suzi about the accusations made about my art, she made me question who I was making art for? A light bulb went off in my head and I decided that I made art for ME, not for others approval.The creative process for me is something very spiritual and brings me great joy.The outcome is the result of that spiritual process. How could I not love something that brought me such great peace and joy in the process.

Has there ever been a time when you stopped arting because of this struggle?

I am happy to say that even through my struggle, I never stopped making art. I couldn't and I don't think I ever will. Art is part of who I am now.

Family and Friends:

Is (or was) your family supportive of you and your art?

This is hard for me to answer, but I'm going to be honest. Yes and No. Everyone in my family is extremely supportive except the one person I care about the most...my husband. Don't get me wrong, he doesn't hate what I do, He just doesn't "get it." He thinks it is a waste of time and sometimes feels that it takes away from our family. I disagree and tell him that art is here to stay and will always be a part of me. I will say I do think he is trying to understand and be supportive.

How about friends (past and present)?

I have a great support system when it comes to friends.

Describe the type of support they have provided?

They have so many encouraging things to say about my work. When I post my work on facebook or my blog, I can always expect lovely comments from them. Some of them are my biggest customers.

If you haven’t received support, how do you feel that this has effected you and your creativity?

I won't ever stop creating art. I do this for myself and I believe if you are true to that, then others will be responsive.

How much influence has your experiences with family and friends had on your own feelings about your art?

Because of my husband's fear of my art taking precedence over our family, I do try and make sure that I do most of my work when they are asleep or at school. It is hard for me to stop once I start working on something. I hate stopping in the middle of a painting, but I have had to learn to work in phases and not let that hinder my creative process.

Outside Influence:

How does positive feedback effect your feelings?

I wouldn't be human if I didn't say that I love positive feedback. It is definitely a added bonus to my creative process.

How do you deal with negative comments?

I am very lucky that I haven't received any negative comments accept for the one person who accused me of copying and being unoriginal. I think most people just won't comment on something they may not like. You know the old saying "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say it."

How do you deal with your art not selling?

I don't really think about it too much. Selling my work is something I do for a little extra money for more supplies. Next year when my son goes to kindergarten, I am going back to work. I would much rather stay home and make art for a living, but I'm just not sure quite how to do that.

The Now:

What is your current experience with hearting your art?

I just started an art journal for the very first time. I never really understood the purpose of an art journal, but now I get it. It is a place where I can truly be free and not worry about everything being perfect. I may not always like everything I do in my journal, but it sure is fun to experiment.

Do you still struggle?

Of course.

What do you do?

I try and stay focused on why I paint in the first place.

How do you survive the moment and continue arting?

I can't stop and I won't stop. It is who I am now.

Do you compare your work with the work of other artists?

I think it wouldn't be natural if we didn't compare our work to others. Honestly, I don't let it affect my feelings on my work. I always view myself as a student and there is always room to learn and approve. I don't think there is anything I can't do as long as I work hard and am true to my art.

How do you deal with comparison from others?

I take it as a learning process. If I see something from another artist that I admire, then I will practice at it. I don't get down on my work just because someone else out there is better than me. You can't do that to yourself; it is counterproductive and won't make you a better artist.

Do you have a process for your inner critic?

You know, I've kind of learned to embrace my inner critic. She is a real Bitch sometimes, but I think she might be there to make me a better artist. Is what she is saying valid? Is there something I need to work on to improve? Or is she just trying to bring me down? Evaluate what she is saying and either embrace what she is saying or tell her to "F" off.

Do you know the ‘what’s the point’ jerk? How do you deal with him?

Yeah, he hangs out with that Bitch "inner critic." Most of the time I just tell him to "F"off."

What is your best tip for someone who struggles in this area?

Embrace how you feel when you are creating art and don't focus so much on the outcome. Make art for yourself and not for the approval of others. If you want to grow as an artist, view yourself as a student who is always learning, but don't ever give up.

Is there anything further that you’d like to add?

I would like to add a few quotes that I found.

Artistic growth is, more than it is anything else, a refining of the sense of truthfulness. The stupid believe that to be truthful is easy; only the artist, the great artist, knows how difficult it is. ~Willa Cather, The Song of the Lark, 1915

Creativity takes courage.

-- Henri Matisse

Have no fear of perfection, you'll never reach it.
-- Salvador Dali

~Shonna~
See my artwork at:
http://twistedfigures.blogspot.com
http://shonniegrl.etsy.com