Today's transparent topic: Risk Taking
Are you a risk taker by nature? Do you know your comfort zone? What does it take to push you beyond your limits?
I've always been able to appreciate art but never known it from an artist's perspective. As I'm beginning to put the brush to the canvas and make my own strokes, I'm realizing there's a lot of vulnerability involved in putting your art in front of an audience.
Is this a risk I'm willing to take? Sure, I'll put it on my blog and say "Look what I did!" But, what about taking the next step and offering it to be purchased?
That's the risk I'm staring in the face right now.
What if I 'open' an etsy shop and don't sell a single piece?!
What if beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder and my vision isn't shared?
What if the criticism is harsh?
What if my creativity runs dry and I'm a one hit wonder? What if I don't even make it with one hit?
What if a "real artist" sees my paintings and scoffs?
I'm not going to lie...these are actual thoughts that float around in my brain, but I'll also tell you that these thoughts are the fuel to my fire. I can't stand excuses! And, that's exactly what all these yucky words are...excuses. If I choose to let the 'what if' rule my life then I'm sure to miss out on some crazy good opportunities. There's no doubt I'll experience some hardships too, but you know what?...I'll use them to grow!
Do you have a risk you're scared to take? Do you find yourself making excuses? What's it going to take to get you past that point? I have the answer...prayer. I'd be honored to lift your concerns up and pray for the courage and confidence you need to push through your fears and concerns. Leave me a comment or send me an email: dfrieling1@gmail.com.
5 comments:
So, that is your art?! It is amazing, I LOVE it! And I have the same exact fear that you do. My house is full of my art, and so is my parents but when everyone tells me to sell it I shudder! I'm working on it:) Great answer and great post.
DO IT!!!! you are amazingly talented! you could do a giveaway through christine at bijou and boheme- she always features awesome art and yours fits right in!!!! or of course i would be happy to help you promote your work- you are so talented!!
You know I LOVE it!! Nothing worse than regrets and wondering 'What if I had?" When your etsy shop opens, may I please buy the flamingo before you get out there and the price goes up? :)
Nice paintings Dana! They have character and life! That's one thing that makes art interesting. You have a unique style going here so you should keep going with it. I'm glad you bring up this topic today because I have struggled with the exact same thing in the past, and still struggle with it now and then. I took my first leap into selling art on Etsy last year and haven't sold much, but it has been a growing experience for me. There are teams you can join on Etsy and get support from other artists that way. So far, I've had a very positive experience and I'm so glad I took that risk. I've learned that just because you aren't selling your art on Etsy, it doesn't mean that people hate your art or that it's not good. Right now there are tons and tons of artists selling on Etsy and as much as I love art, there is not as much demand for it as I would love there to be. What keeps me going is that I love painting... actually I need it in my life. It's my stress relief. So if for no one else, I make it for myself and that brings me a lot of joy!
I hope you give it a shot! They are great and fun and different!
Post a Comment