They’re a funny thing, labels. We’re so precious about what we call ourselves, aren’t we… You can be a cook, but not a chef until you’ve had all the professional training. You can write something, but not be a ‘writer’ until you’ve published something. And, you can paint but not be an ‘artist’ until you sell something, or someone in authority says you are, or you make a living out of it…
I tell you this much for free… Videoing yourself making a painting arms you with insight about your process like nothing else!
There are many pitfalls along the creative path, let me tell you! If you’re susceptible to pleasing others, as I am, you’re particularly at risk of spending valuable hours, days and years making art that, consciously or unconsciously, aligns to the expectations of others.
I have to admit to something here and now. Right through my art study, I pretty much just focused on producing ‘finished’ paintings. I don’t know how many times my poor tutors would implore me to put in some actual practice, but would I listen? Ah, no.
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