- Do you have self-doubt? You won't succeed.
- Do you procrastinate every time you want to start a new piece of work? I'll do it tomorrow (again).
- Do you fear rejection ? No one will buy or appreciate your art.
I sometimes do, actually, it does creep back out of that dark hole inside me. I get swallowed up by it, and it's an awful feeling. It might seem all good on instagram but deep inside there is a niggling feeling.
The War of Art
I recently picked up this book by Steven Pressfield. It was recommended in an art chat group and completely forgot about it until last week when it popped up in my feed again. No, it's not "The Art of War", it's "The War of Art". Mr. Pressfield hits it on the head - I'm holding back, procrastinating, having self-doubt and fear because of RESISTANCE.How do I break from RESISTANCE?
1. Define what you want - my artist friend told me that she writes for 10 - 60 mins a day about her thoughts and how she's going to deal with it. It's a good way to reflect on your practice too. YOU are in charge of your DESTINY.2. Hunker down and be consistent - practice your craft. If you are committed to going into the studio at 9am everyday, then DO IT even if you're not working on any project. Just take out a piece of fabric just do some stitches. Get off the internet and DO YOUR WORK! Stay committed.
One part of the book I love is this:
"Someone once asked Somerset Maugham if he wrote on a schedule or only when struck by inspiration. “I write only when inspiration strikes,” he replied. “Fortunately it strikes every morning at nine o’clock sharp.”"
This is so true. Our inspiration doesn't occur like lightening but it happens when we make the effort to practice our craft. We want to become masters!
3. Acknowledge and face resistance - write it down. Face your demons and take them head on! Be organised - understand that art is the process and journey, not always about the product!
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