Total Views: 150Intentions offer the impression of agency – but art processes can also thrive on chaos. The main intention that artists will require is the one to stay curious, and determined to establish their personal processes to continue making art. Art is often thought to require intention, but that’s not necessarily true. We want … Continue reading “What kind of intention is required of artists?”
Category: Challenges of Beginning
How do I increase the commitment (and thus pressure)?
Total Views: 2559Beginnings require commitment, which often feels like the first obstacle to get going. This is a conundrum: one is required to start, in order to.. start. So what can be done to make beginnings easier? Consider experimenting with the following strategies, to see which work best for you: Minimize stressors: Understand what causes … Continue reading “How do I increase the commitment (and thus pressure)?”
How do I investigate my work?
Total Views: 1573Consider experimenting with the following investigation strategies, to see which work best for you: Goal-less exploration: When there’s no obvious urge to steer in any direction, experiment with goal-less exploration: like a musician zoning into practicing their scales, gradually morphing into playing a tune that’s based on the practicing scale. Like someone learning … Continue reading “How do I investigate my work?”
How do I focus?
Total Views: 2261You focus by using focusing strategies that work for you (keep experimenting!), and by establishing realistic attitudes about art and creativity. We need focus to dive deeper into what we do. It’s unlikely to experience our own greatness without intention, attention – and focus. This takes time. Experiment with focusing strategies, and establish … Continue reading “How do I focus?”
How do I start?
Total Views: 2068You start making art by embracing an exploratory mindset, which helps you to investigate the potential quality ideals of your work. Starting something can be both magical and frightening: beginnings require us to transcend our fear of failure. They let our hopes for success meet the realities of our abilities, and of our … Continue reading “How do I start?”
What general challenges do I have to expect as an artist, and how can I lessen their blow?
Total Views: 440Artists should expect various hardships on their path to establish their own processes; they will need to establish structures in regard to work, network and psychology. The meta-tools to do so are sensitivity and self-assuredness, with ego often working against us. Instead of clear goals, the arts offer openness and ambiguities. They allow … Continue reading “What general challenges do I have to expect as an artist, and how can I lessen their blow?”
I want to become an artist – but am unsure whether I have something relevant to say. What do I do?
Total Views: 886Contemporary artists need to understand (and embrace) their authenticities. Doing so usually results in work that’s personal, and thus vulnerable – which is not a guarantee for (economic) success, but has a high likelihood of feeling worthwhile: because you focus on what matters to you. Art is often thought to require the expression … Continue reading “I want to become an artist – but am unsure whether I have something relevant to say. What do I do?”
What talents or skills do I need to become an artist?
Total Views: 844The main skills required by artists is willful curiosity, and the endurance to establish your own work processes, based on this curiosity. Specific knowledge about predefined artistic processes is not essential (but can be exciting and enriching). Sometimes it feels as if certain people are meant to be artists, while others could never … Continue reading “What talents or skills do I need to become an artist?”