 The holiday reminds us to think about what we are grateful for. While it was another challenging year in many ways, we see the art world coming back to life. The Art Fairs are again live (or hybrid) events, museums are hosting new and exciting shows, and galleries are tentatively opening up. We can be grateful for such resilience. In my coaching practice I also see artists persevering, experimenting with new work to extend their range. Artists are putting themselves out there, facing rejection and overcoming difficult circumstances. They are developing confidence as they take more risks. I am grateful to see so many artists making progress in their careers. Think about your own art practice, and take a minute to acknowledge what you are grateful for. Then try to give those gifts back to others. If you’re grateful to be part of a community of artists, invite new people in. If you’re grateful for special resources or opportunities, let others know how you found them. If you have struggled to stay positive, be honest about your own doubts and how you manage to keep going. A spirit of generosity expands the circle of gratitude. At this time of year people who want to give back volunteer at soup kitchens and shelters, but sometimes forget to pay attention to those closer to home. Tell those you care about what you’re grateful for, and give specific examples. When you ask them to share the same thoughts in return, you deepen the conversation. It is sometimes hard to be thankful when we look at the fractured world around us. Choosing to make art in the face of intractable social and political problems is always an act of courage. Remember to be grateful for your own creativity. ~ Mary
Mary Edwards, Ph.D Career & Life Coach for Artists “Left Brain Skills for Right Brained People” Instagram: coachingforartists.maryedwards Comments are closed.
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