Matthew
Does it ever get truly tiring?
I know in art, times can get very stressful. Is there ever a point where it feels like it's not worth it anymore? If so, how do you get over that hump and continue doing what you love? #stress #stressrelief
3 answers
Chuck Martinez
Chuck’s Answer
Matthew, I have to tell you that my mother-in-law is a very good artist! She starting painting while in elementary school and continued all the way through college. She is now living in a hospice in Redmond, OR and at 94 years old, even with her shaky hands, she is still painting. To her it, it has been the best and rewarding choice of her life. She has painted all the portraits of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. I wish I was abled to share all she has painted since she started her young career at only 9 years old. Mrs. Hellen Hinman is her name, remember this name, you may see her awesome paintings some day. Chuck Martinez, retired US Army and Federal Law-enforcement!
Gloria Ortiz
Gloria’s Answer
Stress is in everything. Art is often better done with joy, but it is not always the case. Stress can come from a variety of places, so addressing the stress is actually the challenge. Most people get stressed when there is a lack of control over a situation. I had a friend who didn't like creating graphics for customers if they didn't like the subject. That can create stress if you let it. Another way to think of it is that you are giving someone what they want and it pleases them. So I would say, if you are stressed, is there an opportunity for you to change your thinking about what is making the situation stressful?
I am a creative person in a creative job. I have always loved what I do, however, I have not always loved who I worked with or worked for. I would say that you should not stay in a stressful situation just for the art. There are other jobs where you can be creative and work with good people. You should never be afraid of exiting a situation if the stress is too much. You don't want to run away at the first sign of stress, but you do not want to linger in a situation for years either.
Lastly, you need to make sure that you are living your whole life. So when you work, work hard. And when you are not working, enjoy that time as well. Make sure that you take breaks and take vacations. And if you are stressed in the moment, you should go for a walk or listen to music.
Gloria
Judith-Ann Anderson
Judith-Ann’s Answer
Matthew, art is an inspired talent; and I believe all artists are called to their profession. In this calling, I mean you truly love creating your art. Depending on the medium one choses, one can find all sorts of creations and passions and adventures to feed your art. No matter what, an artist will create. I think the big decision is whether to make a living with your art or continue another profession that will allow you time and energy to continue to create. This is where the boundaries of art and living your art get muddied. I am a performing artist and have been performing in one way or another since I was very young. My performance has at times returned with monetary value, but I chose to find professions that would allow me time to write and perform which also means time alone to think and rehearse and memorize. The reward for me is knowing that performing arts and visual arts can touch our souls.
Having gone through college and majoring in my performance talents, I can tell you that there were times I questioned whether I would find venues that would appreciate my art. College and life can be brutal to artists, as it can to all of us. You must decide what is important to you, and why you want to be an artist and be willing to take the steps through the peaks and valleys. I have chosen to continue, but not to be rich or famous but to feed my soul and hopefully along the way touch someone else's life in a meaning full way.