Recently, an artist posted a comment on this website in which she revealed her pain, frustration and negative attitude about her life as an artist. She shared a few complaints — from her age to where she lived. An immediate feeling of empathy for her rushed over me and I hoped that maybe she was just having a bad day. However, I also know she is not the only artist who feels dismayed.
Suddenly Maya Angelou’s quote sprung to mind: “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” With that, and the artist’s comment in mind, I was inspired to write this article: “Positive Possibilities for You as an Artist”. If you’re feeling frustrated I hope it inspires you and that you will share it with someone else who may need it.
Gratitude
I wondered what would happen if the artist who wrote the disgruntled comment started every day with reciting gratitude affirmations. Had she ever considered stopping throughout her day to give thanks for the roof over her head and food on her table and so many other blessings in her life? If she started focusing on what she could feel grateful for perhaps she would attract more positive experiences. I know this practice worked for many people I know, including me. Many therapists are now prescribing it for chronic depression sufferers.
An Abundant Flow of Possibilities
When I was an artist I had the fortune of being a supreme optimist. I looked at challenges as opportunities. When I realized there weren’t enough galleries to show artists’ work I started curating art exhibitions. When I wrote for an art magazine and they weren’t covering my emerging artists’ friends exhibitions, I launched my own magazine. When I think about it, the problems in the art world provided me with the stimulus to make positive changes throughout my entire career.
It’s so easy to slip into negative thinking and focus on what’s wrong. When that happens think about Helen Keller, an extraordinary woman who was blind and deaf. She wrote, “When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.” Thinking about the profound meaning of her quote is like entering a dark room and turning on the light switch.
Turning Tragedy to Triumph
There are so many artists I know who have suffered sexual abuse, physical and mental breakdowns, and financial loss and we can learn from their stories about how they dealt with their challenges. There is an article about some of them that you may enjoy: Read About Amazing Artists Who Will Inspire and Motivate You.
Getting Into the Positive Groove
You may recall another article I wrote The Art of Creating Positive Grooves in the Brain. In it I write about how brain researchers have revealed that our every thought is a chemical reaction that passes through a channel composed of receptors and connectors that lead us to awareness. And, when a certain thought is repeated often enough, it forms a groove. Future thoughts automatically return to the familiar grooves in the brain.
I don’t know about you, but I’d rather create positive grooves in my brain!
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” ~ Ghandi
His words have served as the inspirational foundation for many of the decisions I make and the projects I pursue.
As an artist, if you choose to see the world in a positive light, you will become aware of myriad possibilities that await you. You may begin to look at every person you meet as a potential teacher or student, ally or champion, prospective buyer or agent. You may also see challenges you experience throughout your art career as opportunities to grow and evolve more maturely and spiritually.
Paint it Out!
And, if you are facing a challenge that seems unsurmountable at least you can channel your feelings of grief, anger and frustration into works of art. You can be grateful that you have the talent and skills to manage your experiences and alter your perception.
I know an artist who was diagnosed with cancer. After she ended her pity party she realized she couldn’t change the diagnosis but she could change how she reacted to it. She mediated and asked for guidance to help her get through this devastating and life-changing experience. The answer she received was “Paint it out!”. The next series of paintings she created were among the best works of art in her career and she grew stronger and more resilient while facing her battle against cancer.
Dancing With One Leg
As I read the artist’s angry comment I thought about how much our thoughts and perceptions create our reality. I was reminded of a video I watched earlier that day. It showed a dance performance of a woman who is a champion salsa dancer and she has only one leg. Yes, you read that correctly. This women displayed so much talent and passion as she danced with her partner. It was an exhilarating performance to watch! This woman didn’t allow having only one leg prevent her from sharing her enormous creative self-expression and living with joie de vivre.
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