If you suffer from perfectionism I hope this article, that I’ve sprinkled with inspirational quotes, helps you release perfectionism and celebrate “mistakes” in your art career.
For many years I was very tough on myself and tried to achieve perfection in every business task or creative endeavor. With help from spiritual studies and self-exploration I learned to finally accept my missteps and unfortunate occurrences as positive experiences. I still strive for excellence, rather than for “perfection” in everything I do, but I evolved to where I replace the word “mistake” with “opportunity”. I believe that “failure” is simply nature’s plan for growth. I now give thanks for seeing the beauty, growth and meaning in challenges.
“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” ~ Albert Einstein
The “Mistakes” Made by Famous Artists
Many great masters from Caravaggio to Picasso painted over their original, often failed paintings. When they got a new or better idea for a new painting, they painted over old ones. Conservators have often detected many earlier attempts gone awry. If great artists often failed at their attempts surely we don’t need to pressure ourselves. Realizing that in order to succeed we must make many attempts along the way is a more positive and healthier perspective.
“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” ~ Andrew Wyeth
Let “The Spirit” In
I read that Navajo Indian women deliberately leave an imperfection in every rug they make. This “mistake” woven into the corner of the rug is meant to allow “The Spirit” to move in and out of the rug. And, it has been said that Persian rug weavers believe that worrying about mistakes prevents them from slowing down their progress so they dismiss such concerns. This freedom allows them to continually improve their craft. They support the paradox that that practicing imperfection can allow you closer to perfection.
“I like to make my own mistakes.” ~ Mikhail Baryshnikov
Avoid Self-Judgment
Although we may have not attained every goal we have tried to reach does not mean we have failed or we are a failure. We are simply human on a journey. We do not have complete control over every experience in our lives.
It’s a waste of time and energy to become angry and fret over the spilled paint or ripped canvas, the lost manuscript that the computer chewed up and swallowed, or the letter of rejection from someone who probably has poor judgment. The exact reason for why something didn’t turn out as planned may not be fully apparent at the time but may reveal itself later.
“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
The spilled paint and torn canvas may inspire a new work of art or even a new style. The application you wrote for a grant proposal may not get accepted, however you may learn a better way to write it next time. Or perhaps the timing wasn’t right and another more beneficial funding opportunity may be on its way to you.
The exact reason for why something didn’t turn out as planned may not be fully apparent at the time but may reveal itself later. Just because things don’t always turn out as originally imagined, it doesn’t have to be labeled as a failure. It simply means we have been redirected to pursue a different path for a good reason.
Mistakes in My Art Career Have Been the Seeds of Success
There is great meaning in the advice to make many mistakes early. I surely did. I recall two major events of several. I organized an art exhibition at a major NYC venue and the owners, who were high on cocaine, made last minute changes to the show without my consent. The other experience was when I agreed to write the text (at a very reasonable rate) for a major gallery exhibition catalogue in order to get publicity for myself as a young writer. Unfortunately, the gallery owners forgot to credit me as the writer in the catalogue.
Devastated by both experiences I avoided making those mistakes in the future by making better choices and having contracts.
The truth is, I still make mistakes. They just aren’t as huge, painful and debilitating. Now, I help artists avoid making as many of them as possible including having contracts that protect their interests.
“Failure is nature’s plan to prepare you for great responsibilities.” ~ Napoleon Hill
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” ~ Confucius
It’s All About Attitude
How you react to the experiences and how you apply the lessons will outlive the experiences themselves. And they will influence the level of integrity and self-worth you develop.
Give yourself permission to release inhibitions. Get totally immersed in the joy of creativity without concern about the outcome. Welcome all the messy moments as preludes to creative innovation. Embraced a new kinder, self-accepting attitude.
Ask yourself, in the face of a mistake, “What is the positive lesson that is being presented and how can I grow from this? After all, isn’t that what we want — to grow, evolve and achieve our fullest potential?
Consider viewing unfortunate experiences as life’s little treasures. They are opportunities that will strengthen your confidence and lead you closer to new doors of empowering possibilities. Remember these words:
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.” ~ Helen Keller
Love this article, Renee, and started practicing it in earnest. Lots of mistakes can turn into a brilliant piece of art. I learned the hard way, by experimenting every time I go to the studio..
Mary, Thank you for reading the article and your comment. You are an amazing artist, always taking leaps and bounds with your natural talent and desire to evolve and expand your creative realm. I’m a huge fan!
I liked that you said that one thing to consider when you are wanting to learn how to paint is that it is not a problem to experience spilled paint since you are just learning. I have been thinking about learning how to paint but I have been worried that I would end up experiencing an accident. I will be sure to consider learning how to paint now that I understand that mistakes are expected when you are just starting.
Thank you Renee, for writing this article. I really needed to read this and in the end it all makes sense.
I was working on an art piece last night and it didn’t work out. So I grabbed my lightbox and started over.
The second try didn’t work out either. I stopped halfway. I guess I should be thankful because it probably means I see things differently and that my style has evolved, but somehow it hasn’t come out yet.
Have to admit that I became frustrated and angry, but know better now.
My art is probably not what you’re used to, but feel free to look at it if you have the time. Insta: gervisryart.
Thank you Roger. I’m glad you enjoyed the article “Release Perfectionism…” If you return here please add your website address so I can visit.
Your comment reminds me how often we judge ourselves as the inner critic raises its negative voice. We need to let whatever creative piece we’re working on breathe and return to it with a fresh pair of eyes — without judgment.
Although I no longer paint professionally, recently while spring cleaning, I came across some old photographs of paintings I did many years ago. My reaction was, “wow! What talent!” But, when I painted them all I could see were the flaws. I’ve learned a lot since those days as a perfectionist artist. Roger, I wish you endless hours of creative bliss!