I know many of you will hate me for this haha, but mine is writing Artist Statements. I know! I know! I can literally see you cringe (although, actually I can't *) and hear you grumble at the thought of them.
Creating Artist Statements and generally talking about your art does not come easy to everyone. I too used to fumble over my words when I had to explain 'The "whys" and "hows" of what I do', but getting into the habit of writing about my art has improved my articulation immensely, that is one of my first tips. Write, write and write more. Get it all down on a page.
I became more aware of the wider struggles of other artists recently, on Instagram. I came across a post expressing hatred for this requirement of the professional artist and of the aspiring artist. It seems to have afflicted its torture on all of us at some point.
I can admit that at first I also felt a tremor at the prospect of writing about my art and myself. However, in hindsight I can see it was just transference of 'the fear of the blank page' we all suffer before we get into our creative flow.
So, what can we do to overcome this?
As mentioned before, write EVERYTHING down. Make mental notes, voice notes, or any kind of note while painting, walking or reading. Detail your process, so that you do not forget how you create (this has happened to me previously :D completely forgetting how I actually came to create this masterpiece!)
Next, be aware of your feelings when you create. The music you listen to and the time of day you best create. Be conscious of your 'Self-talk', we all do it, you're not insane as many older generations would have led us to believe. As creatives, we have a rich internal life that enables us to create what we do and at a later date present it to the world. Use it to empower your writing and self-expression.
Also, I would say to write how you speak, do not force words onto the page that are not your natural vocabulary. You will enrich this as you write more and read more extensively. This is the next tip: Read often! other artists' statements, art books, and articles on art, but not only art, literature and business too! Absorb everything that absorbs you!
Not all of us will have the same emotional connection with our work, perhaps your work is more commercial, illustrative, or conceptual. In that case find out what and how your work interests you, write for yourself first to better understand why you do what you do then apply it to your audience.
For years, I thought my overactive mind was faulty. Now I know it is my greatest gift when trained and utilised correctly. Perhaps, your superpower is yet to be discovered too! Disguised as a flaw.
Happy searching. The path of self-discovery has the most enjoyable present.
*This is called aphantasia, the inability to imagine/visualise scenarios with your mind's eye. I will write on this topic at a later date.
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