I have always enjoyed the art history books as any artist
does and while in college there was no way around it. Now, out of college and
creating our own art work, we artists use those art books more for inspirations
or references. However, I remember toward the end of my senior year I was
starting to burn out and even caught myself burning out earlier this year. A
time, where nothing was working, no thoughts, no ideas, no strength, no
ambition, lots of anxiety, etc. I don’t know about you, but it’s my drug, it’s
my escape, keeps me leveled, and creative/thinking.
Well, I have found two books that are my life line to
keep going with my art. To be encouraged to not give up and to be ok on down
times. First book was advised from a college friend (Leslie) when discussing
being burned out our senior year. A must read I tell you! The name of book is “Art
and Fear” by David Bayles and Ted Orland. This is a book about two artists, who
are the authors, which share their insights of becoming an artist that is
fearless. Also, this book is really good on expressing yourself through your
art work and to have that unique style. One thing that is for sure is that I am
still a growing painter, learning every time I paint to make that one style
that says, “That’s a Lucy Inserra painting”. I speak through paintings or I try
to with certain brushstrokes and color. As like, any artist that would love to
be recognized for their talent and skills. For example, when looking at a Van
Gogh or a Picasso, you know the difference between their paintings without even
knowing them for their famous names in the art world. That’s exactly what I strive
for and of course, that dream that I will someday have a one-man show in New
York City. It’s a long shot but, it could happen. This book is all about
finding your own way in your work. This book is only 118 pages long, paper
book, and small in size. I say that because it was like a bible my last weeks
of college in 2011. It got me through it and even got me through it again the
beginning of this year. Let me write a part here: “ARTMAKING INVOLVES SKILLS
THAT CAN BE LEARNED. The conventional wisdom here is that while bestowed only
by the gods. Not so. In large measure becoming an artist consists of learning
to accept yourself, which makes your work personal, and in following your own
voice, which makes your work distinctive.” (Page 3). Can I say, AMEN!!! As a
teacher now for beginner painters, my paintings that I teach and create are
very diverse in style (in acrylics) and at the same time, I am constantly creating
my own paintings (in oil paints) to find my own style in my studio. I do like
that I can go back and forth in many paintings techniques, but I still thrive
for my own art work, my signature style. Oh! One day it will come.
As artists, we are emotional and intuitive creatures I must
say. For we, are aware of our own surroundings and our minds are constantly thinking
and creating in our heads. After awhile, we become burnt out in our minds and
causing depression when we are not creating. For some of us, it’s a life line
or even survival if getting paid for your art work. Even when, we have an idea
and we sketch it out and it’s all good for awhile and then your art work is not
becoming what you envisioned it and then depression sets in that you feel not
good enough to create what you thought would work. Artists are their own worst
critic and we take things so personally. Feeling like a failure is a common
place. This book is great to read when you have become depressed during your
art work and gives pointers to view at it a different way, a normal way. The
name of book is “The Van Gogh Blues” by Eric Maisel, PH.D. Quote: “In order for
you to live an authentic, meaningful life, which is the principal remedy for
the depression creative people experience, you must feel that 1)the plan of
your life is meaningful, 2) the work you do is meaningful, and 3) the way your
spend time is meaningful. These are three separate but related tasks, each with
its logic, demands, and obstacles.” (Page 51). Good Stuff!!! I read this book
after college and have read it several times during my depression times of
creating.
Thank you for reading, Hopes this helps some artists out
there!!!
Bibliography
Maisel,
Eric Ph.D The
Van Goghs Blues. United States of America: Rodale, Inc., 2002.
Bayles,
David and Ted Orland.
Art and Fear. United States of
America: McNaughton & Gunn, Printers, 1993.