The questioning artist

All artists ask the same questions -- do I do good work? Is my art something others like? Do I like my work? How can I improve? Could I have done more on this piece? Should I have done less?

Artist Stefen Baumann (Isn't he a hunk?) says all artists are ultimately skeptics asking -- do I have talent? Does my art have feeling or meaning?

He offers that these skeptical conversations create barriers between who we are and what we are capable of creating. Artists often allow these barriers to affect their confidence in their art.  We are generally our own worst critics.  Family and friends will often fall in two separate camps, those wanting to please and only saying nice things or those who just don't feel comfortable with our work and may be critical just because.  My husband is one of those latter critics.

When the answers in our own minds are negative nothing will convince us that our piece is good. Then it is time to let that piece cool. I can tell you that I have a lot of pieces "cooling" .

The aspect of questioning our talent and work doesn't need to be negative. But you knew that! How do we get there though when we, and most likely others as well, have offered negative thoughts about our work and undermined that confidence we need to have. I am part of a cybergroup who have made it clear they don't consider art quilts as quilts. When I began to experiment with that venue, it was quite a blow to see those comments written about my work.

Joining an artist's guild, outside our regular quilt guild, may be the answer. Some groups offer a contemporary slant that may be more compatible with your ultimate vision. Or one where members experiment with techniques or materials. I like being part of a fiber group where there are many varied types of art being done. The artists there tend to be less critical of "different" because they are doing "different" themselves. When visiting or joining such a group it is, of course, important to see the differences in the work of others as a joyous and exciting thing, not a negative statement of your own style and body of work.  The internet offers a lot of opportunities for experimentation.  Or form your own!  If you are looking and wondering you know there are others out there too.  Put a notice in your guild's bulletin.  Generate interest from two others and you have a group!

Set some times to meet over coffee or lunch and discuss where you want to go with your art.  What do you want to try that you just need some friends to stand beside you and give you a push?  Perhaps some fellow artists who want to step out of the "normal" state of quilting and need the synergy of others to fly beyond traditional boundaries.

So, what about you? Are you questioning your talent negatively? Do you join in with others who have different styles and openly receive their work?  Do you wish you had such a group to play with?

glen