I have a number of inspirational quotes attached to the front of my
refrigerator. One is about attitude.
“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.
Attitude, to me, is more important than other facts. It is more important
than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures,
than success, than what other people think, say or do. It is more important
than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company…
a church …a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day
regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change the
past…we cannot change the fact that people will act a certain way. We
cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one
string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what
happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you…we are in
charge of our attitudes.”
Charles Swindoll
So what does attitude have to do with art? After my last blog, which focused on Picasso, the art and the man, I realized one of the qualities he possessed was a particularly superior attitude. If his attitude had been one of humility or meekness he more then likely would not have achieved the same recognition.
The right approach towards your art can make or break an art career or any career for that matter. Possessing a way of thinking that shows confidence in your work, certainty in your intention, and belief in your art can motivate and inspire potential collectors, emerging artists and yourself!
So what if you don’t have all this? Fake it. Work on it. Develop a script that describes the work you do. Practice this script until you feel comfortable. Begin by sharing your work with those who you feel will be honest and fair…. or if you are more sensitive and new to showing your art, only those who are kind and understanding. When you feel more secure, join an art critique group and develop a way to look at your art in a more objective manner. Listen to suggestions about improvement. All this exposure will eventually help you develop confidence as well as a detached way of looking at your artwork. Your goal is to assess your art, not criticize it. Then when you bring your art to the marketplace, whether it’s at an open studio, alternative space or traditional gallery setting, you will have the script down, the assurance in place and the ability to sell yourself as well as your art.
Fingado Art Gallery, Pam Fingado © 2011 All rights reserved
Jump Start – Coaching For Creative Individuals. Call (510) 593 9081
or email pamfingado@fingadoartgallery for a free consultation.
Hmmmm. I don’t completely agree. If Picasso’s art was mediocre, I don’t think his attitude would have made it great. If he was shy and retiring, he might still have had success if someone else “discovered” him, even if the discovery came after his death, and his shyness wouldn’t have made his art any less excellent and revolutionary. Yes, attitude is important but maybe not QUITE so important, or maybe important in a different way. Hmmmmmm.
Hey, that’s the gretaest! So with ll this brain power AWHFY?
I’m not saying his work was mediocre. I’m saying, Picasso, the man and his personality, contributed to his success. I’m not sure he would have been as successful without the personality. Although he is considered the premier innovator of modern art, there were many other artists who were as gifted. That Picasso was prolific and produced works of art until a very old age also helped his career. Attitude is just part of “his” success and can an attitude of optimism can help some artists reach success.
With the bases laoedd you struck us out with that answer!
Way to go on this essay, heelpd a ton.
I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here regularly. I am quite sure I’ll learn many new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!
Thanks!