I recently made the indulgent decision to attend the first Figurative Art Convention & Expo (FACE) that would be held in Miami. This was no small decision. I had recently walked away from directorship at a leading gallery to pursue my art career. So against the backdrop of financial insecurity I committed.
The angst of the decision brought up a lot of questions for me. In my long history of art passion I had only been to ONE workshop. I was living in the academic fertile ground of the Boston area at the time. It was convenient and featured an amazing artist but still it took much persuasion for me to acquiesce and attend.
So why was that? Why have I been so remiss about investing in myself? As humble as it has been, I feel a little amount of success. Could it have gone further with benefit of post scholastic instruction? When I was younger I attacked the quest to evolve with fervor. When did I become so complacent? Should I point to the task of everyday living and raising a family as the culprit?
Living in Hawaii plays a part in that I suppose. There is no atelier here. Even our schools rely on non-profit organizations for funding of art classes for the children. Yet, despite this vacuum we have no shortage of talent and one of the liveliest art markets in the country.
Back to the question of why no workshops. Geography? Maybe. It’s a consideration for sure. On a personal level it comes down to choices. If I had been actively trying to raise the level of my own art I would have found a way to ensure that goal. It doesn’t necessarily mean workshops. I DID work with an AMAZING artist here in Hawaii and learned more in that time with him then anytime before and after. However, that’s a tough situation to recreate.
There are always instructional DVD’s. I like that idea. You are able to chose your favorite artists, support them AND further your informational tool belt. I just purchased my first but definitely not the last.
Another readily available asset is communicating and gleaning tips from the fellow artists in our community. I, as with most of us, do this without realizing how beneficial the input that happens in casual conversation. I have new resolve to expand my personal art community.
Bottom line is that I am now very aware of how little I know. I have a renewed sense of purpose. I have a long way to go and feel like my time on earth is not going to come close to the time I need so I’d better get going.
That being said, I have to go paint. I’d love to hear your input so comments are very welcome.