Feeling a Sense of Lack? A Pep Talk

We’re all living under a new set of parameters right now. And, for the immediate future, it has me wondering what will happen in my creative community of artists and makers, and how we’ll find new ways to deal with showing and selling our work. 

Although I have concerns, that feeling of uncertainty is fleeting for me. I know that because as artists and makers, we’re inherently creative and great at finding alternative ways to work that support us. 

We are total problem solvers. 

We CAN figure out solutions to our problems. 

If we start to work within these new constraints, it might lead to new ways of being an artist for each of us. It might mean we discover amazing new techniques because we have to use what’s on hand. 

It might mean more exhibitions because they’re all online now and shipping costs of delicate work isn’t a concern. It might mean that we meet the right collectors because we’re learning how to connect with people online. 

It might mean more eyes on our work and opportunities that result from all the people that are looking at art online right now. 

It might mean that we learn how to sell our work on social media because it becomes easier with everyone spending more time looking for ways to bring beauty to their home sanctuaries. 

Yes, working within these limitations will bring unexpected outcomes. Maybe not all of them will be negative? Maybe many of them can be helpful. 

For example, I’ve already seen a painter cut open a tube of black paint that she found to be nearly dried out. This wasn’t part of her plan but she decided to work with what she had. So she made a palette painting with slightly clumpy paint that wound-up looking great. Yep, totally outside of her comfort zone but it was new and fresh technique that she learned and now she has a fun new painting to go with it. 

I remember when I was a college student with barely any money and I had to figure out how to create a photo project for my final with one box of photo paper because that’s all I could afford. At the time it was happening, I just felt like, “If I only had more paper, this project would be amazing.” I could only see the lack I had. 

But, looking at the final project when it was complete, I could see that it was innovative and fresh. And my monetary and supply constraints were a major contributor. They made me work with more focus. I had to be clear in my goals because I didn’t have materials to spare.

Maybe you’ve experienced a moment like this? 

Where working with limitations actually allowed for something better to happen than if you didn’t have those constraints to work within? Can you remember a time when you didn’t have enough resources but you found a way through?  

Looking to your past experiences can help to calm your brain by showing it proof that you’ll be okay because you’ve dealt with similar situations in the past. You and I can find our way through tough times. And we may find a few silver linings along the way.

Pop into the comments to let me know how working with constraints has helped you in the past. I encourage you to post there because your experience may help another artist to get through trying times and find their silver linings. 

Remember, you CAN do this. 

Cheers,

Kate