The Studio: mental toughness and art-making

MKE native Rich loads an atlas stone at Bradford Beach 6-26-11

I had a pretty awesome weekend. I worked for a friend at a wedding on Saturday all day/night; and then on Sunday watched a bunch of huge, mastodon dudes lift heavy things at the Bradford Beach Strongman competition. Epic.

I read THIS ARTICLE last week on the Elite FTS website and once again found a parallel between physical discipline and artistic/studio discipline. The largest hurdle we face as artists is just getting in the studio and working - regardless of whether or not you are in the mood. One of the biggest obstacles we face is the mental block of "not being inspired" or "not having the right materials." Adapt and grow. Make use of non-conventional materials, and branch into a new media. Do what is uncomfortable with your art in media and subject matter in order to grow - nobody has to see what you have made other than yourself. Once you have neutralized the idea of the viewer, you are able to more honestly approach art-making and will discover more about yourself - it's pretty cool.

If you have already taken ownership over your processes and are experimenting with variety - show your work to others that you never intended to see the light of day. It doesn't have to be in a gallery - just have some people over and talk about it. It will only help you become more and more in accord with your true vision.