Finding My Artistic Path


I need some advice.

You know I'm all over the place with my art. Fabric owns my heart. I love polymer clay. Painting is incredible. I live to doodle. I adore metal. I'm obsessed with shrink art. I can't get enough of paper. In my opinion, one can never have enough beads. I love pens and markers so much, I dream about them. I literally breathe to make up - and try out - new techniques.



Here's my problem.

If you've read my blog for any length of time, you know I'm an art fanatic. I can't imagine having to limit myself to only one form of creative expression - that would be like going to the most incredible, sumptuous buffet and only eating canned black olives. Black olives are good...in fact, black olives rock. However, if you only eat black olives, you're missing out on prime rib, tossed salad, fresh fruit, all sorts of handmade biscuits and breads, baked fish, honey baked ham, and all sorts of phenomenal dishes the restaurant is famous for. Not to mention they don't usually include black olives in the dessert bar...and who can resist double chocolate cake - made from scratch, with only the freshest handmade chocolate - and luscious, rich, homemade butter chocolate icing? (I can almost feel myself gaining weight. ha)

This sums up how I feel about using only one form of art...it's as good as black olives, but what about the rest of the stuff? I don't want to miss out on all that!

I've been thinking about my art a lot lately. Where I want it to go. What I want to do with it. (More on that in another post.) What my expectations are for it. The more I think about it, the fewer answers I seem to have. That's why I need your help.

Thinking about my creative process, and how I like to incorporate a little of everything, I've begun to wonder if my style is too "scattered". I'm curious about what my dear friends and readers think: do you think my style is too scattered, too all-over-the-place? OR Should I concentrate on just a few mediums? Do I need to tone it down?

For example, is it ok that I create a mixed media canvas, then some greeting cards, paint on some glasses, make some jewelry - all different kinds out of different media, do a metal piece for the garden, make an art doll, then sew an art quilt? Or should I focus on only one, two, or three things - or a "collection" of things?

My heart tells me to dive into whatever creative adventure comes along. I shouldn't limit myself. My head tells me I should focus on a few different things - really concentrate on a couple of items, advancing my skill.

What do you think? As I move closer to my goal of selling my work, should I begin focusing on just a couple of things? Or is it ok that I have such a wide offering? Do I follow my wild creativity - or focus on a specific "collection" in an attempt not to overwhelm people?

I seriously need help. Which is apparent, not only from this post. This is one of the most private things an artist considers...and I'm opening it up for the world. Wow. But I'm truly interested in hearing every opinion posted. Your comments and thoughts mean a lot to me - so thank you, in advance. I can't wait to hear what you have to say!

Sorry for the lack of pictures - I wasn't sure what type of photos to include. And I was feeling lazy.


xx,

7 Royal Responses:

Unknown said...

i think art is eclectic and if the artist has many interests you should just go with whatever is inspiring you at the moment. don't limit yourself, as that will hinder your inspiration. i say go for all you want.

have a great day...hugz!

Lenox Knits said...

If you are using your art as a creative outlet and you are happy just to get it out there than I say have fun with it. You can give your work as gifts and you can be happy with making whatever your heart desires. But if you want to start selling you are probably going to have to focus a bit more. To sell you generally need a niche. I'm not saying you can't vary techniques but shops that do well or sell much of anything generally have a focus of some kind. Good luck. I can't wait to see what all you come up with.

Ann said...

Ok so this is just total rambeling on my part and may not be a real answer to your question but.... It's always been a dream of mine to have my own store where I sell everything under the sun that has been made by me. I also find it very difficult to stick with just one thing. I see a new craft and I have to try it out. If it's crafty I need to do it. I may not be very good at it but I love to do it....lol

Penny said...

I stumbled upon your blog today and found you asking the same question I have asked in the past. My husband says my polymer clay work is my best work, but I still have hordeds of beads to use, and I'm really into mixed media--I want to experiment with collage and acrylics. So I chose to do both! I teach polymer clay and make what sells for shows out of it, and when those are done I do what I want. Sometimes they even sell! I have pics of my art on my facebook page if you want to see them send me a friend request.
Penny
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/profile.php?ref=profile&id=1502108969

Hot Rocks said...

I think you should do what ever you want to, and what ever you are enjoying at this point in your life! I have painted, embroidered, knitted, crocheted, macramed (oh yeah!), sewed, pressed flowers etc etc., at some point in my life. Now I am designing jewelry, and will continue on that path expanding my skills for now until I move on to something else.

One Creative Queen said...

OMG - The entire comment I just wrote disappeared...and this time it wasn't even operator error!

Thank you so much for offering up your opinions - they really touched my heart. I appreciate you getting through my long post - and it means a lot to me that you took the time to comment and let me know what you're thinking. You guys are simply the best.

@PJ: We are two minds in one body - thank you for your offering. I love what you said and my heart lifted when I read your comment. Awesome!

@Paige: You are Da Bomb Knitstress. Thank you so much for your insight - I'm going to really think on it. I respect you so much and I weigh what you say, heavily. I love ya and want you to know I appreciate you.

@Ann: Ann, Ann, Ann. We seriously think alike. I don't think you rambled at all - I love that idea! I had the same thought - and ridiculously even drew up plans for my store! I would think about places to put my store when I'd see empty shops...but stopped short of actually going in and looking at places. We need to live closer - we'd be so much trouble! (But fun!) Michael's and Hobby Lobby would have to watch out!

@Penny: I'm definitely going to friend you. I can't wait to see your stuff! It feels like an impossible decision - and I love how you handle it. I may have to become a Penny Copycat. :)

@Hot Rocks: I also love how you've handled the dilemma. Your jewelry is nothing short of astounding - and I think you've found your niche. You create some of the most beautiful stuff I've ever seen. I'm glad to know you've done other things...it gives me hope for finding my own niche.

Thank you...you guys are amazing!! xx

Riviera Maya said...

Just do what ever you feel is right.

I liked the starting very much. Description was just too good.

Thanks for sharing.

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