Hello! I am just now finding your Substack ... and I've clearly been missing out!
What a lovely, thoughtful, & insightful piece this is. As an artist (musician) myself, your words & thoughts here *deeply* resonate. The doubt an artist experiences is never ending, at least in my opinion. I've learned, & am still learning, to channel that doubt into building & honing my craft. I often feel that the doubt inside is one of my greatest assets, as it moves me in the direction of becoming better at my work. If I didn't doubt myself, at least a tiny bit, I'd be an egomaniac, & would be less likely to grow ... as an artist & a human.
The art vs. commerce debate you mention here is something I also struggle with. We all have to eat & pay bills. But who/what gets to determine the worth & value of our work as artists? PHEW. That's a big one & there's much to be debated & discussed on the topic.
And .... for what it's worth .... I like the art you shared in the photos. The orange & green piece really stands out to me, & if I was buying, I'd choose it. But they are both interesting & I dig them!
thanks for taking the time to write this. I think you’re so right about how doubt is an essential antidote to egomania. God save us from politicians, employers or artistic collaborators who are certain they're ‘right' and insist on what everyone else should do. Doubt makes me question my starting points and reflect on what I create. Here’s the kicker though - I cannot doubt while in the actual flow of making. As a painter the line of ink must flow from start to end. When I used to perform (Movement Improvisation), I needed absolute commitment to each action. If I’m unconvinced, I’m unconvincing.
As in so many areas of creativity, we hold in mind two apparently opposing realities - we doubt everything and doubt nothing. I wrote an essay for Aeon magazine earlier this year in which I suggested the ability to move beyond binary thinking was one of the defining characteristics of actors (and by extension all performers of live work: https://aeon.co/essays/acting-is-an-ancient-tool-of-connection-we-can-all-play-with )
As for commerce…. I despair mainly. It’s a tough time and art is a luxury for many. Niche art (such as mine) needs a niche audience and that means Social Media. That’s a cesspool I find it hard to stay in for too long. Perhaps it was always so….
It’s lovely to be in touch with you and I’m looking forward to dipping into your music.
Hello! I am just now finding your Substack ... and I've clearly been missing out!
What a lovely, thoughtful, & insightful piece this is. As an artist (musician) myself, your words & thoughts here *deeply* resonate. The doubt an artist experiences is never ending, at least in my opinion. I've learned, & am still learning, to channel that doubt into building & honing my craft. I often feel that the doubt inside is one of my greatest assets, as it moves me in the direction of becoming better at my work. If I didn't doubt myself, at least a tiny bit, I'd be an egomaniac, & would be less likely to grow ... as an artist & a human.
The art vs. commerce debate you mention here is something I also struggle with. We all have to eat & pay bills. But who/what gets to determine the worth & value of our work as artists? PHEW. That's a big one & there's much to be debated & discussed on the topic.
And .... for what it's worth .... I like the art you shared in the photos. The orange & green piece really stands out to me, & if I was buying, I'd choose it. But they are both interesting & I dig them!
Hi Lauren,
thanks for taking the time to write this. I think you’re so right about how doubt is an essential antidote to egomania. God save us from politicians, employers or artistic collaborators who are certain they're ‘right' and insist on what everyone else should do. Doubt makes me question my starting points and reflect on what I create. Here’s the kicker though - I cannot doubt while in the actual flow of making. As a painter the line of ink must flow from start to end. When I used to perform (Movement Improvisation), I needed absolute commitment to each action. If I’m unconvinced, I’m unconvincing.
As in so many areas of creativity, we hold in mind two apparently opposing realities - we doubt everything and doubt nothing. I wrote an essay for Aeon magazine earlier this year in which I suggested the ability to move beyond binary thinking was one of the defining characteristics of actors (and by extension all performers of live work: https://aeon.co/essays/acting-is-an-ancient-tool-of-connection-we-can-all-play-with )
As for commerce…. I despair mainly. It’s a tough time and art is a luxury for many. Niche art (such as mine) needs a niche audience and that means Social Media. That’s a cesspool I find it hard to stay in for too long. Perhaps it was always so….
It’s lovely to be in touch with you and I’m looking forward to dipping into your music.
Warmest Wishes