From the Vault - Comebacks

A popular post from #paulasilbertartsconsultancy

I had an upset this morning and have spent most of the day feeling hope-less and without my usual focus and positivity. I know many of you can relate to this.

I genuinely believe it requires grit and determination to be an artist and remain one. Despite the public perception, being an artist or maker is not for the faint-hearted. It takes guts to do what we do.

Publicly. Under the blaze of gallery lights.Brave enough to take risks and dedicate to life-long disciplines. We cop the successes and the failures equally and without the benefit of cushioning, Some even invite ‘artistic criticism’ as part of their modus operandi.

I bridle when I hear the descriptor ‘artistic temperament’ used.The implication is that of a person lacking self-control, boundaries, or focus. It rolls of the tongue of many who haven’t actually done what we do.

Look. I’ve worked with some tough and demanding visual artists and arts managers. They’re real. But are we really going to believe that our ‘temperament’ isn’t mirrored in every other industry and community group?

Don’t think so.

My experience with the visual arts community has principally delivered hard-working people who might not win every time but are winners nonetheless. In

• Strength

• Commitment

• Focus

• Courage

• Above-average willingness to try, discard, repeat and overcome.

• Boldness.

So, yes, it was not the day I thought I was going to get, and I didn’t enjoy it.

But, just reminding myself of the qualities of the practitioners I get to work and talk with daily has just put me back on track again.

I could finish with a quote from a famous artist. But instead, I’m going to give you three short ones by a famous fighter. Boxer, Anthony Mundine. He says “It’s not about the setback. It’s about the comeback. Skills pay the bills. Experience beats youth.”

Photo Drew Beamer.