Episode 266: Gratitude and the Artist's Life

This is the traditional time of year to focus on gratitude for the blessings in our lives. And while gratitude can and should cover a lot of areas of life, since this podcast is mainly aimed at artists, today we’re going to consider some of the ways that we as artists can be uniquely grateful. These include being thankful for being able to do our work, for those who appreciate it, for opportunities that come our way, and for the personal growth we gain from creative practice. Art adds a dimension to our lives that is deeply satisfying and affirming, whether we do it mainly for ourselves or whether we bring it to the wider world or even make a career of it. Today we want to focus on gratitude for the ability and the passion we have for making art. Spending some time to write about what your art practice means to you is a meaningful way to explore your grateful feelings for your art practice and the creative aspects of your life. We can all get caught up in the ups and downs of the daily situation in the studio but taking a pause to acknowledge its special importance to you is uplifting. This can include looking back to times when challenges and difficulties in your creative life have led to positive outcomes, and the ways that you have grown as a person as a result. Perseverance, trust, and belief in yourself can build up over time as you involve yourself in your work. Gratitude can extend not only to what comes to us in personal ways but also to what we are able to share. Making art can be seen as a way of loving the larger world when you do it with a sense of gratitude and when you offer others a bit of your sense of beauty and rightness. Whether it is through exhibiting, teaching, writing, or speaking about your work, you can be grateful for having something meaningful to share with others. The list of things for which an artist can be thankful is long; each of us has our own specific or personal thoughts and experiences, but there are also more universal aspects of the creative life that can be acknowledged. No matter what role art plays in your own life, it enhances your life now and on into the future with its benefits of ongoing involvement and healthy aging. Thanks to everyone who has been sharing the show and donating! If you would like to donate to the Messy Studio Podcast donate here. • When you buy art supplies at Blick remember to use our affiliate link to support the podcast! Bookmark this link and then you don't even have to think about it again. This is one of the best ways to support the show. It takes a few seconds and costs you nothing! The Blick website works exactly the same way, but we earn 10% every time you buy art supplies. ​ www.messystudiopodcast.com/blick ​ What's new at Cold Wax Academy? Fall quarter is now underway with sessions on Texture, Materiality and Process, Finding Time for your Work, a return visit with Gamblin representative Mary Tevlin, a painting clinic for works in progress, and the quarterly member critique. As always, Members are encouraged to take part in the online sessions, where lively discussions take place as Rebecca and Jerry respond in real time, But if you can't make it to the live sessions, remember that Cold Wax Academy Members have unlimited streaming access to over 100 previously recorded sessions --and now you can navigate the extensive range of topics with an index to easily find what you need. By the way, you don't have to use cold wax medium to benefit from the content in these recordings. Artists who use other painting media will also find a wealth of valuable information --including effective use of the visual elements and composition, personal voice and intentions, mentoring topics like procrastination and work/life balance--and much, much more. For more info and to join CWA please visit www.coldwaxacademy.com ​ Please visit http://www.coldwaxacademy.com for more information as well as basic information about using cold wax medium. ​ Here is what a member named Sandy has to say about her own experience with Cold Wax Academy: "Rebecca and Jerry have presented the most professional, authentic and structured approach to a creative activity I have ever come across. Their selfless sharing of all their knowledge and encouragement is a gift in my life unsurpassed." ​ Also-- please visit https://www.espacioart.org to learn about Rebecca and Jerry's newest project, Espacio, dedicated to providing beautiful living and working spaces for artists and writers. Espacio's first offering is Casa Clavel, a modern, fully equipped house opening this September in the beautiful cultural city of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. A few booking openings are still available in 2023, so please incquire if you are interested. ​ Have an art related product, service, or event you would like to advertise on the Messy Studio Podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] for current mid-roll advertising rates. • For more from The Messy Studio: www.messystudiopodcast.com www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast • For more from Rebecca Crowell: www.rebeccacrowell.com www.coldwaxacademy.com • The Messy Studio Podcast is a Tick Digital Media Production.