Helen’s parents had never approved of her career choice. She was an artist and loved painting.
However, her parents did not believe she could make a living as an artist. For her to succeed, Helen would need to become well known and famous.
That belief put a lot of pressure on Helen as she attempted to forecast art market trends and create work that people would buy.
With every piece of artwork created, Helen would question whether others would like it, how much they would be willing to pay and if it was getting her closer to her goal of being famous.
So began the story of “I want to be famous” and creating work for the approval of others.
It is easy for artists to desire fame, and many seeking fame make it a personal expectation and their ultimate goal.
However, seeking fame can interfere with their perception of success and can create a continual feeling of lack of self-approval.
It can also obscure their work as they lose sight of why they became artists in the first place and start doing work they believe will make them famous instead of authentic.
Authentic work means getting to know who you are and why you choose to create. Self-examination can lead you to a space of vulnerability that will allow you to create something truly authentic.
This week’s challenge is to ask yourself the following questions: Would you still be making the work you are doing today if you could not show it to anyone?; Or would you be creating something different?; Do you really want to be remembered as someone or something you’re not?”
Because authentic work is honest art that you love first and conveys the messages you want to tell, being famous does not mean good work.
It also does not mean that fame is bad. Good work comes from being authentic, which comes from within and not from external praise and approval.
So, give the gift of the real you, for you are the only one that can give it as everyone contributes to the world in their own way.
Forever creating
Deborah Ruth
