BLOG WATCHERS: Mantras

Do you have a motto or creed that as an artist you live by? What advice would you give a young artist that is just starting out?

I love to collect quotes.  I'm constantly writing down things that I hear that inspire me. And a lot of them are not art related- they're just life related.  Some stick with me longer than others, but I wouldn't say that I live by any of them in particular.  I just like to keep them close by (in my studio, in my sketchbook, in my iPhone notepad, etc.) for bad days.

This is not your wedding.  Its just a date. -- Daniel Graham

^^ My undergrad professor and mentor, Daniel Graham, told me this once about my undergrad thesis show and it has stuck with me.  I like to remember it because it reminds me that I don't have to work with the same materials, or concepts all the time.  I don't have to marry an idea.  I can just date it for a while and when its time to move on, move on; or marry it or don't. 

Just give it a year. -- Dr. Juliee Decker

Loneliness does not come from being alone, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important. -- Carl Jung

MORE. Thats the word that keeps echoing in my head as I think of ways to make a mess. -- Unknown

They think we are in a state of crisis. But we prefer living the temptation of every day, rather than fall victim to the idleness that makes life a series of cowardly acts. -- Emilio Vedova

Why do some people say, "Grow some balls"? Balls are weak and sensitive.  If you wanna be tough, grow a vagina.  Those things can take a pounding. -- Betty White

There is no substitute for hard work. -- Shawn Barber

She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.

Know what? Bitches get stuff done. -- Tina Fey

Afraid of everything, did it anyways. -- Unknown

Women, you see, only become interesting if they give you the feeling that something is not quite right. --Debra Condren

I could go on forever.  I've been collecting quotes for years.


What advice would you give a young artists just starting out?

Well I think I'm still one of those young artists.  But I've learned some things that I could share.

Don't show anything you aren't proud of.
Your work has to sit well with you first, before anyone else.
Always keep a sketchbook - put anything and everything in it.
"How much do you charge for something like that?" Answer: as much as you can without laughing.  (recent advice I just learned- sound advice at that)
"I hadn't considered that.  I'll have to look into it." - always a good response.
You can't please everyone.  Some stuff you have to take it or leave it.