Predictably, two weeks into the new year there seem to be a lot of articles about resolutions and how well (or not) people are doing at keeping them. My driving intention this year is to be more mindful in general, but especially in how I approach my work, which means I need to identify what is important to me rather than blindly going forward. Aside from whether you feel that outlining a new habit as you move from one year to the next is fruitful or a set-up for frustration, first think about the constructs we build within our own minds to define success. And in that light, how it might be a benefit to measure any knee-jerk aspirations (often a reiteration of someone else’s or society’s definition of success) against perhaps less glamorous but more personally satisfying markers of accomplishment.
Detail of new piece ©2016 Elizabeth Fram
I am in the midst of reading Eric Fischl’s 2013 memoir Bad Boy: My Life On and Off the Canvas, and have been struck by his openness in sharing the underbelly of his career, including his continual insecurities despite rising fame and fortune. He writes time and again that even though his work was being shown in major museums and galleries around the world, and being purchased by name collectors for incredible sums, he felt like an impostor, harboring an ongoing fear that he would be “found out”.
Detail of new piece ©2016 Elizabeth Fram
While Fischl’s paintings didn’t particularly resonate with me before beginning the book, I was interested in his backstory and an insider’s interpretation of the shifting art world during the 80’s. As I continue to read, I’m struck that beyond giving me a new appreciation for his painting and the genesis of his subject matter, his memoir underlines the reality that it really doesn’t matter what rung of the ladder you’re standing on, outward achievement doesn’t necessarily equate with an inner sense of satisfaction. (This may seem obvious, but it’s good to be reminded from time to time). In fact, as I delve into the final third of the book (as the the art economy is taking a downturn and his work is selling less spectacularly and at significantly lower prices) he took what amounted to a time-out and ended up, seemingly for the first time, experiencing a real sense of joy and accomplishment while making small sculptural pieces that he didn’t intend to sell or show (other than as an example of process).
Thread for new piece
What we think we want is of course different for each of us, but this year I’m going to try to consider my goals objectively while fine-tuning any changes in my work habits. What could be more valuable than to honestly and directly identify what represents our own unique sense of triumph?
Thumbnail ©2016 Elizabeth Fram
If you’re interested in pursuing this idea further, take a look at Jason Horejs’ Red Dog Blog Post 5 Strategies Successful Artists Follow to Thrive in Their Art Careers. In strategy #1, Horejs confronts this issue head-on, breaking success down into a framework of three categories: artistic excellence, recognition, and financial stability/monetary gain, acknowledging that their importance will be held in different proportions for each of us. Take a quick look at his diagram to assess how these elements fit into your vision for accomplishment. It’s a pretty quick and easy way to help you pinpoint the adjustments that make the most sense for getting you where you want to be in 2016.
Good luck!
For me as an artist (and human being) assessing where I am on the “scale” of life and art is more of an ongoing inner conversation than a one time a year proclamation. The rhythm of my work changes depending on what the current demands of my personal life are. Excellence remains most important to me in the context of my work. As long as I keep that as my uppermost goal all the other aspects (sales, exhibits etc.) of being a working artist fall into place.
You are a wise woman, Pam. I agree it’s key to work within the ebb and flow of daily life – it certainly helps to maintain a sense of balance.