The Artist's Dilemma
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- Опубліковано 10 вер 2024
- What does the balance between freedom, expression, and safety look like for you?
The classic river crossing puzzle:
1. Take the goat across.
2. Come back in an empty boat.
3. Take the wolf or cabbage across.
4. Come back with the goat.
5. Take the remaining wolf or cabbage across.
6. Come back in an empty boat.
7. Take the goat across.
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The first half of my career was sacrificing to create with freedom. It requires so much time, energy and effort to develop the skills to create at a highly professional level. I am glad I had no idea how many people had financial support to develop their craft because I never could have kept going if I'd looked around comparing myself to everyone else. By the time I realized how many people had financial, career, family support for developing their craft... I was already a professional working in animation making enough to pay all my debts and get caught up in life. But transitioning away from that stable income that provided for my family to something new has been without a doubt the greatest challenge of my life. I had to sacrifice everything to find my own voice again as a creator and I am only now just starting to see where that can provide financially for me. But I had to start with the "why" first, and find it within me. It has been like walking through fire. Literally at one point. What is the answer to your riddle for artists? Only you can find your own path. But start with why you create. Because there will be times when that is all you have left.
That is great advice, Will! Thank you for sharing. Do you think that having to sacrifice pushed you to develop your talent more than you otherwise would have? Or do you think it pushed you to develop other skills around that talent?
@@NikitaCoulombe Turns out it had nothing to do with talent. One can have all the talent in the world, develop it fully, and still not create in a satisfying and meaningful manner. I didn’t have a choice in the matter. I first became an artist by default. It seemed like a fun career. I grew that career partly from ego but mostly from exploring… but not from my inner being. Once I hit a certain age/stage in my life… everything I thought I was collapsed. Made me realize my intentions were always paper thin (so to speak) and seeking validation outside of me made me lost. But to heal myself I had to go within. Eventually creating from that place is what gave me freedom and helped me find my voice. Suddenly talent, time, opportunities, were all irrelevant. I began to create again like I was a kid. Flowing effortlessly and abundantly from me in a way that is so satisfying and connects with others so easily, that I can’t help but feel as though I am just a useful instrument being used to create, rather than someone that is trying to create. My life is my art now. I create to express that. I hope that makes sense?
@@WillTerrell I love this. It makes a lot of sense!
Why do you create @@NikitaCoulombe? You are a very gifted talent. What does the right balance between freedom, expression and safety look like for you?
@@WillTerrell thank you. I create because I have to. Several years ago, I was at a low point and painting was the only way out. As someone who typically likes safety, committing fully was scary, but it was better than the alternative. I have been thinking about how to maximize freedom and expression, what has to be sacrificed or what the trade offs are, and haven’t landed anywhere just yet. I’m becoming more financially stable (let’s call it a canoe), but through the process of stepping into myself I’ve met a very kind and supportive partner who brings more stability. I want to push myself harder and create the best stuff I can, and hopefully be able to help others when I figure out useful things.
Love this! Thanks!
Hi Nikita, Very interesting thoughts that apply to most of us, everything in life is a trade-off. I would have loved to seen a close-up of what you are working on:) Insights into work as it progresses is always helpful! By the way, I hit the "like" button but it didn't register in the count. Thank you for another video!
Trade-offs indeed! I’m painting a loon (rather appropriate), which I plan to share more of shortly - maybe a nubby feather painting demo?
2:04 you've said everything