Thank you for the insight. I am a healthcare provider who worked approximately 60 to 70 hours per week and recently decreased my work to part-time so that I can have a good work-life balance. After not painting for over 30 years, I started a few months ago and am enjoying getting back to my creative side.
Your red shoe anaology really resonates with me. I put my red shoes away and got a 'proper job' in healthcare 30 years ago, but always known i wasmt being my authentic self. Always crafted, but no longer thought of myself as an artist ❤ I recently started painting again and sold the first two paintings! ❤
Christina, thank you so much for the lecture. I grew up loving music and art, on my first job I used to save money to buy an Art magazine. Music happened first with my friends in need for a band member and I was on the list. Coming here to USA people loved when I played but I wasn’t 100% happy. Started a store (Fair Trade) with my wife demanded my attention full time. After 18 years I decided to quit music and go back to my art classes. I started drawing since 2014 again and promised myself to have discipline and at least 1 hour every day draw. In 2023 we sold the store but I’m still part time working there. I started to paint and take classes and that’s how I found you on youtube. Among several online instructors your videos help me a lot. As a mexican in Fenwick Island, Delaware people know about art but the connection with other artists hasn’t happen yet. If I tell a person that I paint sometimes I get: “where did you study?” Or “are you going to have an exhibit or website?” Is intimidating. Anyway, Thank you so much!
Thank you for sharing your story! I'm so glad to hear that you reconnected with your art practice. I hope these videos help you feel more connected to the art community :)
Life is like a crashing plane. you know you're going to crash, but you don't know exactly when you're going to crash. Until then, make your life a big party. This is the best advice I can give you as an old artist. Greetings Peter from the Netherlands.
This post is truly encouraging, informative and really enjoy your perspective. This was necessary to discuss as it is widely felt but not vocalized and important to be aware of....
You packed a lot into this video. I really like much of your work, especially the urban restaurant/bar night scenes and the work you've done in Newfoundland. You did a good job of addressing the demons. The well running dry, losing the inspiration or the tools. I have found taking a break allows me still see (I have never lost that) and think. Eventually things flow when the paint is on the palette. You are very good and should take joy in that.
I started painting on a whim after basically decades away from creating anything that wasn't work related. My parents when I was still a teenager decided that I shouldn't pursue what I wanted which was art, I did try something as close to it as possible becoming a draftsmen out of high school (we still used pencils to draw then), eventually that because a CAD operator and for a while I did a lot of design/drafting, until that dried up. Then I got into illustration for technical manuals and eventually tech writing as a need to stay employed. All the latter parts though weren't the same because it was all computer based and honestly nothing beats using a brush or a pencil to create something. The one thing I have yet to start working at is getting back my actual drawing skills, have to find time to squeeze that in now. Loved this video you definitely packed a lot into it and it was all great stuff.
Thanks for sharing your experience! I understand the need to put art aside and pursue something practical. And I agree, making art on the computer just isn't the same as using traditional media. I hope you can get back to drawing and making art soon!
I just want to say your paintings are very inspiring to me, I have only started to paint int he last 4 years and I aspire to be able to capture light as you do
That’s a very good point about the red shoes. And it’s like obsessed with drugs that u can’t get off of it. Painting is fun and creative but u just can’t stay on it 24/ 7. It will damage your health and mental stability. So I say I paint for few hours and then take a break long as you like and the painting will still be there to finish it. Great message from you. Thanks. Cheers. Slurping my Coffee ☕️☕️☕️😎😎😎🔥🔥🔥
Go with the flow, while you have the momentum. At 68 I think about quitting painting, as it ebbs and flows. It has been work for so long and hard to make sales far from a good supportive urban area. I'd much rather spend time with my horses or hike than paint these days. Years of commissions took it out of me. BUT I need to stay connected with my painting as it's my only personal source of money for the future, besides SS. I was invited to join a plein air event, so I'll see if that gives me a spark.
First of all I am so glad that you could speak about something considerably sensitive with ease and comfort!😊 I think you already have the answer. That girl with those flashy red shoes didn't become a "dancer". "She just started to dance." For being a "dancer" she must exercise consciously with routine and the "performance" will be revealed on the stage!! So life for a dancer has two totally different parts: Exercise and performance! When she exercises that doesn't necessarily means that she just has to exercise "dancing". She exercises harmony, beauty, madness, psychology, acting and lots of other qualities so she would be able to "perform" on that stage. This is going to be the life of that "dancer". And Christina, Life is like a rope that you are walking on it and even if there is always a possibility for you to fall but the rope is always there and the urge of walking on that rope once again will never completely extinguished... I think I do not need to say another word... Good luck!😊
I returned to art after a gap of 35 years! I, too, have been manically catching up and sometimes i literally say to myself, "Look, stop. Just stop!" I am driven all the time to being making something. I push myself waaaay too hard, and i have to leave it for a day or so because, yes, indeed, too much focus kills the creativity stone dead. Thank you for the reminder... i can take my foot off the throttle just a tiny bit, knowing its actually OK 😊x
wow your story is so much like mine. i too pursued business thinking it was a 'safe' path and pushed art aside. boy that did not go well lol comfort is the enemy of creativity. there always needs to be a struggle of some kind, even if you're in a position where you don't have to worry about the basics in life.
@@christinakentart i was! and while i don't have time to paint every day now i'm very intentional about blocking off time, and somehow that limitation has made me better
Adam Savage (on one of his many videos on the Tested UA-cam channel) mentioned that he admired his father because he would work hard at a regular job to provide for his family and then he would come home and he would paint. the paintings were basically just for him, adam mentioned. His father never really showed the paintings to anyone. But he managed to support his creativity that way and he was happy. So that is a way to look at it. Sort of having both. I only pushed it aside myself because i had too many ideas and couldnt decide what to do, and that led to an emptiness. I'll get back to it though. I don't think the shoes are ever actually gone. They are just put in the closet. What you are mentioning though that i notice in the subtext, is that whether or not you have a regular job or are an artist, you have to jump. You have to actually jump and let yourself do it. I think Andy J Pizza said in one of his podcasts that being obsessed is not necessarily a bad thing. i forget which episode. I would love to be like a creative production line, just churning out inspired painting after inspired painting for years. I think it could be interesting to see a landscape painted from anxiety.
@@christinakentart Andy is so damn cool. And yeah I feel the red shoes cuz I got a part time job, doing photography. It’s fun. But still drains me and it’s harder to choose creativity. Even if the red shoes aren’t truly gone Like I was thinking. It’s so tricky
Hi, Christina, Igor is here. I like your idea of pacing yourself in order to sustain your creative energy for a long time. However, you must have a systematic approach to it. For example, when you are working late into the night in order to achieve a certain effect on your canvas, if you stop you are in danger to lose a train of thought or even a creative flow, which would be even impossible to replicate at later tine when you are ready to reenter your creative process. I believe, artists can’t really adhere to schedule. If they do, their productivity would inevitably suffer. Art is akin to a scary train of thoughts that sometimes keeps you awake at night. You don’t know its origin or schedule. It just comes and goes, at will. Can you predict the time of day when inspiration hits you? I think if you try to regulate art you transform yourself into a craftsman. I don’t know if system exists for an artistic painting. I know of a system for actors, which they use to be able to embody a characters they play. But even system actors, sometimes stay in character for days. Who knows, you may be able to find that magic balance. My only wish for you that you do, so we can enjoy your gift for a long time. 😊✌️
"stay healthy, have a happy life and lots of good relationships" so basically, just not being me LOL. chronic illness, sleep issues, both parents and in-laws old and in bad health, one kid ASS, another ADHD, partner with both... Sometimes life isn't what we would like it to be. But thankfully we can still be creative a little.
You have very very good points about burnout and avoiding it. I respectfully disagree with The Red Shoes being about that though. She doesn’t put herself in danger- someone else does it to her without her full knowledge or consent. It’s a story meant to speak of the consequences society will take on those who don’t conform. The author, Hans Christian Andersen, was most likely queer and many of his stories lean into the pain and danger of not conforming to societal norms. (The Little Mermaid ends with her death although it is hopeful about her gaining a soul to eventually go to heaven.)
That’s me today. Recently, after 30 years of painting, little representation , some fair sales, but know it’s time…. I’ve stopped for a while… 😢Burnt out… I’m taking my studio apart, declutterring, repaint. Start new, start fresh in 2025. See you on the other side. Thanks. ❤
Thank you for the insight. I am a healthcare provider who worked approximately 60 to 70 hours per week and recently decreased my work to part-time so that I can have a good work-life balance. After not painting for over 30 years, I started a few months ago and am enjoying getting back to my creative side.
Congratulations for making the time and getting back into your creative practice! Enjoy ❤️
Your red shoe anaology really resonates with me. I put my red shoes away and got a 'proper job' in healthcare 30 years ago, but always known i wasmt being my authentic self. Always crafted, but no longer thought of myself as an artist ❤ I recently started painting again and sold the first two paintings! ❤
Oh that's amazing, congratulations!! Keep going!
Congrats!
Christina, thank you so much for the lecture. I grew up loving music and art, on my first job I used to save money to buy an Art magazine. Music happened first with my friends in need for a band member and I was on the list. Coming here to USA people loved when I played but I wasn’t 100% happy. Started a store (Fair Trade) with my wife demanded my attention full time. After 18 years I decided to quit music and go back to my art classes. I started drawing since 2014 again and promised myself to have discipline and at least 1 hour every day draw. In 2023 we sold the store but I’m still part time working there. I started to paint and take classes and that’s how I found you on youtube. Among several online instructors your videos help me a lot. As a mexican in Fenwick Island, Delaware people know about art but the connection with other artists hasn’t happen yet. If I tell a person that I paint sometimes I get: “where did you study?” Or “are you going to have an exhibit or website?” Is intimidating. Anyway, Thank you so much!
Thank you for sharing your story! I'm so glad to hear that you reconnected with your art practice. I hope these videos help you feel more connected to the art community :)
Life is like a crashing plane. you know you're going to crash, but you don't know exactly when you're going to crash. Until then, make your life a big party. This is the best advice I can give you as an old artist. Greetings Peter from the Netherlands.
Haha thank you, party on!
This post is truly encouraging, informative and really enjoy your perspective. This was necessary to discuss as it is widely felt but not vocalized and important to be aware of....
Thank you, so glad you found it helpful!
Really enjoying your art and channel, and love this story and perspective ❤ Thank you for sharing it!
Thanks for letting me know, so glad you liked it!
You packed a lot into this video. I really like much of your work, especially the urban restaurant/bar night scenes and the work you've done in Newfoundland. You did a good job of addressing the demons. The well running dry, losing the inspiration or the tools. I have found taking a break allows me still see (I have never lost that) and think. Eventually things flow when the paint is on the palette. You are very good and should take joy in that.
Thanks for sharing your perspective, and for the kind words!
I started painting on a whim after basically decades away from creating anything that wasn't work related. My parents when I was still a teenager decided that I shouldn't pursue what I wanted which was art, I did try something as close to it as possible becoming a draftsmen out of high school (we still used pencils to draw then), eventually that because a CAD operator and for a while I did a lot of design/drafting, until that dried up. Then I got into illustration for technical manuals and eventually tech writing as a need to stay employed. All the latter parts though weren't the same because it was all computer based and honestly nothing beats using a brush or a pencil to create something. The one thing I have yet to start working at is getting back my actual drawing skills, have to find time to squeeze that in now. Loved this video you definitely packed a lot into it and it was all great stuff.
Thanks for sharing your experience! I understand the need to put art aside and pursue something practical. And I agree, making art on the computer just isn't the same as using traditional media. I hope you can get back to drawing and making art soon!
@@christinakentart I have actually been painting, still haven’t found the time to add drawing, but trying to work it into my schedule.
I just want to say your paintings are very inspiring to me, I have only started to paint int he last 4 years and I aspire to be able to capture light as you do
Thank you! With practice I am sure you will get there :)
this was a great video. much love and respect from istanbul.
Thank you!
This resonates so much, as if it was describing my story 💔
Thank you for this video!
You’re welcome! Glad you liked it :)
That’s a very good point about the red shoes. And it’s like obsessed with drugs that u can’t get off of it. Painting is fun and creative but u just can’t stay on it 24/ 7. It will damage your health and mental stability. So I say I paint for few hours and then take a break long as you like and the painting will still be there to finish it. Great message from you. Thanks. Cheers. Slurping my Coffee ☕️☕️☕️😎😎😎🔥🔥🔥
Exactly! Balance is important
Go with the flow, while you have the momentum. At 68 I think about quitting painting, as it ebbs and flows. It has been work for so long and hard to make sales far from a good supportive urban area. I'd much rather spend time with my horses or hike than paint these days. Years of commissions took it out of me. BUT I need to stay connected with my painting as it's my only personal source of money for the future, besides SS. I was invited to join a plein air event, so I'll see if that gives me a spark.
Thanks for sharing your perspective! I hope you get a boost of inspiration from the plein air event :)
First of all I am so glad that you could speak about something considerably sensitive with ease and comfort!😊
I think you already have the answer.
That girl with those flashy red shoes didn't become a "dancer".
"She just started to dance."
For being a "dancer" she must exercise consciously with routine and the "performance" will be revealed on the stage!!
So life for a dancer has two totally different parts:
Exercise and performance!
When she exercises that doesn't necessarily means that she just has to exercise "dancing".
She exercises harmony, beauty, madness, psychology, acting and lots of other qualities so she would be able to "perform" on that stage.
This is going to be the life of that "dancer".
And Christina,
Life is like a rope that you are walking on it and even if there is always a possibility for you to fall but the rope is always there and the urge of walking on that rope once again will never completely extinguished...
I think I do not need to say another word...
Good luck!😊
Oh that is beautiful! Thanks for sharing :)
@@christinakentart anytime...
I read this fable in the book Women who run with the Wolves. I think about it all the time!! Great lesson 👏🏽👏🏽
It's so good! So much wisdom in that whole book.
Yess. Life changing wisdom!
I think we shouldn’t question it, but try to find balance,its not a bad obsession to have!
Great point :)
I returned to art after a gap of 35 years! I, too, have been manically catching up and sometimes i literally say to myself, "Look, stop. Just stop!" I am driven all the time to being making something. I push myself waaaay too hard, and i have to leave it for a day or so because, yes, indeed, too much focus kills the creativity stone dead. Thank you for the reminder... i can take my foot off the throttle just a tiny bit, knowing its actually OK 😊x
Yes I am an artists. What is your query related to?
Ah yes, I feel you! You can definitely ease up on the throttle. Take breaks, rest, then art will be waiting for you when you return :)
wow your story is so much like mine. i too pursued business thinking it was a 'safe' path and pushed art aside. boy that did not go well lol
comfort is the enemy of creativity. there always needs to be a struggle of some kind, even if you're in a position where you don't have to worry about the basics in life.
I feel you. I hope you were able to get back to your art!
@@christinakentart i was! and while i don't have time to paint every day now i'm very intentional about blocking off time, and somehow that limitation has made me better
Adam Savage (on one of his many videos on the Tested UA-cam channel) mentioned that he admired his father because he would work hard at a regular job to provide for his family and then he would come home and he would paint. the paintings were basically just for him, adam mentioned. His father never really showed the paintings to anyone. But he managed to support his creativity that way and he was happy. So that is a way to look at it. Sort of having both. I only pushed it aside myself because i had too many ideas and couldnt decide what to do, and that led to an emptiness. I'll get back to it though. I don't think the shoes are ever actually gone. They are just put in the closet. What you are mentioning though that i notice in the subtext, is that whether or not you have a regular job or are an artist, you have to jump. You have to actually jump and let yourself do it. I think Andy J Pizza said in one of his podcasts that being obsessed is not necessarily a bad thing. i forget which episode. I would love to be like a creative production line, just churning out inspired painting after inspired painting for years. I think it could be interesting to see a landscape painted from anxiety.
Yes, there are so many ways to build a sustainable art practice! And I love Andy’s podcast 😃
@@christinakentart Andy is so damn cool. And yeah I feel the red shoes cuz I got a part time job, doing photography. It’s fun. But still drains me and it’s harder to choose creativity. Even if the red shoes aren’t truly gone Like I was thinking. It’s so tricky
❤
Hi, Christina, Igor is here. I like your idea of pacing yourself in order to sustain your creative energy for a long time. However, you must have a systematic approach to it. For example, when you are working late into the night in order to achieve a certain effect on your canvas, if you stop you are in danger to lose a train of thought or even a creative flow, which would be even impossible to replicate at later tine when you are ready to reenter your creative process. I believe, artists can’t really adhere to schedule. If they do, their productivity would inevitably suffer. Art is akin to a scary train of thoughts that sometimes keeps you awake at night. You don’t know its origin or schedule. It just comes and goes, at will. Can you predict the time of day when inspiration hits you? I think if you try to regulate art you transform yourself into a craftsman. I don’t know if system exists for an artistic painting. I know of a system for actors, which they use to be able to embody a characters they play. But even system actors, sometimes stay in character for days. Who knows, you may be able to find that magic balance. My only wish for you that you do, so we can enjoy your gift for a long time. 😊✌️
Thanks Igor! Yes, these are great points to keep in mind. The creative process is so fascinating.
"stay healthy, have a happy life and lots of good relationships"
so basically, just not being me LOL.
chronic illness, sleep issues, both parents and in-laws old and in bad health, one kid ASS, another ADHD, partner with both...
Sometimes life isn't what we would like it to be. But thankfully we can still be creative a little.
That sounds really challenging. I hope you can continue to make space for your creative practice ❤️
You have very very good points about burnout and avoiding it. I respectfully disagree with The Red Shoes being about that though. She doesn’t put herself in danger- someone else does it to her without her full knowledge or consent. It’s a story meant to speak of the consequences society will take on those who don’t conform. The author, Hans Christian Andersen, was most likely queer and many of his stories lean into the pain and danger of not conforming to societal norms. (The Little Mermaid ends with her death although it is hopeful about her gaining a soul to eventually go to heaven.)
😂😂was actually looking forward to the end of the story
Haha sorry! If you really want to know… the neighbor cuts off her legs and she lives as a beggar for the rest of her life… 🫠
@@christinakentart by the way I really enjoy your content truly inspiring for beginners like me ☺️☺️
You're beautiful ❤❤
How much hours u work per day ?
That’s me today. Recently, after 30 years of painting, little representation , some fair sales, but know it’s time…. I’ve stopped for a while… 😢Burnt out… I’m taking my studio apart, declutterring, repaint. Start new, start fresh in 2025. See you on the other side. Thanks. ❤
Sorry to hear about your burn out ❤️ I hope you get some well-needed rest and can start fresh next year!