On finishing and fledging

I have way too much in-progress art hanging out in my studio right now.

This is sort of typical for me but for some reason right now it feels really tough to know where to start. I usually like having several options and to jump from one painting to the next since I work in layers in oil paint and it takes days to dry. At the moment, though, I have too many options and no clear direction or pull toward anything in particular. There are several paintings started last spring and summer, some even older than that. I need to wrap them up but am unsure how.

I have mostly landscapes and some abstract work on the go but I am not feeling a clear pull toward either style. Or maybe I am still feeling a pull toward the more abstract work, but I have not quite found the audience for that work yet so there is a tiny voice telling me to slow it down. When I enter my studio, I feel a bit sad looking at the older work hanging on the dark walls or tucked away in boxes, not being enjoyed.

I'm really proud of my work over the last 3 years, and yet very little of it has sold. At least partly because I haven't shared it very thoughtfully. That's something I would like to do better, reshare the old stuff I still love so much. Speaking of, go have a browse through my nature-inspired abstract paintings!

So, I think that's part of the reluctance to finish pieces; to create more finished work while having little energy to help it ‘leave the nest’. The truth is, even the pieces that I have finished recently, have been under-shared and not yet listed here on my website. Like this piece that I just ADORE and captures everything I want: transparency, movement, layers, mystery, colour, softness, playfulness…and yet, I haven’t given her the time of day. 

So here is my promise to you, reader, new work is going to make its way here, likely imperfectly, but into the world nonetheless. I promise to shout about it when it does. If you want to hear me shout (aka a gentle email or two in your inbox), sign up for my newsletter list below.

I decided to share this struggle in the name of authenticity. I'm enjoying my creative practice and following what feels good, but I also have to balance that with satisfaction. Part of my satisfaction as an artist is when my work connects with others, especially when it connects with someone so much that they need to have it in their home. So that means I need to finish the work, and finishing doesn’t just mean completing the last brushstroke and signing the corner. Finishing means giving the painting the opportunity to live on its own in the world. The opportunity to find its soulmate and keep making magic in the world. It can feel self-important to say things like that (but remember I failed at humility, so who cares) but in truth I know and believe that art is generous. It is not about me, the artist; it’s about awe and connection. Art does that, I know because I’ve felt it. I bet you have too, or you probably wouldn’t be here reading this.

So, here is my request for you, dear reader, share the art the moves you. Even if you’re not ready or called upon to buy it for your own, share it. Tell people about an artist or maker you love (doesn’t have to be me, I’ll never know), recommend them, share their stuff on social media. Help the art fulfill its purpose: to connect, to create sparks, to remind people of their aliveness. And do it often.

Cheers!