Art Show Psych Out

Has this ever happened to you? Have a beautiful idea to enter a ‘dream’ art show, then do a little recon to see the artists who showed the previous year, only to find yourself staring in disbelief and disappointment as you sink into some sort of jeweler’s depression? Whelp… I just did that. And it didn’t feel good. So I just took off for a walk out in the brisk post-blizzard air, and I’m bringing you along with me to talk it out…

Here’s to your success and your positive self-talk! If you’re anything like me, you often find yourself downplaying your own work. Don’t do that! It doesn’t help. This is a struggle I deal with almost daily. You are wonderful. You are amazing! And you can create beautiful pieces! Don’t let anyone (even yourself) tell you that you can’t.

Do you find yourself in similar self-dissing? Share below and let us know how you help dig yourself out! You never know when your words of inspiration can lift up another! So do! Share! Spread the love ;)

6 Comments

  • Chris

    Ok Laura, you have to go back and listen to what you are telling all of us to do and take your own advice. I know exactly how you feel and haven’t worked on my jewelry for almost two years now because of this very problem. I DON’T want to see that for you. Thankfully, I’ve found another medium, spinning, and am already thinking of ways to incoporate the two. You have beautiful jewelry and every trends change. This could be your year to shine with your perspective! And your jewelry may be what the show needs. I hope you have already gone back and applied. Because if you don’t….. you’re gonna get an ear full from a lot of your followers! lol Remember, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!! You got the talent, show the world how amazing you are!

  • This is *so* exactly what I needed to hear today, Laura! I’m still quite a newbie here trying to make a go of turning my passion into my career. Just last night I was cruising around the internet for tutorials, inspiration, good blogs – there are some amazing artists out there. But instead of inspiration I somehow ended up feeling disgusted with myself and thinking I have no place among these “real artists”. It was *very* depressing. I’ve managed to avoid my workbench all day doing other busy work – until I came upon your video in my email. I can’t thank you enough for reminding me not to give up! Finding inspiration in other work is great, but not when it turns into comparison – “Comparison is the thief of joy”. It’s funny: I know that quote (Theodore Roosevelt, I think), but I didn’t even realize I was doing that to myself until I heard what you shared! Thanks!

  • Katinka Mouissie

    Dear Laura

    You can make people happy just they have to watch your video’s and to listen what you tell us.
    Thank you very much.
    Katinka

  • Lyn

    …See, I so want you to do the show I lost my ability to spell, lol!
    I meant AMAZING!!! :)

  • Lyn

    I second Cathy, well said!!!! :)
    DO IT, DO IT, DO IT!!! You create such amazing pieces Laura, your work is beautiful!
    I battle with self-doubt all the time, always thinking I’m not good enough at anything I do, that I don’t match up or compare in any way to those around me, but you have been such an inspiration to me, you’re one of the main reasons I have my Etsy shop…. I joined after listening & being inflamed by one of your podcasts :)
    Your work & passion give so much to me, & others like me, you inspire, encourage, give strength & ignite self belief…… Believe in you & the wonders you create….you are AMZAING!! :)

  • Cathy

    You get back in there and apply to that show! Your work is beautiful and you help tons of others create beautiful works too! Do not feel intimidated by the other’s, yes their work is beautiful too but each artist/jeweler has their own unique style and each person has their own taste. What appeals to one may not always appeal to another and vice versa. So get in there and try and if you don’t get accepted just use that as fuel and try again next time and every time until you do get in. There is absolutely no harm in trying! Come check out my “inspire me” pinning board which includes this quote, “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” http://pinterest.com/cap_creations/inspire-me/ YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!