outmoded 'artist' beliefs & what the new beliefs might be. (Oh, & ArtLacuna!)

This summarises the mystery and intrigue going on over here. There has been much happening. It is related to processing thoughts and planning 'what next' for art now that the MA is over and the community as it was, has dispersed far and wide......

I do lots of thinking (more of that than TV watching) and it can get me both in and out of trouble. I want to fit in with the masses and be like everyone else doing the proper 'art career' thing, but then I wish to be totally different and find a unique and trailblazing way of doing it. I listened to some talks last night about how artists survive, resist, adapt in the current 'lack of funding' art world, and I found it depressing. Depressing that many 'successful artists' (yes, how do we measure success?) aren't money-rich, they seem to be success-rich which in the art world seems to be showing regularly (without having to pay for the privilege), being a recognised name, and having your work critically written about and engaged with. If this precludes money then how do people survive who can't live off thin air, have children to support, don't come from a financially rich background etc etc?

I believe, as creative people we should be able to find new and creative ways to survive and be artists. Innovative, helpful and unique ways to survive. I'm beginning to think that some of the 'old ways' and beliefs about what being an artist is, are outdated and outmoded and it is time; time for something different when it comes to how artists survive (and can even be artists). The hardest thing in this world - someone was telling me recently - is to be yourself. Well, what if we were all working hard at being ourselves and doing what we believe in, and putting something out there we truly believed was of value and importance, not just for ourselves, but for others too?

The world is made up of 'energy' - everything from love to money is vibrational matter (different degrees of vibrational frequency and all that though ;) and if that's the case THERE IS ENOUGH OF EVERYTHING - yes, love and money. Maybe it's about a change in perspective. A shift in perception. There is enough; you can do, and have, and yes, you can make it work. The interesting bit is: how are you going to go about making it happen? But ah, this is where the other part of being an artist comes in; the artist of your own life.  I believe we should make our lives our own, not living for others, on others terms and conditions, particularly if those terms and conditions don't work or are outmoded.

That's why I read books like this and The Science of Getting Rich - which encompasses a spiritual philosophy, or if that's not in line with your beliefs, cosmic laws. There are laws and the most basic one for me is you experience (in life/in reality) what you believe or imagine to be so. If we believe to be an artist means being poor and there is 'never enough funding/money', then this is exactly what we will experience, if we believe the world is an abundant place full of exactly what we need at the time that we need it, then this too is what a person will experience - is this not your own experience of life? (if you take time to monitor your thoughts and beliefs that is!)

What will you choose today? 

If I believed some of the outmoded artist beliefs I would not be here now having done an MA in art, whilst caring single-handedly for two kids, one of them with special needs, with only my income to support me and my family. It's about being determined. Finding solutions, trying them out even if they don't work first time round. It's also about asking for what you need. The alternative is that I would have set my dream down, cried a little, felt depressed a lot, and lived a life I didn't really 'feel' or enjoy. But right now I work ridiculous hours but I love what I do in a way I can't even explain and if it touches others lives then that's even better. I believe we can do it (if we choose to!) whatever 'that' is :) Oh, but that doesn't mean a tonne of hard work isn't involved, because there always is! (a tonne of hard-work that is!)

Here's to a new artistic vision for life, here, now, and beyond.

I want to tell you more right now (relating to the image at the top) but all I can tell you is that you should follow us here: @ArtLacuna on twitter, you must sign up to the newsletter at the bottom of the page here. We (yes, there are 4 of us) are planning something ridiculously brilliant for those interested in and wanting to participate in cross-disciplinary, great art ideas and actions. Maybe it's a movement we'll be starting, but we would love merry band-members who want to join us (a quiet revolution anyone?) and those who want to party with us ;)

Talking of parties, I have a piece in the WW Gallery tomorrow night for the great xmas fundraiser there. Bring £100 to start your own art collection or add to your already existing one. Lots of great artists there!

More is coming re. artlacuna, there will be lots of fund-raising too, but that involves fun things we can all do and benefit from. In the mean time DARE TO DREAM BIG (or little) and take one small step to making it happen.

I thought I would share these interesting links with you too that I discovered recently:

How To Avoid Work

Surviving As An Artist

Hope you're enjoying the run up to Christmas :)

Amelia.x

And remember there's still plenty of time to join the next experimental art e-course