I’m always telling artists to jump, to take a leap of faith. Faith in themselves, faith in their work. But it’s not always pretty, the jump is rarely a graceful leap from one side to another. Superstar artist Kiki Smith once told me that choosing to be an artist feels like choosing to …
Why Artists Don’t Need Something To Fall Back On Read More »
It’s not impossible to live the artist’s life without the recognition of your loved ones, but it can be exhausting. Don’t forget that people have their own reasons for their feelings. Everyone is telling themselves their own story. Even their story about you. I remember one family member speaking about my choice to be …
But what about all the bad stuff that happens to artists? Get over it. No, seriously. Bad stuff is part of the deal in art. Promises will be broken. Calls won’t be returned. Sales will fall through. And apparently global pandemics are even going to hit. It’s going to be tough sometimes. And not …
Who do you think you are? How many of us are afraid to say who we are and what we want? Afraid of disappointing our parents, our friends, lovers, colleagues? Almost every artist battles the accusing echoes, “Who do you think you are to be an artist?” We’re afraid we don’t deserve to wear the …
Every artist’s journey tells a story. And every story has an antagonist. The story of your artist’s journey is no different. The antagonist is the adversary, the opponent. It’s what comes between the hero and her desire. Consider your own journey, where you are right now. Can you identify an antagonist in your story? Yes, it …
An artist recently spoke with me about her work. She tearfully admitted that she’d been too busy to create new work of any substance. She was afraid. Afraid she won’t be able to connect with the muse again. Afraid she’d made a choice to have a family, a proper job, and now that part of …
As artists, we often find ourselves at a crossroads, seeking validation and feedback, wondering if our art resonates with the world. Do you ever feel that way? I made this video to share with you what I’ve learned from a long career in the contemporary art world. Because I want you and every artist …
I’m always encouraging artists to JUMP. But what does that even mean? The jump is about following your heart. If you recognize your heart as the very best of yourself, and you acknowledge that this is where your creativity comes from, you can trust your heart to lead. Don’t confuse your heart with your head. …
What do you want to do when you grow up? Do you think we ever stop asking ourselves that question? It seems to be one of life’s great mysteries. When I was young I yearned to be a child prodigy. It seemed an easy way out. Let fate and genetics take the wheel, it was …
Do You Hear That? It’s Life Asking You A Question. Read More »
“But Crista,” they ask, “How can I make a living from my art?” “I want to be wealthy! I want to live on a beach and be dripping in jewels! And I want my art to pay for it!” Then I reply with something that artist Kiki Smith once told me: Your art doesn’t have …
