“One day, a long time from now, you’ll cease to care any more whom you please or what anybody has to say about you. That’s when you’ll finally produce the work you’re capable of.”
J.D. Salinger
The spirit of this quote I like. It makes sense to me and I know that it is true. In order to just make your best work, you need to keep what anybody else thinks out of the equation. There is really very little point worrying too much about what people think of your work; what you need to do is to be true to yourself.
That's not to say I don't value the opinions of people I care about and respect; and I also enjoy it when other people really like my work - its a great feeling! The hard thing I think is to know how to hold those bits of information, advice, and support in the right place. How to filter them, to take what matters, what adds to what you are doing (not subtracts), and which holds true for you - as much as it does for them.
I found this challenging this week when we set up our exhibition. Whilst I have enjoyed my time with these pieces, working away quietly and making things I wanted to make; there is always a sense of fear and doubt the moment you take them away from the safety of your studio and put them in front of people in a public place. I looked around me and felt inadequate, an impostor and all sorts of other weird things; and then I talked to myself a bit. These pieces were mine, they spoke to me, I liked them and that was all that mattered.
I think J D Salinger had it right when he said "one day, a long time from now, ...".
He got that it can take us a long time to be OK with doing what we do and not needing or fearing the response of others.
One of my books for this exhibition. The Exhibition is open now at Rosebed St Gallery in Eudlo for those who live nearby - the official opening is next Friday 30 August at 7pm!
J.D. Salinger
The spirit of this quote I like. It makes sense to me and I know that it is true. In order to just make your best work, you need to keep what anybody else thinks out of the equation. There is really very little point worrying too much about what people think of your work; what you need to do is to be true to yourself.
That's not to say I don't value the opinions of people I care about and respect; and I also enjoy it when other people really like my work - its a great feeling! The hard thing I think is to know how to hold those bits of information, advice, and support in the right place. How to filter them, to take what matters, what adds to what you are doing (not subtracts), and which holds true for you - as much as it does for them.
I found this challenging this week when we set up our exhibition. Whilst I have enjoyed my time with these pieces, working away quietly and making things I wanted to make; there is always a sense of fear and doubt the moment you take them away from the safety of your studio and put them in front of people in a public place. I looked around me and felt inadequate, an impostor and all sorts of other weird things; and then I talked to myself a bit. These pieces were mine, they spoke to me, I liked them and that was all that mattered.
I think J D Salinger had it right when he said "one day, a long time from now, ...".
He got that it can take us a long time to be OK with doing what we do and not needing or fearing the response of others.
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| ©2013 Fiona Dempster Ways of Peace |
What you are saying is how I feel. I just hope that the long time isn't too far away, I seem to have been waiting a long time already.
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie - I think it is probably natural or OK to feel that way for a bit. I hope your time comes soon; it s a good place to be not to to really worry about others' but to somehow be able to incorporate the good and wise things and let the things that don't matter so much go. Must admit I'm still a work in progress on this!
DeleteAn exhibition of works is a bit like putting your children on public display and asking others to pass judgement :)
ReplyDeleteI find the opportunity to view yourself & your work in a public space, outside of your normal parameters, is a great chance for self analysis and reflection along with the helpful input of others.
Entranced with your delicately peaceful combination of paper cut, calligraphy & book structure. Such precise cutting!
Hi Rob - it is indeed! It certainly does offer you the opportunity to work out if you really do think this work is you or not; and also to know for yourself if you have done it well. I know you've been doing loads of precise cutting yourself lately - letters are just different!
DeleteThank you for this much needed post! Your book is lovely. Best of luck with your exhibition.
ReplyDeleteThanks Suzanne - sometimes the time is right for things isn't it? Thanks for your wishes and support, go well.
DeleteNever fear. Never doubt. You make beautiful art with a very clear voice.
ReplyDeleteAhh Lesley, thank you. It seems fear and doubt can be occasional companions; but they don't hang around as long as they used to. I think that's progress! In the end, I felt these works were mine and did speak quietly of me, and so... all shall be well.
DeleteBe confident Fiona - your work echoes your voice, your way of seeing and saying things that matter. The effort you always put into each piece is evident and yet it still manages to retain a quiet, profound, simplicity. Quiet work makes the viewer stop and look more closely ..... in this way the theme to which you are working and the way you work it are in complete accord. I am so looking forward to seeing the work in an exhibition setting though I do understand that awful fear of feeling naked before friends and strangers alike!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the support Susan and the wise words. I'm so glad the effort is noticeable yet the pieces remain peaceful, simple and quiet. That sounds great!
DeleteI acknowledge the angst of exhibition. Its a bit nerve racking. Your peace book is stunning and clearly your own.
ReplyDeleteHi Leslie - thanks for sharing that sense of fear and trepidation; yet knowing that the real work will always sing.
DeleteWishing you success with your exhibition, I wish I was close by to pop in, your work is beautiful, have no fear, it
ReplyDeleteThanks so much lbob...
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