Something I forgot to mention in the video that was contributing to my self conscious feeling, was the fact that the last time I was there I had a lady say to me “ohhh, how cute, you brought your little markers and craft supplies” 😐. I’ve not felt insecure about my supplies before - I use them confidently and am thankful for their ease of transport and mark making I get with them. But that comment made me feel little and less than an artist. I kind of wanted to say to her “my paintings sell around the world” - but of course I didn’t say that to her. I can’t remember what I said to her - probably nothing. I think I just turned around back to my desk and kept laying out my “craft supplies” 😂.
That ring SOOOO true. How one person's unthinking comment can crush the good vibes of the outing. So great the thoughts you have in turning that to think of others in the room. And working through it... so empowering. Ps... obviously that person had NO idea the art darling she was lucky enough to share company with. Thx for sharing
Stick with the great creator and make art. Ignore the egotists. Poor artists of the mid 20th century sometimes used house paint and their stuff now sells for many millions. And any still surviving quick sketches of theirs, a lot like yours, is highly prized. That silly woman.
Great video, Sandi! Thanks for sharing "all the feels." They do affect us. I like your written comments even more. They remind me of your podcast about perfectionism. Best "sermons" I've ever heard/read. "If I turn inward, I won't love others well, and I don't want that. Self absorption consumes you like fire." So helpful. Thanks!
Feb 25, 2023·edited Feb 25, 2023Liked by Sandi Hester
What a shame for any other creative to rain on your parade. Just keep marching with your own drummer. Imagine what Picasso heard, or even the Impressionists who had to set up their separate salon to show their work. Clearly they don't know you, and would never dream of working in your sketchbook method. All of us are different! The shame is that judgement and bias entered the room. I kinda wish you had responded with the sales around the world comment. It probably would give them all pause. Just think about Picasso and the Impressionists.............. So appreciate all you do, Sandi.
Oh Sandi this kind of experience is so true in many situations. It happens sometimes on Instagram when you can post something that others do not get. Your sketch books are the building blocks of your art and I love them and through them I have learned to quell the perfectionist within who gets in the way of my creativity.
Oh wow I have been thinking about a very similar topic and forming a blog post in my mind about it. The way there seems to be this artificial divide between painters who came to painting via a very traditional university or formal education route. And those that came to painting via a general love of art and crafting route. I wonder is there anything behind the stigma of “crafting” besides the fact it is traditionally woman’s art?
I’m glad you brought this up Sandi. I recently went through a similar thing. I teach at a local art school and the focus is teaching quite academically which is fine. Then I decided to attend the studio sessions in order to be less isolated and all of the students are working more traditionally and realistically. Being a teacher from the school I felt pressured to do the same and my work became very tight and I stopped exploring my looseness. My confidence went down and I started to loose my way in my art. Eventually I processed what was happening and gained my confidence in my own processes again and now I don’t feel the need to explain why I don’t do more realistic work. I am creating work that I am excited about again.
I have never done an open studio but I did draw on large paper in front of 35 kids ( I taught secondary art for 30 years so did tons of demos all the time ) ...my first time I was nervous...what if my proportions are off, what will the kids think of me?? By the end of the day I had done it 6 times...over and over gives confidence. Now I could get in front of anyone. You do stuff all the time in front of the camera so have that same confidence. For the woman with the put down remark...ignore or just say ..oh no...these are all artists grade supplies. You could gently explain or let it go, she had no clue and you can choose not to spend the energy. You put yourself out there, you are brave. Your work is so cool and authentic. You encourage us all!
Sandi, thanks for sharing this event and process. I especially loved both the closeups!!! You totally captured the soft feeling in the faces!! Please keep sharing your "craft..." -- I'm always inspired!!
p.s. What you experienced was so disturbing to me that I have been fuming out loud - maybe you should have just burst out in raucous laughter, slapped her on the back and said "never mind dear, God even loves the visually illiterate". No? yeah, sarcasm isn't kosher.
Wirklich, wie dreist-ich finde man kann mit allem Arbeiten. In meinem Aktkurs benutzt jemand den guten alten Tuschkasten aus der Schule - das finde ich großßartig.
That ring SOOOO true. How one person's unthinking comment can crush the good vibes of the outing. So great the thoughts you have in turning that to think of others in the room. And working through it... so empowering. Ps... obviously that person had NO idea the art darling she was lucky enough to share company with. Thx for sharing
Stick with the great creator and make art. Ignore the egotists. Poor artists of the mid 20th century sometimes used house paint and their stuff now sells for many millions. And any still surviving quick sketches of theirs, a lot like yours, is highly prized. That silly woman.
Great video, Sandi! Thanks for sharing "all the feels." They do affect us. I like your written comments even more. They remind me of your podcast about perfectionism. Best "sermons" I've ever heard/read. "If I turn inward, I won't love others well, and I don't want that. Self absorption consumes you like fire." So helpful. Thanks!
Thank you Sandi. This is why I enjoy your channel so much. You share honestly and openly about your artist life.
That is so frustrating what that person said to you. They were my inner critic manifested. So frustrating.
You continue to inspire me to keep trying.
I’ve only sketched in public a couple of times and it feels so vulnerable. I know it can only get easier.
Keep on.
Sending love and light from here.
What a shame for any other creative to rain on your parade. Just keep marching with your own drummer. Imagine what Picasso heard, or even the Impressionists who had to set up their separate salon to show their work. Clearly they don't know you, and would never dream of working in your sketchbook method. All of us are different! The shame is that judgement and bias entered the room. I kinda wish you had responded with the sales around the world comment. It probably would give them all pause. Just think about Picasso and the Impressionists.............. So appreciate all you do, Sandi.
Oh Sandi this kind of experience is so true in many situations. It happens sometimes on Instagram when you can post something that others do not get. Your sketch books are the building blocks of your art and I love them and through them I have learned to quell the perfectionist within who gets in the way of my creativity.
Oh wow I have been thinking about a very similar topic and forming a blog post in my mind about it. The way there seems to be this artificial divide between painters who came to painting via a very traditional university or formal education route. And those that came to painting via a general love of art and crafting route. I wonder is there anything behind the stigma of “crafting” besides the fact it is traditionally woman’s art?
I’m glad you brought this up Sandi. I recently went through a similar thing. I teach at a local art school and the focus is teaching quite academically which is fine. Then I decided to attend the studio sessions in order to be less isolated and all of the students are working more traditionally and realistically. Being a teacher from the school I felt pressured to do the same and my work became very tight and I stopped exploring my looseness. My confidence went down and I started to loose my way in my art. Eventually I processed what was happening and gained my confidence in my own processes again and now I don’t feel the need to explain why I don’t do more realistic work. I am creating work that I am excited about again.
Rock on, Sandi! You're the boss.
I have never done an open studio but I did draw on large paper in front of 35 kids ( I taught secondary art for 30 years so did tons of demos all the time ) ...my first time I was nervous...what if my proportions are off, what will the kids think of me?? By the end of the day I had done it 6 times...over and over gives confidence. Now I could get in front of anyone. You do stuff all the time in front of the camera so have that same confidence. For the woman with the put down remark...ignore or just say ..oh no...these are all artists grade supplies. You could gently explain or let it go, she had no clue and you can choose not to spend the energy. You put yourself out there, you are brave. Your work is so cool and authentic. You encourage us all!
Wow! Needed to hear that RIGHT NOW. Focusing on the gift and enjoying it rather than self…amen!
So condescending... sometimes people just do not choose their words the right way. You do you and we keep loving love you!
Sandi, thanks for sharing this event and process. I especially loved both the closeups!!! You totally captured the soft feeling in the faces!! Please keep sharing your "craft..." -- I'm always inspired!!
p.s. What you experienced was so disturbing to me that I have been fuming out loud - maybe you should have just burst out in raucous laughter, slapped her on the back and said "never mind dear, God even loves the visually illiterate". No? yeah, sarcasm isn't kosher.
Perhaps your insecure feeling is about order. You don't decide if placing colour pencils in a perfect succession or rather randomly assorted 🤣
Wirklich, wie dreist-ich finde man kann mit allem Arbeiten. In meinem Aktkurs benutzt jemand den guten alten Tuschkasten aus der Schule - das finde ich großßartig.