Taking the Leap

Art has always been with me. In acknowledgement of the thousands of Arabian horse heads I have doodled on scraps of paper, margins of school notebooks and napkins during my entire life, I never really consciously thought about how integral little acts of creativity are a part of my everyday life. Creative thinking is certainly important to my horse training. I often have to “think outside the box” when trying to get horse or rider to understand a concept. Growing up, I’m grateful that my creative side was always encouraged and bolstered.

One thing I was not, however, was confident in myself. Painfully shy in school, I had an eclectic mix of true friends but never belonged to a click. Looking back, I realize that I was actually quite content in the world I made for myself and I didn’t feel left out. I didn’t care about being “popular”. I liked being “under the radar”. Observing the world from the outside looking in is a wonderful thing for an artist but it’s not so good when one needs to actually interact. Fortunately, I became so confident with horses, I was able to break through my shyness. Helping people learn about these fabulous creatures, as well as presenting them in shows, taught me I can be in the spotlight. Although, when I share the spotlight with a wonderful horse, I know it’s not really on me but my equine partner!

I am trying to apply similar thinking to my art but it is a bit more difficult. When I show a horse, I KNOW that horse is incredible. When I present my art, it’s harder to say that. Doubts creep in. Am I really ready for this? Am I like one of those delusional people on talent shows on TV? How biased are my supportive friends and family? Do I really want to put my “artist” shingle out there?

I know I will continue to create no matter what, but as canvases and drawings pile up and there is no more room on my own walls, the idea of “professional artist” is hard to resist. Having people find meaning and enjoyment in something I created is a heady form of gratification. Not to mention another income source is always appreciated in life!

So when is it time to actually put up the “Artist” shingle? I know I have improved a lot the last few years and I really appreciate the kind feedback I have received from my friends and family. Having paintings hang in the Coral Springs Museum of Art with our guild exhibits is fantastic and seeing people pause and take a closer look sends a burst of pride. Having my Dolphin painting “Bright Spot” earn an honorable mention in an on-line competition was also a great confidence booster.

BUT…there are a lot of wildlife and animal portraits artists out there. I have been researching creating art but then started looking into selling art, art business and marketing. I thought about what kind of “success” I want to have. Do I want to work with a gallery or would I rather have more control, which also includes having to handle the business side of things? Do I want to stay local or would it be fun to branch out? Would I want to develop a large on-line presence, maybe video tutorials?

I decided I want to create my own niche with a group of valued collectors. I wanted a community of people that resonated with my art. I want to lift the veil to reveal the personal thoughts and feelings that go into a particular piece. I hope to engage! That is what is most important to me.

And that's what has lead me into “taking the leap” and making this website, putting my art “out there” and writing this blog!

Thank you,

Gillian