-Mark Twain
I have learned the hard way the past few years that sometimes those you admire, respect, hold of very high opinion - even in your field - may very well act in ways and do things that are not in your best interest. It's important to take it for what it is, not try to deny it or change it - but accept it and most of all, rise above it.
Camaraderie is great; and we all want positive reinforcement with our growth and our work. We want to connect, feel a part of something special, yet have our unique stamp and recognition. We want to belong and yet be respected as an equal, and an individual. It has been my experience, the more I challenged myself through the years, the obstacles increase - and on this personal note I'm referring to people, not just the art.
Sometimes the lines will be blurred and hard to see, but it is most important that when your peace of mind and approach to work suffers - identify the source, it may very be the one closest to you in the field. A previous mentor of mine that helped me grow tremendously, turned out to be a very dangerous force - a ticking time bomb, emotionally. This person would turn on a dime; and smear my work if his foul mood gave him permission. Another colleague showed complete lack of support when I decided to try another art show to exhibit in and sell my work. It's not one he ever did himself, but chose a loyalty somewhere else and somehow my choice was enough to throw mocking, childish insults. He insulted the show and myself along with it. It's not easy to swallow that those you truly supported do not return the same feelings. This is where you accept it, as hard as that is. Lots of Ego, lots of Politics, lots of Games - nothing to do with the art itself.
When your peers and supposed friends begin to hold you back, it's time to cut them loose. Each experience will be a layer of resilience, necessary for your growth & survival.
Camaraderie is great; and we all want positive reinforcement with our growth and our work. We want to connect, feel a part of something special, yet have our unique stamp and recognition. We want to belong and yet be respected as an equal, and an individual. It has been my experience, the more I challenged myself through the years, the obstacles increase - and on this personal note I'm referring to people, not just the art.
Sometimes the lines will be blurred and hard to see, but it is most important that when your peace of mind and approach to work suffers - identify the source, it may very be the one closest to you in the field. A previous mentor of mine that helped me grow tremendously, turned out to be a very dangerous force - a ticking time bomb, emotionally. This person would turn on a dime; and smear my work if his foul mood gave him permission. Another colleague showed complete lack of support when I decided to try another art show to exhibit in and sell my work. It's not one he ever did himself, but chose a loyalty somewhere else and somehow my choice was enough to throw mocking, childish insults. He insulted the show and myself along with it. It's not easy to swallow that those you truly supported do not return the same feelings. This is where you accept it, as hard as that is. Lots of Ego, lots of Politics, lots of Games - nothing to do with the art itself.
When your peers and supposed friends begin to hold you back, it's time to cut them loose. Each experience will be a layer of resilience, necessary for your growth & survival.
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