Artists Need to Show Up
I'm doing something for the first time and you're invited
TL;DR: I’m participating in the Long Beach Open Studio Tour this October, and if you’re in the Southern California area needing an artistic fix, come hang out (info below).
Also, why you should attend creative events even if. you don’t want to.
I went to a local art meetup last night and at first, I didn’t want to go, but I’m glad I did.
I didn’t want to go because:
I have way too much work to do
I was my kid’s Back to School night
I was in a bit of a foul mood because sometimes the thought of being around people these days drains my energy before I even get there.
The crazy thing about that last one is that whenever I get to the events, begrudgingly or otherwise, I always end up having a good time. I talked with one friend about the legitimacy of online art marketplaces like Saatchi, chatted with a friend about his experience at the Other Art Fair, and had a lengthy conversation with an older couple about AI Art and they were fascinated by the process.
Sometimes what we avoid is exactly what we need
Even though I left that even needing to chill and let my batteries recharge, I woke this morning more inspired to create than I have in a few days.
Just this morning, I finished two art pieces on skateboard decks (something I’ve been telling myself for years to finish), researched a graphic novel concept I’ve been kicking around in my head, and I wrote this newsletter. It’s not even Noon!
I think it’s essential for us to force ourselves to be physically involved in our creative community often, not just because it inspires us, but we may also be the catalyst for someone else to make their next great work just because we showed up.
If you’re in the Southern California area, I’ve got just the event you could attend. Each year in October, The Long Beach Open Studio tour allows artists to open up their studios and allow anyone to come by and check out their work, and this year, I’m participating.
The event takes place over the 4 weekends in October, but my studio event will be open on the weekend of October 15-16, from 1 to 5 pm, and I’ll be sharing the event with my mother, who is also an artist obviously.
You may not be able to make it, I know
One thing I know about my subscriber list is that 99% of you do not live in Southern California. I don’t most to show up to the event, but if you happen to be nearby, I’d love to meet you.
And if you can’t come by and talk shop with Mom, other artists, and myself, then please take a look at the work I’ll be showcasing and pick something up today.
During the event, I’ll be postponing sales of art originals through the website, and when they come back online, the prices will be different.
And if you can’t make it, don’t worry, I’ll recap it for you here.
Until then, have a great day.
Cheers,
Dave
I was recently invited to Co-host a Music Review Show for an Internet Subscription TV service.
I had 24hrs notice. I don't suffer from performance anxiety but I'm paradoxically VERY camera shy.
With a hundred excuses running through my head I said "Sure!"
So glad I did it. I'm not so reluctant to appear on camera now, the experience was fun, relaxed & I had good co-host & tech support to guide me.
I'm finding the more I am willing to say "Yes," the more the mantle of community leader falls comfortably around my form. I didn't "ask" for it which probably makes me better suited than some.