Learning to Share (My work specifically)
(Read to the end for links to my live art show and an art print giveaway!)
For someone who has been shy and introverted for most of her life, the idea of talking about my artwork and putting myself out there has been a scary one. I will be honest and say that I am not someone who craves the spotlight, I merely like to be appreciated. Social media has been something difficult for me to embrace. The idea of doing a live show was something that gave me heart palpitations. And I have been this way for many years. While I enjoyed theatre in school, I was perfectly happy being a quirky minor role rather than the female lead. When I played in the school band, I really enjoyed that the percussion section was in the very back. In dance class, I was almost grateful for being tall since it meant I was usually in the back.
Picture this as my younger self, perfectly happy staying in my own little shell
However, when your passion involves working for yourself, this sort of attitude doesn’t work. If I don’t talk about my work, no one will know it is there. If I don’t share about the wonderful things I’ve learned when researching for my artwork, no one will know the incredible things I’ve discovered. If I don’t take a picture of my latest painting and post it online, no one will know it exists. Perhaps you experience this feeling yourself, where shrinking into the background like a wallflower is much more comfortable to you than standing out for even a moment.
It was in a moment of self-reflection that I realized that my entire desire to focus on nature (particularly on insects, flowers, and mushrooms) is because I feel that the beauty of these little things gets overlooked. Unnoticed, unappreciated. And unlike myself, they cannot get on social media and speak up for themselves. Someone else has to do that for them. Someone has to be a spokesperson for the noble honeybee, or the fierce praying mantis, or the delicate Middlemist Rose. The list goes on. My artwork is all about providing a spotlight to these gorgeous little creatures, and yet I am doing them a disservice by not then sharing the artwork with others (like your good self) who can appreciate and fall in love with them.
Did you know that there is a rainbow colored insect?
It’s known as the Madagascan Sunset Moth!
Perhaps you feel this way as well. Maybe you have a talent for art as well, or for numbers, or styling, or some other talent that you keep hidden. You may feel self-conscious, or like you are pushing yourself on others. The truth is that there are many people who would love to see your unique voice and take on things, and the only way you can possibly find them is to let yourself be found. Don’t hide away. And if you feel like those around you don’t appreciate what you have to offer, they may not be the right people for your gifts. The right people are out there, waiting on you to gain your courage and step out into the light. If I can make the change, so can you.
Nothing like facing your fears head on, right?
This year I am making an effort to be more open to opportunities and to embrace the spotlight (albeit a small spotlight). I completed my first live show for the year on the 4th of this month, and I’m happy to say that I have another show coming up in less than two weeks! If you live near Phoenix, Arizona (or will be in the area), I hereby invite you to the Raw Artists show on March 24th, at the Duce restaurant. I would love to meet fans of my work in person and build a greater connection with some of you. There will also be a giveaway happening for those who share information for or come to the show (further details on my Instagram right here!). Buy tickets through this link —> (Click right here!!)
Click on this image to see how enter for a chance to win a free art print, even if you can’t attend the art show!!