I chose the following old post entitled "Fear", not because it includes a piece of art that is a particular favourite, but because the bravery of all artists is a point that I keep coming back to. Anyone who has ever wrestled with a blank canvas or paper, knows about that astounding feat of strength and death defying leap required to make art. To take what is vulnerable, private, untried and put it out into the world time and time again. To be willing to experiment, make mistakes, get messy, get ugly and break all the rules. To stand up and say, "I will make art out of the best that is in me, and chance the consequences". I am awestruck and inspired daily by the sheer nerve of the act of making art. So without further ado...
Fear
Fear. Fear of failure. Fear of success. Fear of looking like an idiot. Fear of looking like an asshole. Fear of screwing everything up. Fear of tragedies and calamities unknown. Fear of loss. Fear of pain. Fear.
The women in my family all run to anxious. It is genetic. Anxiety coursing through our veins right along with the red corpuscles. Hair trigger fight or flight responses, flooding our bodies with adrenaline at the most inopportune moments. Worry woven into the very fabric of our beings.
The women in my family also run to courageous. We don't give up. We stand, undaunted by the cloud of anxiety ready to roll in and smother us, at the first sign of trouble. We carry on every day building lives and families and ourselves, even when every step is haunted and hunted by fear.
I've been thinking and talking a lot about fear, as I venture on this journey of making art. Facing my fears of inadequacy and failure every time I sit down at a blank page or canvas. There is nothing there... no props or subterfuge to hide behind, just you and your own creativity. It is hard. It is humbling. It is exhilarating.
Everyone has fears, even those without the genetic predisposition to anxiety. And I think the trick may be really coming to understand the nature of the beast. The duality of the monster that both protects and traps you. That fear itself is not indicative of lack of character or resolve, but a primal force...important and inescapable. Sometimes to be mastered, sometimes to be accepted and sometimes even thanked.
So I embrace this idea of acknowledging the monster, looking it squarely in the face, and then carrying on. Fear, anxiety and worry will always be a part of me to some degree or other, because I am human, and because I am a human who is wired in a certain way, for better or for worse. But I will not let fear trap me. It can't be my motive, to act or not to act, or my excuse. Anxiety is my uncomfortable companion as I walk my path, but it will not determine my course. I have better companions by my side to help me with the navigation.
(the work above is mixed media acrylic on canvas, 9"x12")
Posts
Your post is touching. Your illustration of the monster that both traps and protects is moving. I am inspired by your honesty and bravery to face the uglies and move on. Good on you.
ReplyDeleteThis is a moving post, Evangeline... your art work and words are very powerful!
ReplyDeletebeautifully stated and created!
ReplyDeleteyou covered (or uncovered) fear very well...it is an ongoing journey. and a grand amount of creations come through it.
ReplyDeletenice to have found you from seths list!!
Good choice for the challenge I think. Everyone can relate to this as an artist. The fear, that hesitancy before we make the first mark, cut, line or spot. Great piece!
ReplyDeletei think this post should be titled 'bravery' because it shines through the fear. I love the way you approach anxiety. great blog :o)
ReplyDeleteI think your piece illustrates your thoughts so beautifully and I believe that you were able to express what so many of us feel very eloquently - thank you for sharing this genuine treasure with us.
ReplyDeleteps - I'm with notmassproduced & think this was a brave, brave post.
Thank you for sharing this post with us. Everyone faces fear. It is up to us how we deal with it. The women of your family choose the best path, with courage.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I love your name. It is my mother's name, as well as other ladies of my family.
Thank you for distilling these ideas in media that allows a glimpse of fear and anxiety. It sparks a reminder that we do not all experience the world in the same way and there is immense value in those differences. It also evokes a reminder to be kind and gentle with those in my life that may experience fear and anxiety in monstrous proportions. I want to be a "better companion" than impatience, criticism, or annoyance.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very powerful piece and your fears are shared by many of us. I often fear both failure and success. Now how strange is that?
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you joined the Buried Treasure collaboration or I would never have found your blog. You have some really powerful artwork.
Wow, this is so timely I am glad you re posted it for those of us who needed to hear this. Thanks!
ReplyDeletewhen I was little I used to dream of a cave that was a lot like your image, both crushing and protective, but the face of that cave stayed with me until one day he walked right through the door and I married him. But how true that fear is and the anxiety you speak of, thanks for sharing your treasures
ReplyDeleteGood choice to post. A personal story that I am sure everybody reading can relate to. The artwork is so compelling and really has impact. Thanks for being a part of this project!
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