I have experienced this firsthand: a lifelong love of art making followed by art degrees, commissions, and a total loss of love for creating and anything art related. It took me years to even want to visit an art museum, draw, or paint again. Now that I can keep that love of art (as both audience and creator) entirely to myself, I love it again just as I once did. The most surprising component hasn't been that I've had to overcome my own internal guilt for no longer sharing/monetizing, but the loud and uninvited opinions of others on the matter. I stopped commission work 6 years ago and STILL get regular comments from people on what a "shame" and "waste" it is that I no longer sell my work or share it with others. All this to say that the culture component is absolutely something I continuously grapple with...but maintaining curiosity for yourself is so worth it!
Ah! This makes so much sense! Thank you for helping me realize why I can't seem to get started on projects that I really want to do, thinking I can make money at the same time, but then end up encountering complete inertia. Then that leads to the usual downward spiral of shame & a feeling of being lazy, blah blah blah, but I think I've always had a sneaking suspicion that doing so will ultimately make me resentful & it will become a trap I won't be able to get out of.
Thank You.
I have experienced this firsthand: a lifelong love of art making followed by art degrees, commissions, and a total loss of love for creating and anything art related. It took me years to even want to visit an art museum, draw, or paint again. Now that I can keep that love of art (as both audience and creator) entirely to myself, I love it again just as I once did. The most surprising component hasn't been that I've had to overcome my own internal guilt for no longer sharing/monetizing, but the loud and uninvited opinions of others on the matter. I stopped commission work 6 years ago and STILL get regular comments from people on what a "shame" and "waste" it is that I no longer sell my work or share it with others. All this to say that the culture component is absolutely something I continuously grapple with...but maintaining curiosity for yourself is so worth it!
Omg this is so true! Killing our inner fire for capitalism!
Ah! This makes so much sense! Thank you for helping me realize why I can't seem to get started on projects that I really want to do, thinking I can make money at the same time, but then end up encountering complete inertia. Then that leads to the usual downward spiral of shame & a feeling of being lazy, blah blah blah, but I think I've always had a sneaking suspicion that doing so will ultimately make me resentful & it will become a trap I won't be able to get out of.
Love this! 💜
wish I could subscribe to this !! I like reading your good thoughts on real life !! xoxoxo