An Artist's Prayer

For several months I've subscribed to a wonderful blog written by another fellow artist buddy from Australia named Carl Kuerschener.  Carl is an artist; talented writer and soon to be published author on the subject of making and marketing art.  You can check out his information at:  http://www.caku-art.com/artist.html

Recently Carl wrote a post that really resonated with me and I thought I'd share it with you.  Maybe it's something to do with my Catholic school background and prayers but honestly it stopped me in my tracks and made me think!  And best of all, this prayer made me act (see item #14).  My heartfelt thanks to all of my art buddies out there -- I hope you too gleen some inspiration from the prayer below!

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An Artists Prayer
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1. Love what you do

2. Be patient

3. Do not tolerate disorder. Inspiration finds it difficult to present itself when there is chaos.

4. Don't question your talent, just use it. Focus on how, and forget about why.

5. Always remember the best way around fear is going straight through it

6. Never make excuses. Nobody is responsible for your life but you.

7. Never wait for the perfect opportunity. The path you walk will always be uneven. Learn how to step over the cracks, deal will the setbacks and learn to assess how to make the most of your time and energy in order to keep moving forward.

8. Know that as an artist, you are prone to self-sabotage.  Don't deny it, because if you do you can never be prepared to confront it.  Know that there is no greater force that will try to "remove you" from your craft than that little inner voice of defiance. Know that it is there, accept some of the crap it will try to get you to believe, but carry on doing your work regardless. Time, persistence and accepting that each day is a going to be different is what will keep you winning the fight against self sabotage and that little inner voice of defiance.

9. Don't work for applause. Be of service to your craft.

10. Know that you are not your art.  Avoid identifying yourself through the paintbrush. Society, history, family and love have given you the privilege to be an artist. If you believe you are your art, you'll dilly dally around in your own mind instead of mastering your technique.  Master your technique, use the privilege you have been given, so when inspiration hits, you will always be ready to create that masterpiece(wink).

11. Don't be too proud to seek help. Know that you cannot do it all on your own. Ask for assistance. We all need a lawyer, accountant and a coach.

12. Accept that the art industry is a breeding ground for criticism. Critics know that it hurts you when they are critical. Criticism is the weak man's way of trying to get you to be obedient. He knows full well that criticism doesn't just hurt you psychologically; it hurts you on a cellular level also. Remove the emotion and look at your art objectively. Do that and you'll be able to watch the critics tear your work to pieces while you sit back and have a laugh.

13. Know that your career as an artist and many days five, ten, fifteen years from now will throw challenges at you. Be aware of this and it will save you from being overcome by humiliation and defeat. Be aware of it so your inner voice of defiance (self-sabotage) does not wallow in it like a pig in a sty when challenges do arise. Keep your mind on what is good. Be grateful you get to use your craft and be the performer, regardless if you have to dodge a few tomatoes from the audience from time to time.

14. Acknowledge and appreciate other artists, creators and people serving your industry.