Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Argh.


Sometimes my job is not so much fun.
I've been obsessing over this series of paintings that I am suppose to send into the Enormous Tiny Art Show for the Nahcotta Gallery in just a couple of days...

I just can't seem to get them right.
I want to add a pretty thick layer of wax on top of them, and I just can't seem to get that wax to even out nicely.

They just don't look right to me. I think I just need to stop and walk away.
Michael says that they look fine, and I am sure they do...it's just that I've never really done this before, and I am afraid they don't look good.

I am just feeling a lot of self doubt today, and the last few days.
I would post them, but it's hard to explain what I am talking about with a photo. I think I am just worrying about it too much.

This is one of the hardest things about working alone. I have Michael, and I totally respect what he says, but sometimes I'd like a third, or fourth, or fifth opinion.

A group of people I went to PSU with have acquired a lovely warehouse space an industrial area of Portland. They have divided the space up into several studio spaces, and as far as I know there are three spaces left. I really hope there is still a space available for me when I get back home. I would love to have not only a studio space again, but also a place where I can go hang out with friends and make art. So my fingers are crossed...

Anyway, I gotta get back to work. I've gotta get these paintings and illustrations ready to be shipped out.

Hope everyone is having a good day!

7 comments:

susan heggestad said...

Hang in there, Michelle.
Sometimes, having a third, fourth or fifth opinion won't change how you feel about something, anyway.

I've found that in my life, when I was challenged by something and was unsure of myself - it was for a good reason. There was something I needed to learn from it.

Perhaps if you walk away for time, and then come back to it, you will find a way to make the process work the way you want it to...

Best of luck!

Linda O'Neill said...

Hey M, we all have that self-doubt so not to worry. I sometimes think it's a healthy part of the process. I know what you mean though, I'm not happy unless I bounce a finished piece off of James to get his opinion.

I think it would be great for you to have a studio near other Artists. Sharing your creative ideas and getting feedback would be so valuable...and fun too!

Happy New Year to you and Chloe-poo!

Janice La Verne said...

the studio in portland sounds wonderful.

i too am shy about meeting online people, and that being said i know kristin and i would love to meet you in person someday in p'land. we could all go to the gilkey center and then we wouldn't have to talk! i would love to look at prints and we have a friend who works there...

happy thursday to come,
Janice

Sleepandhersisters said...

ahhh yep I know that feeling, most other people can't see it but you know something is not right.

What I do is go away and then keep coming back to it until it is right.

Hope you get them done in time... good luck.

The space in Portland sounds just perfect, what a wonderful environment to work in.

Megan Chapman said...

I know how you feel.
Don't worry and don't beat yourself up. Everything will get done in time and mostly to your satisfaction.

Remember you are very close to the work and sometimes it is hard to see.

What you question someone else may adore. Let go a little, or like the others have said walk away for a while. It will all come together in the end.. It always does..:)

Michele Maule said...

Thanks for all your encouraging words!

I would love to walk away from them for about a week, but I have to get them out tomorrow, and there just isn't time...

I've gotten all, but two, down to my liking, but I think it does have a lot to do with the fact that I have just spent too much time with them.

It's time to just walk away and hope for the best. I know they look fine, I think I am just obsessing over it :)

Thanks again for all the support!

And yes Janice, we can totally go to the Gilkey Center! That would be fun.yay!

NONtRENDY said...

Yeah I always doubt what I do.
And even with 5 opinions, I will still have my doubts.
*sigh...