Welcome back to another episode of the Paint Rest Repeat Podcast.

This fortnight Ros and Laura are having a chat about claiming the title as an “Artist” and how some people find it easy and some others really struggle with that title. We touch on the subject of Art School, and consider the impact of critiques impacting on some artists' self-confidence.

We chat about how the title of “Artist” sits for Ros as she is largely self taught. Ros describes it as a way of being and based around the way that you perceive the world, and she feels confident using that term. Ros describes her understanding of being an artist as noticing beauty wherever you are and seeing colour combinations, curves of leaves and labels it as a “way of being”. Laura talks about the creative lifestyle aspect in building community, visiting galleries.

Laura talks about mindset work and personal development as a path to “inner validation” as an Artist. Ros talks about creative calling and the role we play in the world. She says “If you are a visual and creative human is it perhaps part of your journey here to share that with others and help them to pay attention to the beauty that is around them.”

Laura talks about the artists role as reflectors into the world - echoing what Ros was describing an artists purpose in the world, and describes how we see the world through what we create. Ros shares how claiming that title as artist and taking that step models for other people as well how we can be ourselves (as artists) and we can be whoever we want to be. She encourages listeners to “own it and be proud”. 

Ros brings up the example of artist Georgia O’Keife and how she painted close ups of florals because she wanted people to pay attention to beauty. Her role was to encourage people to stop and take a moment to appreciate that beauty that she captured in her art. 

Laura raises another topic around the stories that we take on when we are young from friends and family or teachers and how that plays into our perception about the title of an Artist. Ros mentions that she used to be a primary teacher and she has strong beliefs around this topic. She shares that a teacher's personal opinion on a child's art is irrelevant, and what matters is that the kids are tuning in to what they like. She mentions its a lot more complex than maths and english especially on a psychological level in terms of nurturing little creatives. 

Laura suggests to listeners to look back on the messages received from our younger years and reflect on those stories as a way to work on your confidence in calling yourself an artist. Ros suggests taking a step back and looking at what defines the term “artist” and what that means to you. She presents some questions - Is it because they make art every day? Is it because they sell their work? Is it because all they “do” is art and they don't have another “day” job? 

Laura mentions that creatives are mostly working in isolation and that putting your work out into the world can feel really vulnerable and she states that that confidence builds the more and more that you do it. Laura suggests considering where does your art fit? Where do you feel comfortable?

She says “If you feel supported in your art practice that will create a nurturing space for you to develop that confidence.” Ros mentions having just one or 2 art buddies that you can talk to that can support you on your journey because you can't give up because you are having a bad week, it's important to have those people around for support in those times.  

We hope that you enjoy the Show!

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This episode is sponsored by:

Laura's Creative Kick-Start Coaching sessions - for emerging artists seeking clarity and direction in following their creative dreams.  For more info visit: https://laurajaneday.com/creative-coaching

EPISODE LINKS:

DM Laura on Instagram to register your interest in mindfulness colouring sheets >>> https://www.instagram.com/laurajaneday/

To get Ros’ 3 free guides on Overcoming Creative Block, Setting Up Your Art Space and The Acrylic Painting Supply Guide >>> Join https://www.facebook.com/groups/permissiontopaintfreecommunity

FIND US AND FOLLOW US ONLINE!

Follow Laura on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurajaneday/ 

Follow Ros on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ros.gervay.creative/

And to book a creative kick-start coaching session with Laura or to find out more about her Soul Medicine Painting workshops please visit: https://laurajaneday.com/

For more information about Ros’ Art For The Heart membership as well as her instant access classes please visit https://www.permissiontopaint.co or to see Ros’ art please visit http://www.rosgervaycreative.com

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