January 07, 2023

Episode 235: Lessons from an Art Practice

31 minutes

A studio practice of any kind is an optimal learning environment. As an artist, every day that you work, you set challenges for yourself in your work and figure out how to meet them. But beyond learning how to produce the best work you can, there are also personal life lessons that come from a studio practice. We learn patience, perseverance, the ability to live with uncertain outcomes, and much more. Today we will look at some of what art can teach us on this personal level.

When you’re committed to an art practice you learn many practical things out of necessity, like the need to show up in the studio, how to conduct the business of art, and how to evaluate your work. But making the commitment itself is a big step that can also lead to a great deal of personal awareness of what is important to you and how you handle your life.

Because art is so personal there are deep emotional and personal effects that may evolve from dedicating yourself to your work. These tend to be subtle and slow to evolve but over time can lead to positive changes in your outlook and behavior. You may experience a growing ability to allow solutions evolve, the ability to stick with your goals, and an increased trust in your own abilities. An art practice challenges you to problem solve and have the strength to keep trying.

So, the life of an artist has rewards beyond the obvious joys of creativity and communication. The challenges of an art practice can help you grow in ways that enhance your life and your character. This happens naturally and is not something you need to push. But being aware of these lessons can lead to gratitude and appreciation the life changes brought about by your commitment to your work.

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What's new at Cold Wax Academy?

Rebecca and Jerry have an exciting lineup of online sessions planned as they launch a new year of learning and growth for members of Cold Wax Academy. Winter quarter sessions, which began on January 4th, will feature help with technical issues, photographing your work, developing ideas for imagery, and advice on works in progress. And two special guests, well-known authors Eric Maisel (May-ZELL) and Shaun McNiff will be conducting interactive sessions with members. As a member, you can also access the private Facebook page and take advantage of the informed and supportive community there of artists who post their paintings and questions. It's never too late to join Cold Wax Academy! All live sessions are recorded and available in the member library. Please visit http://www.coldwaxacademy.com for more information as well as basic information about using cold wax medium.

Please visit http://www.coldwaxacademy.com for more information.

Here is what a member named Sandy has to say about her own experience with Cold Wax Academy:

"Rebecca and Jerry have presented the most professional, authentic and structured approach to a creative activity I have ever come across. Their selfless sharing of all their knowledge and encouragement is a gift in my life unsurpassed."

Also-- please visit https://www.espacioart.org to learn about Rebecca and Jerry's newest project, Espacio, dedicated to providing beautiful living and working spaces for artists and writers. Espacio's first offering is Casa Clavel, a modern, fully equipped house opening this September in the beautiful cultural city of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. A few booking openings are still available in 2023, so please incquire if you are interested.

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For more from The Messy Studio:

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For more from Rebecca Crowell:

www.rebeccacrowell.com

www.coldwaxacademy.com

The Messy Studio Podcast is a Tick Digital Media Production.

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