Alyssa Monks is an American artist. She is highly talented, highly respected and highly successful. In this episode she talks candidly about what real success means to her. How art can help make a connection to our humanness. Her relationships with galleries, and she gives tips for artists that are invaluable
Here is what we talk about
Why does art exist?The, “Paint,” of realityPainting for viewer or artist?Creative heroesCurrent artistic challengesGalleries and the art businessLearning in Florence and New YorkAdvice for artistsAlyssa’s advice for artists
“Skills are very important, but nowhere near enough to make art. Definitely acquire the skills through whatever practice and education you choose and embrace it with discipline but have no attachment to success.
Work as hard as you can.
Don’t ever compare yourself to others.
Learn how to work on your work.
The more you paint or sculpt or draw the more you will know what to do and the more you will develop your voice.
Stay true in your work.
Don’t try to make art about things you don’t know about, care about, or understand. Make art that you care about, because you believe it should exist.
Know your place and be humble and grateful always.
It’s a competitive world and most people will not succeed, that is the reality. It’s not an easy road and too many artists complain constantly about how it’s not fair and it’s not merit based. These are excuses. Take ownership of your work.
Never show anything that isn’t completed.
And don’t try to describe your ideas in words to other people, be a little bit brief and coy about them, you can never really convey anything visual in words anyway.
And share your process and work with other artists you admire, allow for real criticism, don’t take it personally, just let it make you better.
Read art magazines and learn about the art world. Know your history.
Love art.
Love your materials. Let your materials humble and surprise you.
Don’t try to control the process but do have a plan. plan plan plan…then be ope