Practices that Frustrate

Artists create work using a variety of methods and media. Acrylic paint, watercolor, tempera, oil, pastel, pen and ink, are some of the media used to create the works of art many admire today. The skill level varies with each artist and medium, yet each creates work that is a manifestation of an inner expression. Expressing inner emotions is difficult for some art students especially when the media or skill is new. As a teaching artist it is frustrating to see students quit before attempting to try. The unwillingness to try may come from a fear of failing. Is it fear of failing in front of others? Or failing ourselves? Or failing to meet the expectations of parents? It is amazingly that even as adults some are not willing to try because of fear of failing. Consider what the NBA landscape would be if Michael Jordan refused to try anymore after being told by his high school coach that he was not good enough? Would the world look like it does now if Leonardo da Vinci refused to try linear perspective? Think for a moment about the architecture that would not exist if da Vinci quit after being introduced to the concept? What if Muhammad Ali threw the gloves back at his coach and walked out of the gym the first time he was hit in the face? If Neil Armstrong refused to train after learning that his destination was the moon? Regardless of the media, succumbing to fear prohibits growth.

Learning new skills creates confidence and strength. Where is strength found if not through tests of new experiences. Can a skill be trusted if it has never been tested? Can a medium being trusted if it has never been used? Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Jim Elway, Todd Mcfarlane, and Alex Ross all became known as the best in their areas by trying and failing and trying again. If an artist is to improve drawing or sculpting skills, the only way to do,that is by doing those skills.