The part about not knowing what action to take next... that's such an honest and hard thing to sit with. Thank you for putting it into words. You're not alone in this.
I relate to this so much. It’s hard to explain to people how much the pandemic disrupted the trajectory I was on. I was scheduled to go teach in Australia and that was cancelled, my art was selling in galleries and I was gaining momentum from exhibitions and a museum fellowship. The pandemic was layered over a health crisis and a lengthy divorce that left me deep in debt. The first year of teaching online when I had to pivot was great-then the steady decline and the on location opportunities are not the same as they were. Now I work ten times as hard at getting traction with the teaching to support myself and my own art life feels like it’s gone by the wayside.
And now I’m rambling just to say I get it. And also, I love the art you included in this post.
We met around the time you left your teaching job. Art journaling was pretty new. I have gotten your emails all these years and opened one for the first time today. I don’t know if it helps at all, but I think your stuff would fit with Art and Soul Retreats and Art Makers Denver. These events have recovered well after Covid. I just thought I would mention them in case you haven’t tried them yet.
I understand feeling stagnant for sure. My world got reset when I divorced from a 24 year marriage. Now I’m in a mini reset as I have moved in with my parents to help them with aging. I have gotten by from using materials I never have before and learning how to create digitally. If you haven’t, try Procreate for iPad. Only $13 and comparable to adobe illustrator. Good luck!
As you know Eric, I got trapped in a twenty year down spiral. The more I pulled against the drain, the further down I got sucked. Over the course of the past year I came across your substack. I read all your advice and kick starters. I came across a few other teachers: @susannahfisher, @duanetoops, @lascarlatte, @themuseisin (jillbandosky), @jillmcdougall. No one person had a “fix” for my issues, but each contributed something to help me get a little closer to my track. I wanted a reversal, but what I got were nudges. I’m not “fixed”, but I’m more realistic and closer to where I’m headed. May you recognize the nudges and realize you’re realigning with your purpose as you move toward it. ❤️Martha
I can relate to the frustration you feel, but I really have to give a shout out for the fact that you keep going. I love your art even the pieces that aren't my favorite. I see too much art that is just junk. Maybe good junk, but it doesn't speak to me at all.
I'd suggest trying something that you like but it's way different from what you do. Like trying on someone else's process, but giving yourself the time and space to make it your own. Eventually your own stuff will emerge, just give it time and space. And thanks for being so honest! I love that about you!
I’ve done one of your online workshops in the past. I learned tons. Maybe “art” has you in a specific box and you can break out of the “art” box. I’m not even sure what that looks like but if you keep pushing against the edges, you’ll find it. I think most people in many professions feel this way. Es Devlin is my go to for refusing to be in a box. Maya Lin too. Of course as I think of where I want to be in 30 years, there’s Eunice Parsons.
I’ve been reading your substack for about 6 months. I find your work and approach to art making inspirational and invitational. I attended one of your pre-recorded workshop, which I very much enjoyed. I imagine writing this post was not easy, sharing your vulnerability and sense of doubt about direction. It took courage to share what you are feeling and I appreciate your honesty and questions. Keep writing. Keep playing. Keep at it. You are a wonderful artist and a gifted teacher. I am an art dabbler (mostly postcard art), your posts and artwork give me confidence to keep trying. I hope you do too. Thank you.
I don't know if it will help or hinder, but it's hard not to feel stuck when the energy of the energy of so much of the world in general feels stuck. I find it helpful to remember that not all of that stuck energy is yours. I also find it helpful to either try some art tool you've never tried before with little/no planning, or to break something and put it together in a new pattern, or to do energetic art to burn off some of that stagnent feeling (I'm getting set to try that style where you slap paint covered branches on things)... anything you can think of to surprise your energy out of its current habit. I don't have any good suggestions for creating more time, but even 5-10 minutes can make a difference when you're in a slump. In the meantime, I'm sending good energy vibes your way!
The part about not knowing what action to take next... that's such an honest and hard thing to sit with. Thank you for putting it into words. You're not alone in this.
I relate to this so much. It’s hard to explain to people how much the pandemic disrupted the trajectory I was on. I was scheduled to go teach in Australia and that was cancelled, my art was selling in galleries and I was gaining momentum from exhibitions and a museum fellowship. The pandemic was layered over a health crisis and a lengthy divorce that left me deep in debt. The first year of teaching online when I had to pivot was great-then the steady decline and the on location opportunities are not the same as they were. Now I work ten times as hard at getting traction with the teaching to support myself and my own art life feels like it’s gone by the wayside.
And now I’m rambling just to say I get it. And also, I love the art you included in this post.
We met around the time you left your teaching job. Art journaling was pretty new. I have gotten your emails all these years and opened one for the first time today. I don’t know if it helps at all, but I think your stuff would fit with Art and Soul Retreats and Art Makers Denver. These events have recovered well after Covid. I just thought I would mention them in case you haven’t tried them yet.
I understand feeling stagnant for sure. My world got reset when I divorced from a 24 year marriage. Now I’m in a mini reset as I have moved in with my parents to help them with aging. I have gotten by from using materials I never have before and learning how to create digitally. If you haven’t, try Procreate for iPad. Only $13 and comparable to adobe illustrator. Good luck!
As you know Eric, I got trapped in a twenty year down spiral. The more I pulled against the drain, the further down I got sucked. Over the course of the past year I came across your substack. I read all your advice and kick starters. I came across a few other teachers: @susannahfisher, @duanetoops, @lascarlatte, @themuseisin (jillbandosky), @jillmcdougall. No one person had a “fix” for my issues, but each contributed something to help me get a little closer to my track. I wanted a reversal, but what I got were nudges. I’m not “fixed”, but I’m more realistic and closer to where I’m headed. May you recognize the nudges and realize you’re realigning with your purpose as you move toward it. ❤️Martha
I can relate to the frustration you feel, but I really have to give a shout out for the fact that you keep going. I love your art even the pieces that aren't my favorite. I see too much art that is just junk. Maybe good junk, but it doesn't speak to me at all.
I'd suggest trying something that you like but it's way different from what you do. Like trying on someone else's process, but giving yourself the time and space to make it your own. Eventually your own stuff will emerge, just give it time and space. And thanks for being so honest! I love that about you!
I’ve done one of your online workshops in the past. I learned tons. Maybe “art” has you in a specific box and you can break out of the “art” box. I’m not even sure what that looks like but if you keep pushing against the edges, you’ll find it. I think most people in many professions feel this way. Es Devlin is my go to for refusing to be in a box. Maya Lin too. Of course as I think of where I want to be in 30 years, there’s Eunice Parsons.
Hi Eric,
I’ve been reading your substack for about 6 months. I find your work and approach to art making inspirational and invitational. I attended one of your pre-recorded workshop, which I very much enjoyed. I imagine writing this post was not easy, sharing your vulnerability and sense of doubt about direction. It took courage to share what you are feeling and I appreciate your honesty and questions. Keep writing. Keep playing. Keep at it. You are a wonderful artist and a gifted teacher. I am an art dabbler (mostly postcard art), your posts and artwork give me confidence to keep trying. I hope you do too. Thank you.
I don't know if it will help or hinder, but it's hard not to feel stuck when the energy of the energy of so much of the world in general feels stuck. I find it helpful to remember that not all of that stuck energy is yours. I also find it helpful to either try some art tool you've never tried before with little/no planning, or to break something and put it together in a new pattern, or to do energetic art to burn off some of that stagnent feeling (I'm getting set to try that style where you slap paint covered branches on things)... anything you can think of to surprise your energy out of its current habit. I don't have any good suggestions for creating more time, but even 5-10 minutes can make a difference when you're in a slump. In the meantime, I'm sending good energy vibes your way!