Dear Artists, 

Time is important.

It is important to allow yourselves time to think, to take notes and to offer a cushion to what is the never ending stream of ‘productivity markers’ in society. These markers include, exhibitions, instagram, CV’s, grants and press. Under the current stream of silence in the world and a lack of options to attend shows - use the time to draw, think and regroup. 

Time is important & it is also a privilege - don’t beat yourself up because you work and that you insist on working and painting to sustain your life. This is the case for the majority of people in the art world. Additionally, don’t be hard on yourself because you don’t make a ‘good’ painting when you are in the studio. Allowing yourself an opportunity to risk a lot in the work - this matters and often results in surprising and strong work. In the end, it doesn’t matter - anyway - since art is a living & breathing thing. Art needs room to grow, to change, to mess up and you... are it’s gate keeper. 

On criticism. It’s good - take it or don’t. Listen, most people aren’t trained well in how to critique, how to write and how to discuss art. Therefore, listen to kids and listen to the select few peers, professors and critics that know what is going on. You can tell who knows by their ability to listen and their ability not to project the opposite of what is on your work. It is easy to suggest black when there is white in a painting - it is more important however to know what the point of the black is. And very few can help you dive into that conversation. So when someone asks you ‘what is your style?’. Resist the urge to categorize yourself and take critiques with a grain of salt. 

Occasionally you will get people that like your work - take it and don’t attach with it too much. For better or worse, praise is good simply because rejections are abundant. Believe the good stuff as much as you believe the tough remarks. Over the arch of your life, you’ll get plenty of good and bad remarks - keep a distance from both. When everyone loves your work - you should begin to question that. When everyone hates your work - you are probably ahead of your time or stuck in the past. Better to be ahead of your time though than stuck in the past. Nostalgia isn't creative and glosses over the important stuff. 

Time is important - allow yourself as much as you can. Resist the urge to look at your phone in down time - shut your eyes and imagine a painting. Build it with what is around you - mind map kind of stuff - it will help, I promise. 

Catherine

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Website: www.catherinehaggarty.com
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