Sharing is Caring

Sharing my art work is scary. It makes me feel very vulnerable. Art is such a personal expression and interpreted differently by everyone. What if no one likes it? What if it doesn't resonate with others? The rejection can hit deeply.

I saw a video once where the girl said she put herself out in the business sphere looking for rejection. Her theory was to take huge risks and go for things that she was underqualified for expecting to hear no. She further explained, just as in the theory of ratios, if you put yourself out there so many times, after so many no's eventually you will land a yes. I suspect the theory not only helped her to take huge risks, but to also help soften the blow of the rejection anyone can expect in life. Rejection can feel personal, but often times it is not, learning to expect it and learning how to not let the rejection get you down is the key to overcoming this fear.

A few weeks ago I wanted to paint a picture for a friend of mine for her birthday. We love to hang out and paint together so I thought it would be a meaningful gesture and got to painting. I loved the way the picture came out but when I was done I realized I was hesitant to actually give it away. I was scared to share my art.

What was I scared of? I recognized my hesitation and realized I had to share the painting and give it too who it rightfully was meant for. I am not sure if any artist actually creates art hoping no one will ever see it. The truth is I want to create work that I love and want to share with others in hopes they will love it too. Its why I continue to work on my skills and get better so I can feel more confident sharing my work. And of course my friend appreciated the painting and giving the painting to her felt right.

I don't think most artist create art hoping no one will see it, I think most artist create art for that exact purpose; in hopes that someone will see it and appreciate it. Art is the language of the soul for people like me. Part of sharing my art means I am also sharing my voice. While I may be trying to find my voice I need to accept feeling vulnerable and brace myself for ride. What if what I have to share is what others want to see? What if what I have to say resonates with someone? What if all of my dreams come true because I decided to share my art?