I’m “Very bright, Industrious” although most of my history has been under type two, which is a damn shame! Seriously though, since taking the Art Biz Liftoff workshop at the end of April, I have been able to maintain my productivity levels for a sustained period that is new to my artwork. I have always had great spurts of productivity and massive amounts of inspiration. At some point, a point that I revisited quite frequently, I would become overwhelmed by the amount of work involved to follow through on art projects and often confusion about how to market my art (anything business related) sapped all gumption from my able-bodied hands and brain. Coupling this cycle with a very strong downturn in my personal life between ’07 and ’10 left my being as an artist for dead. One of the many wonders of talent though is that it cannot be so easily rid of. Slowly and surely I have emerged from the dark aged cocoon into a bright, Y E L L O W, world. This self-identification of being bright and industrious indicates I shall receive great benefit from continuing to listen to the advice of this book. I’m certainly looking forward to some insight that can strengthen my artistic path.
Author Archives: natemetz
FACE of FRIDAY
X FACE © 2012 NATE METZ
Damn Good Advice – Intro
I received a care package from my bestest friend, who also happens to be an amazing mentor to me and my art, for my birthday this week. Among other things, she sent a book: “Damn Good Advice” by George Lois. I know nothing about this author, but it is filled with examples of great advertising and artistic feats and the lessons we can learn from them. You can read more detail on Phaidon’s website here.
So, why am I telling you all this? I am going to start a new series of posts on my reflections on Lois’ advice. If I have experienced the lesson I want to share what it was like and if I plan to enact a lesson or carry it out then I will tell the whole story. My intuition is that if I write about my experience with tapping into my creative flow and reflect on its impact I will better understand my art. As you know, I have recently re-embraced my work. It feels all together foreign and familiar, so I am taking steps to banish the fears around getting out of my comfort zone.
Today, let’s start with the intro. I certainly identify with being a young, outspoken punk ass kid. My temper can still flash, but the awareness and serenity I’ve gained through spiritual work as certainly tamed that beast. Certainly being a passionate, outspoken person lends itself well to creating impactful art. And, I agree that a dedicated life of art will meet confrontation. I believe any perceived set-back or fight though can be won through the art itself. I like the self-title of cultural provocateur. Recently Alyson Stanfield blogged about what we artists call ourselves. Until the end of April, I stilled identified with my day job and college major: fashion. When I started to refer to myself as an artist and printed business cards that reflected this title, my soul answered and my entire being shifted. I might still try on the title though of cultural provocateur: edgy, a bit dangerous, controversial, radical point-of-view, deep meaning, in-touch with reality. Admittedly, much of the provocation of my work today would be the philosophical and spiritual underpinnings that clash so strongly with the Western culture in which I live. Here’s to making great art that people talk about!
image from phaidon.com