Challenges and Risks

About this Episode

As artists, we are often presented with situations that ask us to say “yes” to something that feels challenging or risky. This could be as small as the need to rework a painting to as large as agreeing to a major solo exhibit. Accepting any challenge requires a commitment and it may feel stressful and bring on self-doubt. Yet successful artists always take some risks that lead to growth and new possibilities—in their careers and in the studio. Today Rebecca and her partner at Cold Wax Academy, Jerry McLaughlin, talk about why it is important to take on challenges and risks in your art practice--along with a few stories about their own related experiences.

Rebecca and Jerry recorded this episode on video as well as audio, so if you'd like to see the video version, please visit the Messy Studio Facebook page or the Cold wax Academy Facebook page. That’s www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast or www.facebook.com/coldwaxacademyIn .Here's the Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3q5Cq7ZI3xI

As much as we may hesitate to step away from what is known and comfortable, risks and challenges offer advancement and growth that are vital to growing your work and art business. Of course, we need to be discerning, to consider what is realistic, or whether there is anything about the idea that doesn’t seem legit or too much of a distraction. But too often we hesitate to take opportunities that really will be beneficial because we consider them too risky.

A good question is, what exactly are you risking? Often the dangers are larger in your imagination than something that might actually happen. The gains are very often much larger than any risk involved.

Making a commitment to follow through on a challenge that offers promise is actually quite freeing. You gain a sense of purpose and focus that moves you forward in every aspect of your practice.

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It's time for an update on the latest news from Cold Wax Academy! Rebecca and her partner Jerry Mclaughlin are now well into their second quarter of weekly Live sessions for their members, in which they explore 3 main topics in deep, interrelated, and engaging ways. This quarter, those topics are Texture, Layering, and Writing and Talking about your Work. Weekly sessions include discussion, slide presentations, videos, critiques, special guests, and the opportunty to ask questions during the session. Cold Wax Academy Members have access to all past sessions, which are recorded each week--so if you're hesitating to join mid-quarter, no worries about missing out. There is plenty for you to explore, and you can watch previous sessions on your own schedule. Jerry and Rebecca offer for a trial month at the Core level for only $29.99. Visit www.coldwaxacademy.com and
and click on the Memberships button.
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The Messy Studio Podcast is a CORE Publication MGMT production.