End of Year πŸ”΄ Small Works Challenge 2024

A Personal Approach to Balancing Art and Responsibilities

Dec 04, 2023

Uncover the Hidden Windows in Your Day 

Greetings fellow artists, dream-weavers, and creative souls! Ever been asked, "How do you find time for it all?" I get it. Balancing art, coaching, running a gallery, and curating can seem like an intricate dance. But here's my secret: it's all about those magical gaps in time.

Embracing the Gaps

Picture this: a podcast host wondering aloud how on earth I manage it all. My answer is a simple truth – beyond being a scheduling wizard, I live for those gaps. They're scattered through our days, even in the most hectic schedules. A gap of time is an opportunity waiting to be seized, often lost to mindless scrolling.

The Art of Making Time Count

Here's the kicker – it's not about working tirelessly without breaks. I'm a firm believer in a daily blend of work, rest, laughter, and enjoyment. Feeling stressed? Dive into a 3-minute gap for a laughter session. Running behind? Snatch 5 minutes to tackle that email stressing you out....

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Cracking the Code of Art: Embracing the Power of Mystery

Dec 01, 2023

Ever felt the magnetic pull of mystery in your art? I sure have. It's like the secret sauce that makes our work truly enchanting. In a world demanding every ounce of our creative secrets, it's time to talk about the allure of the unspoken, the unexplained – the mystery that makes art, well, ART.

The Art of Not Saying It All

You know the drill. Social media screams, "Spill it all!" But hold up, imagine if we spilled every drop of info about our creations. The why, when, where – the whole shebang. Picture this: a painting where you know the entire backstory. Exciting? Not really. It's the hush-hush, the untold tales that keep us hooked.

Here's the scoop: as artists, our gig isn't to give a play-by-play of our work. When we over-explain, we snatch away the thrill of discovery from our audience. It's about leaving trails, opening doors, and letting them be the art detectives. Let the wonder unfold naturally.

Puzzlemasters

I've been there – the temptation to turn into...

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Embracing the Canvas of Life: A Personal Journey for Every Artist

Nov 29, 2023

As artists, our journey isn't just about making the art; it's about navigating the intricate seasons of life that color our creativity. Picture this: sitting down one-on-one, delving into the nitty-gritty of artistic struggles. That's where the magic happens—the heart of coaching, where we weave through challenges together, seeking solutions.

Honoring the Art of Seasons 

In these intimate conversations, we often find ourselves at a crossroads—the need to honor the seasons life unfolds before us. It might be the juggling act of raising a family while pursuing our artistic passion or the confines of a too-small studio that cramps our creative style. Resources may be scarce due to life's unpredictable twists.

In the artistic dance of problem-solving, one fundamental truth emerges—we must first honor the present season. Self-awareness becomes our guiding brushstroke. This moment, with all its constraints, doesn't chain us indefinitely. We're painting our way...

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How to Stay Inspired When Your Artistic Journey Feels Endless

Nov 27, 2023

As I cruised from the bustling streets of Chicago to the vibrant shores of Miami, my mind wandered through the metaphorical landscapes of an artist's struggle. It was those final 2 hours of an 18-hour drive that struck me — moments when you're so close, yet it feels like an eternity. Join me on this metaphorical road trip through our artistic endeavors, where the last stretch often tests our resolve.

When Giving Up Seems Tempting 

Just like those last miles on the road, the end of an artistic pursuit can be the most challenging. Thoughts of throwing in the towel, declaring, "This is not worth it," creep in. It's a battle against time, where every passing minute appears to elongate, making our goals seem distant and unreachable.

Zoom Out and Celebrate the Milestones

In the depths of doubt, remember this: I found solace by zooming out on the GPS map, seeing the vast distance we'd already conquered. It's a lesson applicable to our art careers. Sometimes, we're closer to the...

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Reigniting Your Creative Mojo: Conquering Doubt and Challenges

Nov 24, 2023

Have you ever stepped into your studio and felt a nagging doubt about your abilities, your artistic vision, or your experience as an artist? I know I have. It's those moments when the creative journey can seem daunting, like I've suddenly forgotten everything that got me here. But, let me assure you, it's okay. Every artist faces these moments of self-doubt. It's part of the journey.

Embracing the Roller Coaster of Confidence

Confidence in our artistic abilities can be a roller coaster, especially when things aren't going as planned. Picture this: you're in your studio, and your artwork seems to be fighting back, stubbornly resisting your efforts. You find yourself at a creative impasse, and your confidence takes a nosedive. I've been there, too, and I understand the frustration.

However, it's precisely in these challenging moments that we must remember what brought us to where we are today. Think about the countless hours spent immersed in the world of art, studying, practicing,...

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Revitalize Your Daily Routine: Starting Your Day Right for Artists

Nov 22, 2023

Every artist's journey begins with a fresh start every day. Just like a blank canvas waiting to be transformed, mornings offer that beautiful opportunity to reinvent, reimagine, and rejuvenate. I've always been a firm believer in the magic of mornings, where the world seems quieter, the air fresher, and the possibilities endless.

Finding Your Rhythm

I've got to admit; I'm 100% a morning person. As soon as my eyes open, my creative juices start flowing, my muscles begin to move, and I'm up like a spring, ready to embrace the day's potential. But, as in all great stories, there's a twist. My wife, Dr. Yanina, is the complete opposite. Mornings aren't her thing. She takes her time, and her day doesn't officially start until that delicious cup of coffee touches her lips.

Respect the Differences

Over the years, I've learned to respect her rhythm. I used to bombard her with ideas and conversations the moment she woke up, but I soon realized that her start of the day was different from...

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From Frustration to Inspiration: Navigating Tough Days in the Studio

Nov 20, 2023

 Are you an artist who's no stranger to those days when your studio feels like a battleground? I know I've been there. Whether your creative struggle lasts a few hours, a few months, or even longer, the creative process can be a rocky road. Paintings refuse to cooperate, tools seem to betray you, and sometimes, it's your own mind that gets in the way. That stubborn inner critic is often the toughest opponent to silence.

 Why Do We Battle Bad Studio Days?

Ever wondered why we keep pushing through the challenging times in the studio? It's because we artists want to conquer the day; we want to leave the studio with a sense of accomplishment, knowing we've produced something meaningful. I get it, I've had countless days like that.

But here's the catch: sometimes, the more you fight those bad days, the more aware you become of their presence. It's like an uninvited guest who overstays their welcome. Instead of solely focusing on productivity, what if we shift our perspective to...

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Breaking Barriers: How to Approach Art World Professionals with Confidence

Nov 17, 2023

Today, I want to share something close to my heart, a message that's all about unlocking your potential and finding opportunities you never thought possible. Let's dive in and discover how you can take your art career to the next level.

Giving People a Chance - The Art of Possibilities

We've all been there, right? That moment when we hesitate to approach someone we admire, whether it's a gallery owner, collector, or curator. We're gripped by the fear of rejection, the fear that they'll say no or, even worse, slam the door right in our faces.

I've been there too. Countless times, I've had these incredible ideas for art shows I wanted to curate in specific places, but my own self-doubt held me back. In my mind, I was certain they would reject my proposal.

But here's the thing: more often than not, the story we create in our heads doesn't match reality. We assume the worst, but we never truly give these individuals a chance to respond. We shouldn't be writing their responses for them...

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Mastering Trust: A Crucial Key to Success in Your Art World Journey

Nov 15, 2023

Stepping into the spellbinding world of art, one lesson stands out like a masterpiece in an empty gallery: trust. It's the lifeblood of collaboration, the intangible force that infuses our creative journey with purpose.

Trusting the Artistic Partnership

As an artist who took the courageous step into gallery ownership, I discovered firsthand that trust is the currency of our realm. It's not a fleeting emotion but the foundation upon which our dreams are built. Imagine the relationship with a gallery as a canvas awaiting your art. It's not something that happens overnight; instead, it's a masterpiece constructed stroke by stroke.

You trust the gallery to believe in your vision, to champion your art with the same fervor you hold. Simultaneously, the gallery trusts you to weave your magic on their canvas, delivering your finest work punctually. Trust isn't granted; it's nurtured, like a budding work of art.

As Fragile as Precious Artifacts

But here's the intriguing part: trust in the...

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Maximizing Your Digital Impact: A Guide to Effective Content Resharing

Nov 13, 2023

If you've ever heard me say, "Just because you posted it once, it doesn't mean everybody saw it," you know I'm passionate about helping you succeed in the ever-evolving world of social media. In this blog post, we'll dive deep into the art of reposting your creations and why it's not just a smart move but a creative powerhouse for your online presence.

The Persistent Problem of Vanishing Posts

Picture this: You've poured your heart and soul into a stunning piece of art. You've carefully crafted the perfect caption, hit that 'Post' button, and waited with bated breath for the likes and comments to flood in. But as time ticks by, your masterpiece gets buried beneath a sea of new content, lost in the algorithm's abyss.

The Algorithmic Challenge

In the age of algorithms, your beautiful creations often struggle to break free from the confines of your existing followers. Social media platforms prioritize fresh content, making it increasingly challenging for your posts to reach a wider...

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