The Artist Within - June edition

LAUREN WALKER The Standard

Mom taught me, “Don’t seek external validation, value yourself first and foremost.” I’ve met very talented people who are fearful of being judged and refrain from putting their work out there. How do you get over that fear? Here’s how I did it.

Change Your Attitude. I decided I wasn’t going to let fear control me. I walked into this knowing I wasn’t going to be good at the start. I also knew I had the fortitude to embrace my shortcomings. I faced the inner doubt because my desire to succeed outweighed my fear.

Use Criticism as Motivation. I’ve had my ego battered and my self confidence tested but I never let it get me down. The lesson here is to reframe it and use it to your advantage. The negativity is fuel for my work and success is the reward.

Self Confidence: Even when my work was terrible, I used it as a stepping stone. I kept telling myself, “Just keep at it.” There was really no room for self doubt. Being the best at something means being the worst. With practice, consistency and determination you’ll improve.

Solo Shows 2024: I’ll be featuring my monochrome series, “Interesting Buildings in Ontario” at the Art Rail in the Whitby Public Library in August of 2024. Dates and times to be announced. I am a Guest Artist at Whitby Shores Center for Mental Health Sciences in October 2024. Dates and time to be announced.

Port Perry Artists Association 2024 Spring Show: Join us at Admirals Walk Clubhouse in the Port of Newcastle on Saturday June 1st from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, June 2nd from noon to 5 p.m., at 90 Shipway Avenue, in Clarington.

Email: portperryartistsassociation@gmail.com for more information.

Roar on the Shore: Come see the display at the Latcham Centre on Sunday, June 23rd, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Happy Painting!

Email: theartistwithin86@gmail.com

Instagram: @theartistwithin86

Facebook: https://facebook.com/theartistwithin86