Why not exhibit your art? May, 2009
When I recently helped to organize a student art show, I realized how very important it is for each participant to exhibit his or her work. An art opening or show is not only an exciting event, it is foremost a learning experience for every serious artist. Unless you choose to be an artist only for the sake of being an artist, exhibiting is an important aspect of the creative process. A work of art carries a message; it invites a dialogue between the artist and viewers. Sharing your artwork with others is a logical conclusion. Why bother making a statement and sending a message to no intended receiver? Why not exhibit your art?
You may be asking yourself whether you are ready or good enough to exhibit your work. If you are ready to hang a piece you created somewhere on a wall in your house or apartment, then you are both ready and good enough. Anyway, such questions are not productive as they will invariably plant self-doubt and derail you. When you find yourself on such a path and we all do at times, practice strategies of detachment and risk taking.
Planning to exhibit one’s work even if it just involves one piece, starts with a myriad of questions with regard to selection, title, signature, selection of frames and price. Furthermore, this may also be a great opportunity for you to work on your own artist’s statement. Once exhibiting becomes a part of your routine such questions become obviously much easier.
With time and discipline your exhibiting experience will not only become easier, it will lead to better art. When you show your work you’ll become more aware, accountable and responsible for what you create. With each exhibit you will be moving closer from a mere hobbyist to a professional artist establishing connections in a community of artists, art lovers and collectors.
Yvette Stenzel
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