Stand Out Above All Others

Artificial Intelligence is here, and it is here to stay. I have watched as artists use the various AI apps to write their bio or artist statement. Sure, they do a fairly good job, but the artists I have observed usually must edit these statements to fit their work and themselves. I have also spoken with artists who believe that they will no longer be put on the spot to talk about their work now due to AI, however, unless the technology is here for you to clone yourself, you will still be asked to describe your work. And, if you read your AI statement which has been electronically generated, you will not be as effective because they are not your true feelings nor words, and- you are reading it. Reading about your work sends a signal that you are not familiar with your work. It also implies that someone else wrote about it, thus it is not convincing of your beliefs nor your confidence.

Remember, “what you say about your work is what others will say when you are not present”. AI is just what the name says, Artificial Intelligence. If you use this to craft your “Art Statement” the description of your work you will deliver to a gallery, etc.), it will sound too much like the statements that others will rely upon do describe similar work. If you are going to stand out in a crowd and give the answer to “Why should I buy from you?”, then you must convince the listeners that you do stand out. It is simple, know the reason you do what you are doing and learn to express it in an effective and compelling manner.

YOUR LIFE IS A STORY

Your life is a story.  Being a story, your life is made up of many chapters, and what you create and produce today may be influenced by these early chapters. The first chapters were written before you were born and continued into your life.  These early chapters were written by people and events other than you. For the most part, these early chapters were authored by your parents, regardless of their situation.  If they were together, separated divorced, or never together at all, they still, at times unknowingly, were in control of the narrative of these chapters of your life.

They were also authored or co-authored by siblings, relatives, neighbors, teachers, clergy, friends, and on and on.

They authored these chapters based upon their conditions, lifestyle, history, and many other factors that were unknown to you.  In addition, they set the stage regarding how you would live your life.  Their control would also influence your diet, your beliefs, your attitude and almost everything about your personality.

At some point in your life, you may have taken over writing these chapters.  You began your own rituals, diet, beliefs, etc. etc. You began to live your own life. 

But did you?  Did you truly author these new chapters or were they under the influence of the original authors?  Do early chapters in your story affect or influence the work you do now?  If you are a creative person, does your work reflect the authentic you, or is it you under the influence of the early chapters of your life?  If your work is under previous influences, are you happy with this, or is there an internal struggle?  Is the “True” you trying to get out from the restraints of the original authors?

So many times, a creative person will struggle with their work for this reason.  They find it almost impossible to speak of their work because of the pain associated with it.  There is no wonder, this is not the real you. 

In so many stories that we grew up with that were read to us or that we may have watched at the movies, we see the typical story line.  The introduction of the characters, the hero begins a quest, runs into a dragon (any kind of trouble) almost dies only to finally slay the dragon, saves another character and off they go into peace and happiness.

We all have these dragons in life.  They were introduced to us sometime during the early chapters of our lives.  Of course, these are not real fire breathing animals that creep up on us at nighttime.  But they are the memories of negative events in our early chapters and how we were taught to deal with them.  If not properly “Slain” these dragons will haunt us for our entire life and influence everything we do, including writing the chapters for our own children, and our relationships with all others.

When will you take control of your own chapters, or have you already?  Do you write these chapters without the influence of previous ones?  It is very hard to do, but unless and until we do it, we will constantly be revisited by our dragons.  They never go away, yet if we silence the history and write from our own wishes and desires, the dragons, while still roaming around, will only attempt to visit only to be stopped by our own true selves.

Is it too hard to think about and talk about your work because of these earlier chapters?  If so, then an inaccurate story of your work will be exposed, if any at all.  Your viewers deserve to know the story of you and your work.

I would never suggest that you forget your past, on the contrary, know it intimately and decide if this is your current self, or if it is the persona that you have in memories, but not your present reality.  Certainly, you have accomplished something in your life that you have full responsibility for that is not under the influence of your previous chapters.

Keep these initial chapters, know them, and especially note how they have molded you into your new persona. Take the credit you deserve for what the present “you” has created, not the guilt of what someone else wrote.

In “The Legend of Bagger Vance” , by Steven Pressfield, there is a scene where Bagger Vance is telling Juuah (A golf star, suffering from PTSD after WWl)who has lost his talent and will to play golf again, that everyone comes into this world with their own “Authentic Swing”, you just have to find yours.  It’s there, you just have to find it or you will never play golf again.  (I highly recommend the book or the movie that was made, and no, it is not a golf movie, read about it or contact me).

If you do not come to terms with the true, authentic you and YOUR reason for creating what you do, then you will never be truly satisfied with the results, and you will never be able to share the inspiration for this work without you taking yourself and your viewers into the depths of your early chapters, or your trauma, torment, and depression.

I would never say to forget it and wash it away as if it did not happen.  I am suggesting that there is a way to discuss it along with your redemption, in a manner that you and your listeners will be comfortable and rewarded, and without forgetting how you got here.

Here is how’ fineartofstorytelling.com/programs

Who are you, what do you do?

You Are Not What You Do.

You are you, and what you do is what you do. 

In a recent session I was asked by a participant, “…I am a _____. But if I change my methodology or media, am I no longer valid?  Do I have to start over again?”

If you label yourself, which confines you to the activity which you are named, then you would invalidate your label by changing it.  How would your followers take this? 

My participant is an artist and was labeled with 1 form of artmaking.  She labels herself as a painter and wondered if she began doing one-of-a-kind prints, would that invalidate her.  Well, sure, she would no longer be a painter.  Thus, does it make sense to label yourself as a painter?  But will this also invalidate her as an Artist who is still influenced and inspired by the same stimuli?  If you label yourself, it could.

What if you sell real estate and subsequently move on to another discipline, would you invalidate yourself? 

This dilemma will follow anyone who labels themselves as what they do AT THIS TIME!  If you change your methodology or change your “Job” but still work on the same ideals and goals, why do you have to re-invent yourself?

You are who you are, not what you do.

Many people find it difficult to talk about themselves and their work,

 I guide people to find their story and learn to tell it effectively.

I am Mike O’Connor, this is what I do, regardless of how I do it, the outcome is the same!

What You Say About Your Work is What Others Will Say When You Are Not Around

I recently attended an opening that drew quite a crowd.  There were several Artists exhibiting their work and hoping to catch the eye and ear of potential collectors.  I noticed 1 Artist who was standing next to her work when she was approached by 2 people.  One of them asked – “What is the process of this piece?”  The Artist, without hesitation, began by describing the STORY of the work, the inspiration that guided her to create the work and the significance of the piece itself.  Not once did the Artist mention anything of the process nor materials used in the piece.

The Artists’ statement took only a few moments, but it drew more people who were viewing adjacent work.  The questions that were generated from that point on were pertaining to the “Art Statement”, not the process, nor the materials.  The questions kept the Artist in control of the conversation; thus she was allowed to direct the narrative in the manner which she chose.  I noticed one of the viewers who left the conversation only to bring a friend over and was able to repeat to him the story as it was told by the Artist. 

As the Artist told this situation to an Artist friend of hers, the friend smiled and recounted how recently the identical scenario played out in one of her openings.  She ignored the direction of the question, for it did not include the story and the inspiration. She then began a very short statement including the reason for this work.  What was it that inspired her to create this image, WHY did she create what she did?  The Artist friend then echoed the results of the first Artist, namely the increased crowd with pertinent questions, not process oriented. 

The process can always be mentioned, but if it is the subject of the conversation, then there is little chance the viewer will feel about the work s does the Artist.  I do not discount processes that are an integral element in the work, or a special process that is the work.  However, I do believe that the story of the work is more critical and of course it can include elements of the process.

As we all become enveloped with the Holidays and review what worked last year, and what did not, then try to forecast what will work next year, don’t forget the basics.  There is a reason you have created what you have.  This is the essence of your work.  If the viewer does not sense, or feel it as you do, there is little chance they will purchase it.  Take control of the statement of your work, the story of your work and allow the viewer to become part of it.  And please don’t ever forget:

What You Say About Your Work is What Others Will Say When You Are Not Around

I hope and wish for Safe and Happy Holidays for you all!

Mike O’C.

https://www.fineartofstorytelling.com/workshops-1

How Do You Describe Yourself and Your Work?

In a recent conversation with a Gallery Owner, I was told that she did not allow many of her artists to talk with potential clients.  Naturally I asked why…her response was;

“Because they lose more sales than they make!”

This is not unique to this gallery alone, in fact, many artists are more comfortable talking about their friend’s work than their own.  I am told this by a staggering number of artists themselves.

If you are an artist reading this, is this true for you? Are you OK with this?  Why is that? Is talking about your work an opportunity or an activity to avoid?   If you could change your attitude towards describing your work, would you? 

Then why do you continue to take that path?  Fear, lack of words, don’t believe in your work, or how about the ultimate avoidance posture, “The work should speak for itself, and let the viewer determine what it is about?!”

Just remember this…”What you say about your work is what others will say when you are not around”  And to add to this, If you do not speak of your own work, “What is said about your work is what others will remember and repeat!”

Regardless of how you handle this, it is essential that you control the narrative.  If someone else does, you have just lessened your chances of sales, as well as repeat and further exhibitions in the future.

You exhibit your art, which is an extension of you.  You put your all into this work and allow complete strangers into your most private world.  If it is too sensitive to talk about, there are methods to speak without getting overwhelmed by emotions, or dragging your audience into your dark inner world.  Regardless of what is holding you back, it is possible to overcome.  But no matter what, YOU must take control and let people know what your work is about.

All the Best My Friends,

Mike O’C.