Transitions
Change is visibly felt at this time of year, isn’t it?
The trees are transitioning in colour, the days move into night more noticeably and we're discussing when's appropriate to put the first fire on. It's the season of comfort food, comfort clothes and that Swedish feeling word - hygge.
But personal or professional change doesn't feel quite as cosy because a transition from here to there carries a fear of the unknown.
It’s easier to decide against it and stay here in our comfortable safe space because changing means moving into and living with discomfort .
Of actively embracing and tolerating uncertainty.
At the minute I’m pretty comfortable. I know how to work this phase of my career so it would be easy for me to continue as I am. But my artwork needs to transition out of hibernation and so I’m leaning in and opening my arms to it by scheduling a solo show next October.
There’s going to be a whole lot of discomfort to go through that transition.
From the unknown new body of work, the fear of bad feedback, the prospect of ‘failing’, of meeting my own and my perception of other’s expectations to the physical and mental act of actually making the work. Of carving the time, setting and keeping a discipline and doing the hard consistent work it takes.
But all that discomfort will be necessary to move from here to there.
If you’re creating artwork and feel a sense discomfort or a bit of fear, that's ok. Actually it's good. It means you're moving and welcoming a transition. The discomfort is necessary and you’re not alone in going through it.
I’m going to be right there reminding both of us that the discomfort is just another part of the process that shouldn't be shunned or pushed away, rather encouraged and supported.
That eventually, and likely without realising it, we’ll be back to being comfortably cosy again by doing something that was once uncomfortably unknown.
That’s when we'll know we’re ready for the next transition.
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ForM is by far my favourite group exhibition of the year to visit and I am honoured to have been one of artists involved in it this year.
If you missed the exhibition, here’s a round up.