on artist identity…
This is the first post in my artist development series. I hope you enjoy the posts this week! Let me know what you think along the way…
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One of the most difficult problems artists and creatives face is understanding who they are and what they want. Artists must take steps to recovery their identity before they can make any other kind of progress. Strengthsfinder is one of the first and best tools for artists to gain understanding of their (non-artistic) skills and how to maximize those skills in their work and life. While many artists may dream of one day supporting themselves solely on their art, for many more the reality is they will likely have some kind of “day job.”
Artists also need to have a meditative practice as part of their self-discovery of their identity. For Christians this is prayer, but for non-Christians and even non-spiritual people they still need some kind of practice of stillness. Keeping a journal is a good first step, but even better is dedicating time to being completely still. The goal is to push out any thoughts and demands other than your own. So much of who we are derives from what others want us to be we can forget who we are. Remembering who and what we are called to do helps us filter through the work we need to do versus the work that others want us to do for them. Make no mistake, if you do not know who you are there are millions of people in the world who want to co-opt your time and talents to serve their priorities instead of your own. One of my favorite experiences in Seattle for this purpose of meditation and prayer is the Sunday evening Compline service at Saint Mark’s Cathedral. When I’m able to make it my goal is to close my eyes and try as best I can to think of absolutely nothing for 30 minutes. I find my mind often wanders somewhat, but for the most part I am able to relax and just be. And when I leave after having done nothing but exist, I feel refreshed and ready to enter the week with a clean slate.
Organizational skills and tools are also part of finding identity. While they are usually associated more with productivity, an important part of having a clearly defined to-do list system or method for dealing with email is the ability to filter assignments based on what you need to do versus the work others want you to do for them. If you’re a project manager and your day is full of planning the launch of the new company widget, you do not have time—nor is it your responsibility—to order more toner for the printer. If you cannot organize and prioritize your day, you will find yourself distracted and lead off course routinely. Daniel Harkavy uses the image of giving the keys of your life to another driver. If you are not in control of where you are going, other people will drive you all over town, taking you where they want you to go. Pretty soon, Harkavy says, you realize you are on the wrong side of town and twenty minutes late to an important meeting. If you do not know who you are, if you do not know your responsibilities and how to prioritize them, other people step in and tell you who they want you to be. My favorite tool for organizing and prioritizing your life is David Allen’s Getting Things Done system.
