Release

[Bess Li]

It is my last week at my part-time job. I decided to take a little time off for myself and focus on school, and most importantly, put more time in my artwork. This doesn't seem like a big deal to a lot of people, but it relieves so much stress for me...

In my past artwork, I've noticed I've paid a lot more attention to details, and have more patience for each pieces. As the years went by, I became so busy that I felt that I couldn't balance in what I wanted to do anymore. I've been filled with anxiety about anything and everything & had a lot of bad art days than good ones. I was easily irritated because I felt that I never had enough time to do anything. I always felt I gave less than half of my time for each of the paintings or drawings I wanted to do...

It might not  make sense to anyone in what I feel, but I can't wait until I can go back to my old self again. Be a happier, less-anxious, inspired, Bess. It may not seem like it, but I felt that I've always had a major art block (for months) that I just couldn't escape from. Hopefully within the next month or two, I can feel happier & focus on the artist that I want to be.

I feel that it is sometimes hard to stay motivated as an artist because you naturally compare yourself to the other artists around you. I've already learned that you have to get away from that mindset & use it as inspiration. You are your own artist & no one can be you. Sometimes I forget this because I'm so caught up in wanting things to look perfect. Although, I know that nothing is perfect!

I think it's an inner battle with us, artists, that we feel we can always do better in our work (at least I do), and feel our pieces are never finished. But, I think that's what makes artists (not just fine art!) so special. We keep striving to do what we love. We learn through each piece that we create. We continue to grow & eventually get to a point were we know what we like & don't like. We take each of those things and create art that represents who we are. I believe each and one of us already have that, even if we may not feel or know it yet.

To whoever read this, thank you for taking your time to hear my thoughts. I don't really write anything down like this before, but it's something I felt I had to share (Plus it made me feel better overall, haha). I'm happy & grateful for the people that are so supportive of me. It's part of the reason I can keep doing what I love. Now that I got this out of my chest... stay tuned for new work!! hehe :D

xx

Bess

[Pat]

Wow Bess, great read!  I esp like ~ I feel that it is sometimes hard to stay motivated as an artist because you naturally compare yourself to the other artists around you. I've already learned that you have to get away from that mindset & use it as inspiration. You are your own artist & no one can be you.~~~~~ This is a big problem for me. I've always wished I was born with the gift as some are and I wasn't and I try to tell myself just be happy that you can do some art.

Thank you for sharing Bess.

[Bess Li]

Thank you so much Pat!

And it's true! No one can be you! You have your own ways of approaching your work that is unique! Each time we make somethingn we always improve & it develops our own style :D never give up! Stay inspired & keep making more art, whatever your heart desires!!!

Thx again!

[Samantha Rankins Tinamisan]

When we compare our work with others we are THROWING ourselves against brick wall. Nothing gets done and the anxiety increases!! Good for you to want to slow down. Focus on yourself and compare your work with your earlier work. You will feel great and improve in your work.

[Bess Li]

Yes! You're so right! When I realize how far I've come I get super happy ^.^ thnx for the read Samantha! <3

[Jess]

Hi Bess, its so lovely to meet you and thank you for putting yourself out there for us. I think everyone who reads this will find something different in it that calls to each of us, for me personally it was not only, not comparing ourselves to others but also the staying motivated when we feel we could do so much better in our work and that it never feels complete. So thank you Bess, your words were perfectly timed and just the kick I needed to keep going even if my stuff isn't great it will get better as I grow as an artist. 

[Bess Li]

Hi Jess! Thank you so much for reading. I'm glad you found my words helpful! As long as you're passionate about your work you will never lose the drive to keep creating! Good luck <3

[Mike Gullick]

hi Bess, i know exactly what you mean about relieving stress. when I'm doing my art I'm in another world, I find it so relaxing.

[Laurel Nichols]

I love painting because it makes me focus and forgets the world around. Yes, it is relaxing to me too. Thank you for sharing Bess!

[Bess Li]

Thank you Muke & Laurel for the feedback ^.^

[zobi salee]

Thanks bess .i really enjoyed a lot here this side and add my paintings and share others ,I am not a writer ,just and home maker and a mom & wife, tell my story ,I was so young when go to school ,in summer time I took a class in free time and just few weeks took it I was may be in 5th 6th grad student,my teacher do a lecture in a class and I do my work with pencil just plain paper sketch and sketch just lines and try to make flowers ,one day I didn't realize I am going to be a artist,back home I made lot off oil paintings copies with paintings books ,that time I was pretty exited about it,I sold one painting that time make money and got so happy too,now here I started my master piece and then few I made again ,then I stopped couple off years ,after 15 years nothing done ,one day I thought why now I can start my art work ,I never tried in acrylic. In my life ,I had old oil paints and all metrials were saved but I bought some acrylic paint they are pretty cheap too and get start .now I don't need books no copies any one any more I feel my self so proud to make my self art work ,I started abstract art every one loved it and gave a very nice comments ,bunch off painting I hanged my husband office now every one loved it.i am keep going now ,so relaxing and free time this is my passion now,but soon I will go in art shows and do more hard work with new ideas and share with you all & discuss different way ,want to explore glass painting ,abstract or other ideas ,I tried water color too ,but it's pretty hard to do ,thanks every one & good luck every one:)