Q: Do you have any rituals that you do in the mornings before you begin working?

Art From Your Core by Kate Kretz

A:  When I arrive at the studio in the morning it’s rare for me to immediately start working.  Usually I read  something art-related. At the moment I’m rereading Art From Your Core: A Holistic Guide to Visual Voice by Kate Kretz. This is a fabulous book for visual artists. It is a must-read and has become my current art bible! As usual I am struggling to understand aspects of the art business and figure out what’s next to get my work appreciated and collected by a new audience.  Art From Your Core reminds why I decided to make art in the first place and what I need to do to continue to improve. It helps reconnect with forgotten parts of myself and is a much-needed reminder of what I love most about being an artist.

Balancing the creative and business aspects of my art practice is an ongoing struggle.  I imagine this is true for most artists. Both jobs are so important.  An artist needs an appreciative audience – very few artists devote their lives to art-making so that the work will remain in a closet – but I also believe this (from a note hand-written years ago that I tacked to the studio wall):  “Just make the work.  None of the rest matters.”

Comments are welcome.