Artist to Artist by Harald Aksdal

Mind Set and Down Right Depression

Art is huge! And there is room for any and all art. I read last week that a stone, dating to 70,000 years ago, was found-and a pattern of lines was drawn on it! Art is such a deep part of us, of being human. A wonderful thing about a person's art work is that it cannot be wrong. Yes, there are techniques, correct showing of light, perspective, etc., but when a person produces a piece of art, it is correct in every way for what it is. If a critic says, "It doesn't look like that," your answer must always be, "I meant it to look like that." You know what needs to be done and you build and work to improve for the next one. Use trusted critics, mentors, books, and your own gut feelings, but know your art is right for what it is.

So what's your mind set? Do you judge your art by the sales you make? Look again at the beauty your hand produces. Remember that you may need to set it aside a bit to get the full impression-I usually let a finished piece hang in my studio for three or more days so I can extract myself from it and become a viewer.

It took two months to finish. I accomplished everything I wanted to with that piece and as I looked it over I couldn't believe my hand did that. Then I fell into a depression. I called an experienced artist and asked what was happening. "You've been emotionally connected to that thing and the longer, the deeper. Go take a walk." "What?" I asked. "Go take a walk, snap out of it, and get back to work. It's all normal." So if depression sets in after working on a piece (or many pieces), or after a show or critique, go take a walk! This art thing we are involved in is deep. Deep in our human history and deep in our individual psyche. Enjoy what you can do; enjoy art!

Next time, thoughts on sketching...

Harald Aksdal
www.aksdalart.com
Born in Haugesund, Norway and educated in the United States as an architect, Harald retired from architecture in 2005 to pursue a career as an artist. Harald's original paintings and prints can be found in galleries throughout Vermont.

Read Harald's column from last month!