Telling Stories

Someone reminded me last week, 'Everyone has a story to tell'. So artists look brave by putting their front foot forward, but behind every painting, drawing, sculpture or handcrafted item their is someone with a story, whose journey had a beginning just like yours. Not every story is a fairytale - rags to riches, some are made up of hard ache and pain, setbacks and a string of bad luck with 'no lucky brakes.  Whatever our stories and wherever we find ourselves on the journey our stories are important to share. We never know when another person needs to here the message your story alone tells. 

There are many different reasons people find themselves telling their own stories.  Some people need to tell their own stories before they realize how amazing they are or to even discover who they are. Others tell stories to heal their worns and to encourage others to do the same.  Many of us make self discoveries along the way that might help someone out there.

Mostly our stories help us to connect or reconnect with others.  Visual artists and performers tell stories with their art forms the journey in front of others and their is no place to hide from the critics.  Ofter the critic with the loudest voices is the one we live 24/7.

However if your brave enough to let some of in to tell them the story behind the artwork they see, you can become a teacher in life. Don't make the mistake of teaching what you've learn or what you think they need to know. Let your story linger with them, they will glean the lesson meant for them and them alone. 

It is important for artists to tell their stories in order to connect with their audiences.  Audiences interested not only in a particular piece of work, but the creation of the work and the person who created.  Your story will assist you to connect with the audience and enable them to connect to your work. 

Established artist also have a responsibility to share their stories an inspire those at the beginning of their artist journeys.  Students are particular interested in the creative processes, looking through the journals and sketchbooks of established artists to gleam practises to use in their own studios. 

The artists stories must be told and sold to galleries and other programs to they wish to work with.  Curates, gallery directors and directors of art program art not only looking at the quality of artwork being presented, the story of the artist in order to draw their audience. 

It is our collective stories that make a community.  We may be drawn to art or artistic processes, but it is our stories that help us to connect to others. May I encourage you to share your stories, because you never know who needs to here your story.