Episode 247: Making Progress

The Messy Studio with Rebecca Crowell

It seems to be a given that as artists we want to see growth and progress in our work --and many episodes of this podcast have focused on taking on the challenges and mindset that feed progress in the studio. But what does it really mean to make artistic progress? Is there any way to measure or quantify progress as an artist? And how is a sense of progress linked to our basic satisfaction as creative people?

Many of us need a constant sense of progress as measured in specific achievements to feel good about ourselves. This is a cultural value and deeply engrained from childhood on, and it seems natural to ask yourself often what progress you are making as an artist. But it's also good to question whether you're applying outside standards of progress to your art self. Your inner sense of satisfaction and achievement is an important factor in recognizing progress as it plays out in your own studio life.

If progress is important to you, you may expect it to be happen in ways that are quick, ongoing, linear, or even dramatic. But progress in the studio is often slow, sporadic, subtle, and non-linear. We need to understand and accept that times of consolidation and what can seem like backward movement are part of the creative process. True progress requires time as you integrate new ideas. If you are working in the studio, some progress is inevitable, even if it is hard to see.

What does progress mean to you? Understanding your own need for progress, and how you view it are individual responses. We all have different attitudes and inner standards that tell us we are making progress, but you can sense what it means for you as you evaluate your work. and it is good to pay attention to even small steps. Notice when you feel stagnant, give yourself credit for how far you’ve come, and be open to taking steps toward the kinds of progress that are meaningful to you.

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What's new At Cold Wax Academy?
Rebecca and Jerry will be launching their spring quarter on April 12th. Upcoming sessions include identifying compositional issues in your work, technical information from Gamblin representative Mary Tevlin, a painting clinic for works in progress, and much more. As always, members can join in on live sessions with questions and comments, and can benefit anytime by interacting with other members on our Mambers-only facebook page. With 100 recorded sessions in the member library there is always something to learn or review, with topics ranging from technical advice to visual language to guests speakers and critiques of member work.

To learn more about membership, and to purchase cold wax tools and Rebecca and Jerry's book, Cold Wax Medium: Techniques, Concepts & Conversations, please visit http://www.coldwaxacademy.com

Please visit http://www.coldwaxacademy.com for more information as well as basic information about using cold wax medium.

Here is what a member named Sandy has to say about her own experience with Cold Wax Academy:
"Rebecca and Jerry have presented the most professional, authentic and structured approach to a creative activity I have ever come across. Their selfless sharing of all their knowledge and encouragement is a gift in my life unsurpassed."

Also-- please visit https://www.espacioart.org to learn about Rebecca and Jerry's newest project, Espacio, dedicated to providing beautiful living and working spaces for artists and writers. Espacio's first offering is Casa Clavel, a modern, fully equipped house opening this September in the beautiful cultural city of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. A few booking openings are still available in 2023, so please incquire if you are interested.

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For more from The Messy Studio:
www.messystudiopodcast.com
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For more from Rebecca Crowell:
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.coldwaxacademy.com
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The Messy Studio Podcast is a Tick Digital Media Production.