Reaching Out To A Fellow Artist

The power of compliments and encouragement

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. — Leo Buscaglia

I am a writer and a creative individual. Creativity is part of my soul. It nourishes me. Maybe that is why I tend to attract other creative individuals into my circle of friends. We are all creative in different ways, but we speak the same language. We understand the creative process and also the pitfalls of creativity.

One of those pitfalls is second-guessing our work. Artists can be their own worst critics. We can doubt ourselves and our abilities. We can even feel like an impostor and consider giving up. I’ve been there. I have felt the frustration of my manuscript being rejected. I have felt disappointed by a negative review. I have had a literary agent tell me to switch genres.

But I kept being me. I kept writing the stories I wanted to tell. I kept writing the stories that were in my heart.

There is value in authentic self-expression.

It makes the artist feel heard and it comes across as real. Authentic self-expression is like a new piece of art as opposed to copying a master like Monet. Art would be boring if we were all the same. I strive to share these beliefs with my fellow artists.

I reached out to one of my artist friends because I hadn’t heard from her in several weeks. This was nothing new. She commonly goes through hermit periods.

When in the creative flow, it is easy to block out the rest of the world.

I had expected her to tell me she had been painting for hours each day. I imagined her studio to be filled with bright colors and bold designs. In fact, I expected her to finally have enough pieces for an art show. That was something she had been working toward.

When we finally connected I realized my bright and rosy picture was wrong. She started getting down on herself and down on her work. Her hermit period wasn’t due to being in the creative zone. It was due to being depressed.

If you haven’t heard from a friend or family member for a while, reach out. Please check on them.

We can get so busy in our own lives it is easy to lose connection with others. Days fly by and then we wonder when was the last time we spoke to someone or even texted with someone. We never know what other people are going through in their lives. Reaching out just takes a moment. It can brighten someone’s day.

A lot of famous creative individuals have gone through intense periods of depression. I’m not sure if this is because they feel the world so strongly or perceive the world differently. It just seems to be a trait among many artists.

I told my friend that her paintings were wonderful.

I pointed out my favorites. I explained how her artwork moved me. I encouraged her to organize a local showing and start selling her paintings. I even offered to help make her a website so she could get her artwork out to the world. I told her that her paintings would find an audience. She just had to give it a chance. She had to believe in herself.

Often we don’t realize the power that a compliment has. I wasn’t telling my friend anything that wasn’t true. I had been to her studio many times before and commented on her work. I typically offered suggestions on colors and mentioned parts of her paintings that I liked.

I hadn’t told her that her work was amazing. I don’t know why I thought that was implied. I am a fan of her paintings, but I had never really put it in such glowing terms.

Implied communication is not clear communication. I have learned to say more of what I mean especially if it is something positive. We need more positivity in the world.

Later, during another visit, my friend thanked me for giving her encouragement when she was down. She also thanked me for being pushy. I didn’t know whether being pushy was a compliment or not, but sometimes we all need an extra push.

I know my continued support of her artwork has helped keep her going toward her dreams. Her gratitude warmed my heart. That exchange, after her hermit period ended, strengthened our friendship.

It isn’t always easy to be a creative individual and to walk an artistic path. We can all benefit from a compliment and encouragement. I now strive to reach out to my artist friends more. I am known for offering kind words when they are needed.

Art isn’t a competition. Life isn’t a competition. We can all support each other and help each other be successful.