HOW WE DEFINE OURSELVES MATTERS!
In the kaleidoscope of creativity, the question of how we define ourselves emerges as a profound exploration of identity and expression. Are you a painter, a photographer, a poet? Do these titles we give ourselves define us, or limit us? Big questions! But questions that we, as creatives should all be thinking about.
I’M NOT JUST A PHOTOGRAPHER…
For a long time, before Creative Nowhere Land, when I met people and they’d ask what I do, I’d introduce myself and invariably say ‘I’m a photographer!’. To a great extent, that had very much become my identity. I never saw it as a negative thing! I’m still very proud of all that I’ve been able to achieve within the photography industry so far. But… having been on this journey of exploring other elements of my creativity for a little while now, I’ve come to realise something. How we define ourselves matters and can enhance or inhibit our creativity. For me, It was inhibiting. Creative Nowhere Land has made me understand that I’m not just a photographer…
I’M AN ARTIST!
Now, I’m sure there are some of you reading that thinking, ‘What a wanker!’. And there will be some of you reading it thinking, ‘Good for you!’. Either way, I’m ok with it! It’s about how I define myself that matters. And, I’m doing it!
If you’d asked me this time last year if I was an artist? My answer would have been a, very quick response of no! But, in that year I’ve had art photography pieces in a number of exhibitions, including one, I’m very proud to have been a part of in Barcelona, Spain. If you haven’t already, you can read about that in the previous blog post, 19TH POLLUX AWARDS - FOTONOSTRUM GALLERY.
OUTWORK YOUR SELF-DOUBT!
The self-doubt of being able to call myself an artist is something I’ve spoken about before. I’m sure, in fact I know, I’m not the only creative that’s felt the same way. But the only way past it, I believe, is to try and outwork your self-doubt!
I can’t remember the exact quote or who said it, but the premise is… Outwork your self-doubt by stacking up undeniable evidence for yourself, that you are who you say you are! So, that’s what I’ve been trying to do! And, exhibitions = artist, right?
Having my photography work recognised as art has been a great confidence booster. And one that I’m extremely grateful for. But, it did play into my identity issues as an artist, being defined as ‘just a photographer’. So, I decided to test my self-doubt again, by submitting some non-photography-based work to a recent exhibition at the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists Gallery. And, one of the pieces was accepted!
SUBJECTIVE REALITY.
Ironic that it was one of the Subjective Reality Series that was selected. Keeping in mind that in my reality, I was just a photographer. So, to have one of my fashion collage pieces accepted gave me a small piece of evidence to the contrary, and the confidence that expressing myself in other mediums is valid.
RBSA EXHIBITION.
It’s great to be a part of the current exhibition that runs until February 10th, 2024. The team at the RBSA are great, and do a great job of curating so many pieces of work from so many different artists. They also know how to put on an opening as you can see below. It’s always a fun opportunity to catch up with fellow artists and collectors, as well as meeting new people. It’s a fantastic part of the Birmingham Art scene and has been since the 1820s.
As you can see from the photos above, I went back to see the rest of the exhibition properly, without all of the people. But, shout-outs to a few people I was lucky enough to catch up with on the opening night. Clare Garrad and Sophie Rose Walters and their very cool collaborative piece, sat pride of place above mine. Mr Paul Turk and his wonderful portrait paintings. I managed to get through the crowds and have a quick chat with Highly commended artist, Mukah Ispahani about his mind-blowing ballpoint pen portraits. And, although I didn’t get to meet this artist, his atmospheric night scenes were the stand-out pieces of the show for me, Andrew McNeile Jones.
But, meeting of the night for me and, in part, inspiration for the title of this blog, Chantal Pitts. A short, but profound conversation about courage and belief in oneself as an artist, and how the words we say to ourselves matter! How we define ourselves matters!
BUILDING COMMUNITY.
Being surrounded by artists and art lovers at the opening of the exhibition reinforced the importance, to me, of building a community around yourself as an artist. Like-minded people who are supportive and that fuel creative growth and collaboration. Building a community allows artists to break away from what can sometimes be, the isolating process, of creating. Through meeting and connecting with other creatives and a little mutual encouragement, we can all help each other navigate the challenges of the creative process and gain new and valuable insights that can help us on our journeys. We all need some advice and help sometimes I think!
BE A PART OF CREATIVE NOWHERE LAND.
Speaking of building community as an artist, brings me nicely onto the Creative Nowhere Land newsletter. I’ve always wanted this to be a community of like-minded, open-minded and creative thinkers. So, if that’s you, then consider signing up for the newsletter.
I’ve got so many plans for Creative Nowhere Land moving forward that involve some of the interesting and inspiring humans that I’m lucky enough to know, who are already part of my community and who inspire me daily. I’ve got no doubt that they will inspire you too. So, sign up and stay tuned.
As always, thanks for reading and your continued support. Be conscious of how you define yourself and how you talk to yourself. It matters!
Until next time…