Episode 250: Expressions of Gratitude

The Messy Studio with Rebecca Crowell

As artists, what role can gratitude play in our work and practice? On a personal level, we know that focusing on what we’re grateful for is good for overall mental health and contentment. Today we’d like to talk about specific situations in which appreciation and gratitude can help artists cope with some of the tougher aspects of art practice. Expressing gratitude can also help in your professional life to build mutual appreciation and respect in your dealings with the art world. Today we’ll talk about the importance of gratitude on both personal and professional levels.

Thinking about gratitude in ways that are specific to your art life and work ienhances a positive state of mind. To look back over your life, and make a list of who has helped you, who has understood your passion, and what opportunities that have come your way is a powerful tool in maintaining a positive outlook. Becoming aware of these sources of support can help you through times of frustration or feeling a lack of appreciation, understanding the goodness that in the big picture of our lives. Any success you've achieved has not happened without support and encouragement from other people.

Acknowledging this support on both a personal and professional level is healthy for everyone involved. One way of expressing gratitude is simply to be generous--to transform what has been given to you into new forms, whether that is through teaching, supporting your art friends in their struggles, purchasing artwork from others, or simply a direct conversation with someone you appreciate.

It is good also to be grateful for the basic importance of art in your life, the fact that you have the ability to express what moves you in ways that can be shared with other people. In this way, every work of art is an expression of gratitude.

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What's new At Cold Wax Academy?
Rebecca and Jerry launched their spring quarter on April 12th. Sessions this quarter so far included identifying compositional issues in your work, and technical information from Gamblin representative Mary Tevlin. Upcoming sessions include 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 Members-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:
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For more from Rebecca Crowell:
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The Messy Studio Podcast is a Tick Digital Media Production.