The list of those who have and continue to help me is numerous.  In fact, to thank each one individually would be impossible in this blog.  There are however a few that I do wish to single out.

• First and formost, I wish to thank my maker for blessing me with the talents and desire to become an artist
• I give thanks for the Company that employeed me for 40 years, allowing me to retire with enough financial means to follow my artistic dream.
• Most importantly, I wish to thank my Solemate; my Sweetheart ; my Wife of nearly 47 years,  Beth has supported me 100% throughout the journey.  She has encourage me, pushed me, held my hand and gave me a shoulder to cry on when it was needed.  I love you and appreciate you more than mere words can express.
• My Sons Jeffery, Jared and Brian; and their wives have been a great source of support.  They are always excited to see what new piece Dad is working on, and telling me not to undervalue its worth
• Two dear friends who are no longer with us – Nathan King and Mark Nelson.  These two gentlemen gave me more love and encouragement than I thought humanly possible.  Ned taught me the art of silver-smithing and several lessons of life.  Many I use daily in my personal life and in my artwork. He was like a father to me.   Mark initally piqued my interest in woodcarving.  He was a true friend and a real gentleman.
• My sincere thanks to one of my best friends Keith Hone.  Keith and I met in the early 1980′s, and our friendship has continued to grow.  He, more than anyone has helped me develop my skill level, by sharing his knowledge and techniques.  .  He is always excited to see each new project I’ve completed, and freely shares his critique in such a way that I stive to improve.  He also introduced me to the high speed detal drill and other tools that I use today.  THANKS KEITH, YOU’RE TRULY MY HERO!
• Thanks to Dr. Lew and Tammy Littlefield from Paragrave/Profitable Hobbies.  Dr. Lew decided to live his dream, and through his imagination along with trial and error, designed and markets the high-speed drill that has allowed me to add detail to my sculptures that was previously impossible.  He has been, and continues to be a promoter for me and others.  He has done more than his share in teaching us to become business people and to enjoy what we are doing.  Tammy is the ultimate “Cheer-leader”  She goes overboard in letting us know that what we are doing has value.  She encourages us and promotes us every chance she gets, and she keeps the business running.
• To those very accomplished artists who I so admire, for your willingness to critique my work and help me improve.  Grant Speed (who recently passed away) Craig Hone, Jeff Wolf and Jerry Anderson.  Each have been willing to take their time to help me improve.   I’d never be as far along in the journey with out your help.
• To Russ Larsen, who designed and maintains my website.  Your hard work has given me the ability to show my work to millions in a professional manner.
• I am thankful for Jane who owns and operates the Authentique and Mission galleries.  Jane works very hard, and has done a great job in promoting me to her clients.   Through her efforts several pieces of my work are in homes throughout the west.
• I am extremely grateful to the people who have honored me by collecting my work.  Not only do you make it financially possile for me to continue, you give me that emotional lift that every artist needs.
• There are several artists who through their skill levels, force me to continue to improve and push my abilitie to a higher level.  As they produce masterpieces, it makes me want to do the same.  Craig and Al Hone, Jose Valencia, Marilyn Sunderland,  Jeff Wolf and Jerry Anderson are a few of many names who could be mentioned.
• To the people, who may not have bought, but have attended artshows that I have participated in.  You couldn’t possibly know the “high” I get of your kind comments.  Many of you have told your friends and neighbors about me, and they also encourage me.
• Lastly, to those thousands of brave men and women who risk their lives to serve in uniform.  You keep this country and our cities safe & free.  Because of you, I and others are able  to follow our dreams.

There are many others who have helped along the way, but to each these special people in my life who continue to help me live my dream.  MY SINCERE THANKS!   

After a having a less than expected positive experience at a recent art show, I must admit to being down, and somewhat depressed. I questioned my artistic ability. I had hoped for, and expected to be successful at that show. Maybe something that could springboard my career to a higher level. It didn’t happen. Sound familiar? It happens to all of us from time to time. So, how do we overcome these experiences and learn from them? I’m sure each of us have heard at least one of these adages: “Success may be just around the corner” or “It’s always darkest just before the dawn.”

Some very successful business moguls have failed from time to time. An example of this was Walt Disney. He was turned-down over 400 times by lending institutions before he found one that was willing to lend him the funds necessary to build Disney Land. He said “In every step you call failure, there are also seeds of success.” Imagine if he’d given up after 400 failures. Failure only happens when we allow our minds to focus or dwell on those bad experiences.

There is a drive in most of us that keeps us going. So if you’ve got it inside of you to be an artist, don’t worry about a bad experience – KEEP AT it! Pick up your tools, and get back in the game. I think there is only 1 difference between those who “Make it” and those who don’t. Those who “make it” are the ones that didn’t give up. Someone once said that “Failure is merely success in motion – learn to accept it, and know it is leading to something better. In other words, SUCCESS COULD BE ON THE NEXT EXIT.  This certainly happened to me. Success was a choice I had to make on my own.

A few days after the disappointing show I’ve spoken about, I received a telephone call from an individual who had been at the previous show. He liked what I was doing, and wanted to explore how some of my work could work in a exclusive art auction he was co-chairing. We talked several times over the next few weeks, and it was finally decided that a piece I had previously completed would be suitable. However, he also liked one that had been sold, and asked if I would accept a commission for a similiar piece. I obviously accepted, but was concerned that he needed it in 6 weeks. (A project that would normally take at least 8-10 weeks.) I had to immediately put any previous experiences behind me; get back in the studio, and begin creating. I really worked hard at the new commissioned piece, and found that Success can definitely be on the next exit.

The Art Auction was this past Tuesday, for the benefit of the American Indian Services. We were guests of honor at a catered dinner, attended by over 600 invited guests. Among those in attendance were co-chairperson, Johnny Miller (Professional golfer); Shawn Bradley (Former NBA player-Dallas Mavericks); Chad Lewis (Former NFL player-Philadelphia Eagles) and Indian Princesses from different tribes. Oh, I almost forgot….Diamond Rio also entertained us for nearly 2 hours. My artwork was displayed in the most coveted place – at the entrance, where every invited guest checked in for their table assignments. It was then shown on the big screen as we dined. Finally the auctioneer began – $4,000; 8,000; 12,000; 15,000 and a final bid of $17,000.  The second piece also sold.

I received numerous positive comments and complements on my artwork, and the chairpeople indicated that they definitely wanted me back for their next event. I quickly learned to Shoot for the moon.” Even if I miss it, I’ll still be among the stars.” What if I’d given in to my earlier feelings of failure? Was I lucky? Maybe…..But always remember, LUCK IS PREPARATION MEETING OPPORTUNITY.

It’s really exciting to get praise and “attaboys” for our artwork. It feels great when everybody in the show seems to like what we have produced. It’s awesome when the judges give us high marks and collectors seem to be connected and excited to see our work.

And boy, does it ever SUCK when the opposite happens. Bombing, or feeling that your hard work was disrespected, overlooked, or judged to harshly isn’t much fun when it happens to you, is it? It is bound to happen to evenyone from time-to-time. Even worse is when a judge or show promotor comes up afterward to tell you exactly where and how you failed. It’s tough to accept critizism. It’s hard to hear harsh words, or even honest comments that are less than flattering. When we’ve put a ton of time, effort and energy into a project, the harder it is to hear someone tell us that it just isn’t very good, or that we could have done better.

Learning to accept critizism and critique, and learning how to use it as a tool for improvement is the thing that will help you improve beyond everyone else. So how do we go about it?

First, it’s important to accept the fact that things don’t always make sense – It’s as simple as that! You will occassionally have problems selling a piece that you thought was great. Not everyone will like your best work. Someone will get an award, or judged higher in a competition, and yet, you know your work (or someone elses) is far better and meets the elements of composition much better. Whatever it is, it doesn’t always make sense…but it happens! ACCEPT IT AND MOVE ON.

If critizism is constructive and offers suggestions for improvement, it can be invalueable. However, not all critizism is helpful, and frankly some may even be damaging, but how are you to know if you are unwilling to even accept that it may have merit. People can be crude or rude, and put your work down. Listening to what critics or judges say isn’t fun. But even the most harsh/hateful critizism can point out areas where we can improve. You have to realize that not everyone “sees” things the way you do. Regardless of their credentials or education, the judging of, or critiques we receive are just opinions…nothing more, nothing less. In many cases, judges simply gravitate to work that appeals to their personal taste. (and let’s face it, they are often quite arrogant about their likes and dis-likes.) Many judges are really not qualified to judge every aspects of art. ie. is a landscape artist the best person to give critique on a 3-dimensional sculpture?

To illustrate my point, I’ll tell you of a personal experience at a recent art show. I had worked feverishly to complete a sculpture in time for the show. I knew the detail was accurate. I had paid close attention to what I’d been taught of the elements of art in the composition, and had spent hours painting it. Yet the judges were far less than impressed. Their private comments left me wondering if I’d done anything right. They were harsh, and in some ways disrespectful. Little was said positive. I went away from that show, very dejected, and questioning my ability or desire to continue sculpting. Little more than a week later however, I had an opportunity to have the same sculpture judged by one of the leading 3-dimensional female artists in the country. She spent a long time examining the piece, then took several minutes to tell me what I’d done right. Lastly she said, “I think this particular area might be better presented if you’d try this….” Oddly, it was some of the same comments that I’d received from the earlier art show, but done in a positive way.

Closing Opinions:
I’ve concluded, there are two types of comments we receive on our work. SOME POSITIVE-SOME NEGATIVE. They can both be helpful, and at times both need to be disregarded. You’ll occassionally get comments that are hurtful, and praise (like “You’re so good” or “It’s cute”) that are useless in terms of improving. Opinions…everyone has them. Every critic has their own idea of what something should look like, or what color it should be. It’s O.K. if you don’t agree with them. The fact that a person has taken the time to comment on your work, whether positive or negative, means that it has touched them in some way. NEVER GIVE-UP! CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO IMPROVE. Learn from the experience, and if you felt you received a bad critique, judging or disrespect….DEMAND OF YOURSELF TO OVERCOME THAT EXPERIENCE AND MOVE ON. In the end, you’ll be a better artist for it.

Like many people, I get into a “COMFORTABILITY RUT” with my artistic endeavors. So, what do I mean by that term?

I recently read a blog, that talked about creating a “Bucket List.” Quoting from it: “Imagine being able to say at the end of your life’s journey, “WOW, WHAT A RIDE!” What better way to have a fulfilling, adventurous life than by creating a bucket list, and taking the necessary steps to cross of each item on your list.”

After identifying two other priorities of a good “Bucket List” (Family and Health), this statement was made: “Start a profitable independent business doing what you live, finding work that gives you a sense of fulfillment; being among the best in the world in your field.”

That phrase “Best in the world in your field” caught my attention. After pondering over that statement, I asked myself if I had the ability and desire to become the best. What would it take to accomplish it?

We all push ourselves….or do we? Like a mountain climer, I know I want to reach that summit. So, I asked myself a few questions…
> What can I do today to strengthen or improve my abilities?
> Do I fear stepping out of my comfort zone, even if it can make me better? Am I in a COMFORTABILITY RUT? Why?
> What do I plan on learning today that will expand my abilities?
> Am I willing to challenge myself to go further than I think I can go? Am I willing to take the next step no matter how difficult?

The challenge I faced on this sculpture, was to become a better artist. To push myself further than ever before. As I discussed in a previous blog, this piece was a commission, and the collector wanted human forms in it. I knew I’d have to step out of my comfort zone, and push myself. It motivated me to push the limits of my artistic abilities. It also made me realize I still had a lot more to learn. I’d never inforporated the human form in my sculptures. I committed to do it, but questioned my ability to produce.

It certainly wasn’t easy. I failed miserably on the first couple of attempts, but I kept at it. I finally succeeded, and completed the sculpture to the collectors expectations.

Today, I see myy abilities a little different from days before this experience. I can grab hold of new opportunities that ai’ve previously missed. I’m now more willing to challenge myself.

Here are some thoughts to ponder:

“Life is to short too let it pass you by. We only have one shot at this and then it’s gone.” (Anonymous)

“It’s not the hours you put in your work that counts. It’s the work you put in the hours.” (Sam Ewing)

“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other thing.” (A. Lincoln)
]]> http://www.darwindower.com/2011/01/18/like-many-people-i-get-into-a-comfortability-rut/feed/ 0 http://www.darwindower.com/2010/09/27/im-expected-to-succeed-but-what-if-i-dont/ http://www.darwindower.com/2010/09/27/im-expected-to-succeed-but-what-if-i-dont/#comments Tue, 28 Sep 2010 04:02:48 +0000 darwindower http://www.darwindower.com/?p=437

I’m expected to succeed, but what if I don’t.  How dare I doubt myself?  It is not normal…or is it?

It’s strange how we never question our artistic abilities when things are going well.  However, when faced with a new challenge, something we’ve never attempted before, is it nor natural to have some doubt? 

As I work on my current commissioned project with human forms, I must admit to doubting my ability to deliver.  I’ve made amateurstic mistakes and had to start over again.  My emotions have gone from confidence to doubt several times.  I’ve said “I cant do this” several times, yet knowing down deep that I had to conquer doubt, or this project was destined for failure.  I had to believe in myself more than ever before.  In the end, perseverance has paid off.

Through this experience, I’ve learned valuable lessons.  It can be a good thing to have some self doubt; to question our ability.  We should learn to be our own worst critic.  While it can be counterproductive at times, it can also help us to see how and where the work could have been better.

I recently read a quote from another artist, that helped me through the pase couple of weeks. “Do it so good that YOU can’t doubt it anymore….in the end, it doesn’t matter whether others believe in you or not.  What matters is that YOU believe in yourself.”

I had to remind myself of all I’ve achieved.  I looked over my projects from the past 25+ years, and even read several comments from patrons who have written in my guest book.  Then I said “Damn the torpedos!  Get Back to work!”  Which is what I did.

I’m proud to announce that I completed the last of the human forms today.

 

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