I have come to the realization that thinking is a waste of time.

Thinking about a painting, to me, is considering and questioning these things(to name just a few); Is the painting worth painting? Is it going to satisfy me? Once painted will I want to keep it, or throw it out the window? Will people see what I see in it? And so on. Which brings me to self-doubt.

Self-doubt is also a complete waste of time.

It is inherent in every artist I've ever met whether they admit to it or not. Some overcome it and some are overcome by it. For me, there is only one reason I am confronted with doubt. Outside influences. By these I mean: critics, galleries, gallery owners, teachers, people that don't understand what you are trying to convey in a work of art, other artists and on and on. Opinions, opinions, opinions. It's fantastic! They are readily available and everybody has one. I actually love to hear them. But only after the fact. Let me not think about anything while painting except for what I intend. I sometimes struggle heavily to keep these thoughts outside of my creative process. It is very hard. But it is of utmost necessity for me to continue to keep my integrity and values as an artist.

On a similar vein;

I am a big fan of frustration.

It motivates me. A teacher once told me that frustration is simply a reaction to complacency. It will push me to find and achieve creatively outside of my comfort zone. I have come to acknowledge that jaw-clenching, vein-bulging, groaning-from-the-bottom-of-your-stomach feeling as a tool. No more throwing out paintings...just count down from 10 and put it aside for a little while...

Alright, I think I'm thinking again too much.

Upwards and Onwards,

Benjamin

Image 1: She Breathed Too Deeply ©Benjamin Anderson