Hi Guys
It's been a while since I've posted a blog post and that has been because I've had so much other stuff going on, the blog took a slight back seat. I've been traveling, studying, painting, and teaching to name a few and loving most of the busyness. In other big news, I recently displayed work at a local coffee shop and the response was amazing.
I have been reading "Show your Work" by Austin Kleon and what he says has really stuck with me. He strongly suggests showing your work and the process and it has really helped me become confident in my ability. One of my favorite quotes in the book is, "amateurs are not afraid to make mistakes or look ridiculous in public. They’re in love, so they don’t hesitate to do work that others think of as silly or just plain stupid. “The stupidest possible creative act is still a creative act,” writes Clay Shirky in his book Cognitive Surplus. “On the spectrum of creative work, the difference between the mediocre and the good is vast. Mediocrity is, however, still on the spectrum; you can move from mediocre to good in increments. The real gap is between doing nothing and doing something.” The part about the gap is what got to me. Showing something is better than showing nothing and the only way to show work is to send it out and hope for some replies.
Grphyon Cafe, in Wayne, PA is an adorable little cafe that displays local artists. I sent out my work to them a few months ago, with hesitation, nervousness and doubt. As an artist, especially one that is still new to showing, it is terrifying to put your art out there for everyone to see. In spite of all this, I decided to go ahead and sign up for the show. I am so glad I did because the response has been amazing. Rich, the owner is one of the coolest guys who instantly made all the artists feel like at home and was helpful in setting up all the artwork. As soon as the work was up, my nervousness instantly disappeared. There is just a surreal feeling that washes over you when you see your work on display. It is even better when people stop you to support the work. What an amazing month the artwork had on display. (I promise, Gryphon Cafe did not get anything from this post. I just love the place and wanted to share it with you if you are ever in the area).
n other news, I have been teaching a few nights a month at our local Craft and Wine night place called, The Crafty Corkscrew. I love sharing my love of art and this has been a great experience in meeting new people while painting. It is a learning curve to be the one in front of the class instead of the student but the surprise that students feel when they make a piece that they said they could never paint is so rewarding.
Anyway, I thought I would update you guys on what I have been busy with. If you don't already, make sure you follow me on instagram where I share pretty much everyday with a behind the scene look at the pieces I am working on.
Instagram: @coffeeandpenart
Have an amazing week guys,
Hiba M,
@ Coffee and Pen Art