Friday, May 14, 2010

Searching for your own authentic voice


What is it about having the courage to be authentically, truly yourself that scares the bejeebers out of people? Is this why it is so hard for artists to find themselves creatively? How much are we willing to invest in searching for a style, a tone, a message that is entirely ours? And can we ever not be ourselves, even when we are learning by imitating?

So many questions. It's time to start looking for some answers.

What do you think?

7 comments:

Kim Mailhot said...

Finding my authentic voice...I think I can mark that as "DONE!". Using my authentic voice all of the time, and being confident of it in all situations - not so much...

I also think that our own, authentic voice is wonderful but it is also a part of the whole choir of wonderful voices singing their lives out on this planet. That connection brings on a whole other mound of questions.

What I do know for sure is that I am so grateful to be alive and able to be asking these questions. That is enough of an answer for me today.
Big wonderful Friday Love to you, Beautiful Seeker-lady.

Unknown said...

One, I think this is a wonderful image...
Two, this is a tough one. I wonder about the imitating piece when I seem to see the same images/artwork being replicated in publications and classes. I do think it's possible to take from a style and still make it your own, I just don't see this happening very much.
In art schools long ago they used to have students copy old masters work to learn technique.

good question to pose...
x..x
p.s.
I think you will be creating your own style with your pretty spring dress and rain boots :)

Shelby and Bev said...

i am willing to invest whatever it takes. i am still on that journey, still evolving as an artist...i think lack of confidence prevents being authentic, and it is fear-based...and i speak from experience. this fear is slowly dying and giving way to courage...but it is truly a process...

Seth said...

Being authentic is so important not just for our art but for our sense of self! There is something scarey about putting your honest, true self out there 100% but doing so is 100% worth it!

Unknown said...

Hi JeriAnn,
Hope you are having a nice long holiday weekend...I tried to respond to you comment but it just doesn't want to go out.

x...x
steph

Seth said...

Hey JeriAnn. Stop by my blog when you have a minute. I think you will find something special there for you!! Seth

Jan's Art and Musings said...

This is a question I continually struggle with as I continue my journey into art making. I'm surrounded by inspiration - books, magazines, blogs, classes - but feel the challenge of finding my own authentic voice. I often wonder if I actually have anything to say! I suppose with time my voice and message will become clear. Thanks for posing the question.