Determination: An Artist’s Best Friend
Thursday, March 25th, 2010Watching Paige Miles get voted off American Idol last night, I thought how similar her experience is to mine. She has a talent people enjoy in her beautiful voice, and she has many fans who adore what she does and who she is. While on a much smaller scale, I have a talent for fused glass that many people enjoy and support by becoming a fan of FOXY Fusions on Facebook, or by spending their hard-earned dollars to purchase something that I created.
Paige has experienced recognition of talent, and acceptance from many adoring fans. But unfortunately, like me, the strength of her performance is not yet compelling enough to get her where she wants to be. She must be discouraged to get so close to a “for sure” music career as part of the Top 10, only to fall short of the necessary votes to stay in the game.
I think I know how Paige must feel. I feel it every time I receive that fated email… the email goes something like this:
Thank you for applying to the Top Juried Fine Art Festival. Unfortunately, we had so many talented artists apply this year that we could not extend an invitation to every wonderful artist that applied.
In other words, you’re pretty good, but not good enough.
So…Paige…what should we do?
Here’s my answer:
Stop worrying about what those judges want to see because even they don’t know what they want to see. They saw a glimmer of it in you that attracted them in the first place, and they want more of that….whatever “that” is.
So dig deep to discover the essence of magic in yourself that has attracted people thus far—your uniqueness. Drag your pure essence out into the sunlight, free it from the bonds of self-censure, and polish it up for everyone to see its brilliance. Be strong. Be determined. And let your light shine.
And now, I’m going to try taking my own advice. 
