Van Gogh on Self-Doubt.

I recently attended a showing of Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience at the Olympia theatre in Miami and I was absolutely blown away. This immersive exhibit has been popping up in cities all over the world. So if you have the chance to go I would highly recommend it! You can see a sneak peak of the exhibit on my TikTok.

While I was walking through the large showroom, I started thinking about a story I once heard about the famous artist. 

When asked by the townsfolk of Auvers-sur-Oise about why he still painted even though his work was universally disliked, Van Gogh was said to have replied:

“If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” 

This quote has always stuck with me as a way to think about my own fears and the self-doubt that surrounds my ability to create meaningful art. I often fall into cycles where I’m stuck battling the voice in my head that tries to undermine my confidence and creativity. 

This voice is constantly there, whispering in the back of my mind, asking: What if I mess this up? What if my audience hates this video? Why should I post this picture when it’s not as good as others I’ve done? I’m not talented enough. I don't have the knowledge or experience to do this kind of work. 

Silencing those thoughts has always been difficult for me to do. But I’m getting better. I like to remind myself that I need to shut them down before they surface. Art creation is a journey, and I know that throughout this  journey I grow. As does my confidence with every positive experience. 

I come from a classically trained artistic background and  received my MFA from the School of Visual Arts in NYC. It was there that I was taught that as an artist you must position yourself as such.

Part of my success has undoubtedly come from portraying confidence, regardless of the self-doubt that may creep in as I set off to complete a project.

Artists often feel that the gallery world is for the elite, and that selling their work at a town fair may be the only way. But this just isn’t the case. 

How can you be in a gallery if you don’t even try? Submit your work, apply for group shows, find smaller newer spaces and work your way up.