Special Guest Article — Ego
Editor's Preface
When I first began to read this article by Robert Genn, I thought to myself… "Robert's touching on some goo-ood stuff… I've got to say something here, too." I wouldn't usually piggy-back off someone's article, but it's touched on something dear to my heart and a passion I have for helping our Art and Craft Industry become all that it can.
Robert Genn has a keen sense and I've always enjoyed what he has to say in his own unique way. He starts something off in the following article that I want to take much farther. He talks about the benefit of ego as being "a useful pooch", and I couldn't agree more. I'm going to talk about its counterpart, its dark-side, the 'ego unchecked'. As the old expression goes, "chew the meat and spit out the bones". Glean something helpful from this article and challenge yourself. I know this can be a touchy subject, but I don't mind laying it out there because I do care about our Art and Craft Industry, and I believe you do, too.
Ego
Yesterday and today I did a bit of one-on-one mentoring. Reactions from those I mentored ranged from bristling to passive acceptance. Even though I tried my best to be diplomatic and gentle, egos were vulnerable. To quote Frederic Nietzsche: "Whenever I climb I am followed by a dog called 'Ego'."
The last time I used the word 'dog' there were a few emails protesting my slur on canines. Here in the studio, Emily, my dog, didn't go for it either. Nietzsche's remark was meant to be negative – as in "capitalists and their running dogs". I think differently. Ego's a useful pooch – as well as a mean cur to hang out with.
Both in one puppy. Here's how: "Ego strength" is the power that keeps artists focused, tuned in, and running on a positive track. Ego may be at the very root of sustained creativity. It protects us from petty remarks and rebuffs over which there is little control. Ego guards against our natural feelings of inferiority. Otherwise we'd all be permanently poxed with a complex.
There is, however, a darker side to ego. "An egotist is a person of low taste — more interested in himself than in me," said Ambrose Bierce in the Devil's Dictionary. The trouble with being interested only in yourself is that it becomes difficult to learn anything from others. Ego blocks input. Can you imagine the amount of information and inspiration that has been forever lost by the interference of ego? It would fill all the libraries.
Both mentors and mentees learn to mind their egos. While vital to the creative soul, egos must still be kept under control and forever in training. Some egos are slow learners. Furthermore, old ego habits come more easily than new ones. Here's a time-honoured system for ego management: Hitch yourself to a greater ego — however you may have come to understand it. Your own ego will be put more into perspective. "Our real nature is not our imaginary, limited ego. Our true nature is vast, all-comprehensive, and as intangible as empty space." (Lama Govinda)
P.S: "Self love seems so often unrequited." (Anthony Powell)
Esoterica: "I really didn't want to hear that," said one artist as she left. "It's just an opinion," I countered. An opinion, I think, is one of the less expensive commodities. I was doing the job for free. Another artist confided to me that she was "inadequate". I wanted to say "Buck up", but I knew that buck up is one of the worst things anyone ever said. After a few seconds her ego took care of the matter. "I can do it", she said. Emily gave us both a pleasing little bark.
Courtesy of Robert Genn
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Robert Genn, is recognized as one of Canada's most accomplished painters. While his work is well known internationally, and his subjects are universal (he has painted in many countries), he excels in portraying Canada. He is perhaps best known for his work on the West Coast and in the Rocky Mountains. If you would like to receive Robert Genn's Twice-Weekly Letter service for artists, visit www.painterskeys.com |
Editor's Comments — The "dark side" of ego...
Most of us seldom 'take stock' of ourselves; we're all too busy with 'the stuff' of life, and usually if we do, it's the realization of something in hindsight. Some shy away from facing any 'close-ups of themselves' while others have no problem with such a degree of honesty and they learn and grow tremendously by it. Few would care to admit it outwardly, but we oftentimes walk a fine line; a balancing act involving emotion and confidence in life versus our fears and what we have yet to learn. Ego is a buoy in the midst of the sea, one that we can anchor to for help and strength on one hand, and on the other, one that has the potential to sink us, as well.
We catch lucid glimpses of this at certain times.
I've heard it said by someone, somewhere that, "Our criticizers are our unpaid counselors". If we really think about it, it's not so much profound as it is common sense. It's very true. If one has more pride than they should, they won't always see clearly. Pride and ego are not the same thing, but they're definitely attached at the hip.
As a marketer and editor of this Newsletter, I understand that it's better to talk about the positives, rather than the negatives and risk rocking someone's boat. However, we're straight-shooters here at A&CNet and we'd rather be honest and endeavoring to help, than pretend that certain attitudes don't exist in our Industry, attitudes that may need some changing. Call it foolhardy zeal or call it genuine concern.
I'm going to dare to say, what we all know very well, that sometimes, artists can be "poxed with a complex" of too much ego. What follows is not meant to point fingers, but to make some general points, and caution and challenge all of us to be mindful of the dark side of ego.
As Robert Genn rightly mentioned, 'ego in-check' protects and encourages, strengthens and comforts as it should. However, 'ego unchecked' can become a pride that the owner will not even see clearly to handle properly. Then they will slowly change and become someone less than they were before, while it may seem to them that life couldn't be any better. Ego unchecked can appear in 'moments', but typically builds over time and does its own personality and attitude alterations.
Artists, as well as the art-loving public, have different sensitivities, desires and goals, different interpretations and appreciations of different kinds of art. Everyone has different reasons, motives, loves, likes and dislikes, and everyone has their own good or bad 'associative conditioning' which will, to whatever degree, predispose them to much of their life's attitudes and actions, preferences, beliefs and values.
An artist's creative journey is a part of the ongoing "School of Life", wherein we should ALL, ALWAYS be an ever-willing-to-learn student, not a self-proclaimed master. Life amply proves that we don't know everything or have any monopoly on any skill or talent. Life shows us that the 'best leaders' that are most notably remembered in the final accounting, never had to proclaim themselves as masters. They are the people who were first and foremost, the 'best servants'. Oh, there's perhaps some exceptions depending upon the measurement standard one wants to use, but it's generally true.
In his article, Robert talked about "mentors and mentees"…
We ALL have much to offer others.
We ALL either influence or are influenced.
We ALL have an effect on each other whether realized or not.
We ALL are either givers or takers or hopefully at least a balance of both.
ENTER: Our market — our art-loving customers, the art and craft enthusiasts that buy the product of our talents.
How we handle our market as well as how we handle our peers is very telling. How we learn from others and from our customers is one of the most important paths to growing and becoming more successful in one's art career and business.
I think it's safe to say that, by and large, the vast majority of artists, artisans, and craftspeople, are a 'down-to-earth' lot. They're good people with creative minds and sincere hearts, and no shortage of passion. They are their own kind of unique entrepreneur.
But here's the rub —
Every once in a while I hear this from others… or I experience, (albeit rarely, fortunately), the encounter with a seemingly or truly successful individual that has obviously begun to think they're "God's gift to creativity".
I.e. ENTER: the "dark side" of ego… In the real world, as you step out into the larger market, you'll see it rear its head somewhere…guaranteed.
At this point, ego is no longer self-esteem or inferiority protection or a testament to how focused and committed one is to their art or craft. I'm going to generalize/paint a bit — Somewhere earlier it became something different for these individuals. Somewhere along the way they came to believe people should either adore them or buy more from them, or do what they do, as they do it. Their world starts to revolve a bit too much around them. To a degree, they have a restrictive vision and inflexible opinions. They like to do it alone or only 'their way'. They're really focused on just looking after themselves and they tend to have little regard about the opinions or advice of others.
Yes, as Robert said, this dark side of ego definitely blocks input and learning, but I'd humbly submit that it also blocks output.
Who you are as an artist is not just defined by the art you created today…the product you made…
These people are not those who readily 'give something back' to the Industry. You don't sense any sincere gratitude about their life circumstances or even those hidden blessings and/or luck along their journey, with their hard work, which has altogether made them who they are… Fortunately, these kind of too high-minded egotists are few and far between.
Ego unchecked can become a subtle, but controlling lord and master given the right circumstances and the right fuel. It's undeniably easier than we may think to become a little too full of one's self. Too much of a good thing, even a seemingly deserved thing, or a lucky thing, can make us blind; and normal healthy caution and 'on-guard conscience' can be quickly relegated to the back seat by our ego — unless we keep any excessive pride under control.
As a business catering to the entire Art and Craft Industry, we occasionally see and hear about it. No one really likes to 'square off' with it. It's easier just to not talk about it and remember that most people in the art and craft community are very nice people.
* Sometimes it rears its head via the hot debate of "What is art versus what is craft?" or to put it another way, "Fine Artists vs. the lowly Crafters or even serious Craftspeople or Artisans that are not deemed to be on the same upper-class level as the finer Artist". They won't be caught dead on the same page or headline as the lowly Crafter… CAUTION, I say. And yes, I do understand the legitimate issue, the differences, and concerns in that debate. But, they're ALL very solve-able, and need not be big issues at all. What I really hear stacked with emotion is more often the darker side of high-minded ego expressing itself on this issue; not by everyone by any means, but particularly, a select few with their 'pet peeve'. I.e. Some people find strength in making themselves look better than someone else. Some people are too busy trying to protect their 'genre' from possible infiltration by the less worthy, in their estimation, that they loose sight of what they are really in it for. Regardless of what you call it, whether you say art or craft, it is a creative expression, and it appears that there are more than enough customers for both. I humbly submit that craft is no less valid than art, and vice versa. We should really be working together as a community of creative talent.
* Sometimes it comes via the seasoned artist who's "been there and done that", and has been fortunate for all kinds of reasons to become very successful. A good portion of that may be due to their own making, some to the market's favour, and some due to blessings from above, or maybe a great deal of good luck and good timing. New or upcoming artists and craftspeople may have a very different reality. It's a far more challenging market to enter into these days. The 'seasoned vet' artist may quickly forget his/her own earlier growing pains. It's a whole different ball game nowadays just to get to the point that they are at. So…be grateful, be gracious, be helpful and maybe even be a mentor and offer some humble advice and help to those who are still up and coming and not where you're at, just yet. There's more than enough market for everyone.
We beget who we are… Think about that. You are an integral part of the market and Industry that you contribute to. It's only going to be that which we make it to be, with our small, but important part in the bigger picture.
* Think about what really makes you successful. Look at history… Famous artists are always remembered for something, especially once they're gone, but what really builds a legacy in one's life? Think about that and then measure accordingly. The dark side of ego has a way of skewing how we measure, how we value things and people, how we act and how we communicate and maintain relationships. Ego is surely our helper, but never forget from whence you came… Be a student in life, but be sure to be ego's master, not the other way around.
* Sometimes it's a selfish arrogant attitude something along the lines of the self-made artist saying "pay your dues like I did and receive no sympathy along the way from me, cuz' I didn't get any and had to work hard, yet look where I'm at". Or maybe it's more along the lines of the fearful and selfish one saying, "I'm not about to offer any help or advice, cuz' next thing you know, they'll be stealing MY customers." That's ego talking, big-time. Do I need to go on? NO. You and I both know of other examples of the dark side of ego. The point is made… So what is there to be done about it? What do "I" do about it?
Compared to others who have been around for many years, A&CNet is new to the Art and Craft Community, but we always believed that "community" meant just that. We have some good objectivity and fresh perspective. We came onto the scene a little over a year ago after a good deal of market research even prior to launching. We see the forest, but we also see the trees. We see what's good and what's bad. We see what needs help and what needs improvement, and we came into existence because we do want to help. What's needed, first from the top (and those experienced and seasoned artists & other Industry vets, down…) is some changes.
The small or new artist, artisan, or craftsperson would love to have some mentors and some real help and encouraging advice. Where's the big brothers and big sisters in our Industry? Do creative people help creative people? Or is it all about competition and not feeding the hand that might later bite you back and steal your customers? Think about all this.
I do not mind to offer this dialogue at the risk of even 'ruffling some' who might question how I would even dare to do so… I have a vested interest and sincere concern. I have family and friends who are artists. I'm not doing this for the sake of controversy.
The fact is, the Art and Craft Community in Canada is still in its infancy in so many ways. There's so much more that could be done to help itself and its participants. There's far too many elitist organizations and associations that only look after their particular crowd, their membership, or their particular part of the market. Just like in life, wherever there's too much ego, there's cliques and special interest groups that abound to support and service only their kind, and on their terms. There's a lot of loose agreement and common cause and belief but there's also a lot of division within the broader Art and Craft Community. Yes, ultimately it all gets down to selling your art to as many people as you can, in order to make a good living of it, but I'd love to see an awakening of Artists and Craftspeople and other Industry people who also want things to change – who would love to mentor and help their peers and in so doing, definitely, be truly helping their Industry grow and thrive.
Don't get me wrong, the art and craft sector is generally growing, some years better than others, but it's mostly pockets of vibrant activity. Certain sectors within the Art realm, in particular, get all the attention, as though they're above or better than others… Understandably, they may simply be "more together", or more mainstream, more recognized, and popular. They've become almost synonymous with what art or serious craft is. Unfortunately, if you're not aligned directly with them, you tend to miss out on some of the life and "cultural exuberance" that follows and flows from there. To someone looking in from the outside, or as the general public, they might readily see that the art and craft realm, very obviously, has its 'favorites', and that's mostly where all the Industry presence and hype is, and perhaps where the bulk of support from most organizations focus. Those artists, artisans, and crafters, outside of that mainstream have a naturally tougher go of it, to become all that they want to be. That's nobody's fault in particular. That's the Industry creating that for itself, to the detriment and lack of support being equitably provided to other sectors of the Art and Craft Industry, that could really use more of it.
So many are doing their own thing and have their own tight criteria and guidelines for being able to join, or display their art, or whatever the conditions may be. I'm not talking about the organizations that cater to a certain media or style of art, or a juried show or event for certain kinds of vendors on purpose… I'm talking about the bigger banner organizations and advocacy groups, those stating that they are 'here for everyone'. I'm talking about where most of the resources go in supporting ALL of the Industry, or is it just a case of it mostly going to the better known, more established half of the Industry, or to "the dog that barks the loudest gets his food" (pardon the analogy with dogs).
We go to the shows. We visit the galleries and studios. We talk to the artists and craftspeople — Times are changing. Many of you are saying "It's not like it used to be…sometimes we're not even recovering our costs." Many are complaining that the status quo just isn't good enough anymore. It's good for those who are already many years established and well-known, but the newer artist or crafter typically has far more of an uphill climb than those that came before them. Little seems able to be done about it, because there's no consensus. Everyone's too busy surviving; the 'struggling' aren't sure what to do to help themselves. Most just put up with it, work as hard as they can, and hope to do their best to make their artist journey a fruitful and successful one.
Yes, competition is a normal part of business life and is common to every industry. However, when an Industry begins to have too many primarily looking after their own interests, and some of that ruthlessly, as I have noted, what becomes of it? Where's it really going? I'm no mind or market reader, nor Industry guru. I'm just an objective observer that has "caught the vision". I came from some other Industries that went through what the Art and Craft Industry has yet to grow through. I see the incredible potential that is yet to be realized by its participants. I see the huge market that is not being capitalized upon by ALL artists and craftspeople. I see the great need for some sincere help so that everyone can 'take more advantage' of the market. Am I an idealist? Maybe. It's easy to talk and less easy to do. We each can only do our small parts, but it cumulatively adds up to affecting beneficial change with time.
When people set aside the darker recesses of their egos, it's amazing how a real sense of community can be built and 'real leadership' can take place and bring the Art and Craft sector into its own.
Creative talents abound everywhere amongst artists. Some artists also have some excellent business and marketing savvy while many freely admit they don't. Many are struggling and would love some help with their growing pains, but don't even know where to begin, or who to talk to, to get help. Most, simply by default for lack of knowing what else they might do, turn to the status quo means of marketing and selling their art works. And that's fine, when and if it works for them, but there's so much more they can also do… and some of you already know that, too, and it's key to your ongoing success.
I came from the professional Music Industry some years back and was heavily involved in it for some 20 years. I grew up with it. I see huge similarities in its maturing as I now see in the Art and Craft sector. We're just at an earlier stage in the Art & Craft field. I used to think that the Pro Music Industry had far too much ego running rampant within it and that it was tainting it; it's true to a degree. That's still there and will always be there... But it's gotten more down to earth in recent years despite its tremendous growth and high-profile presence. The support and foundations for that industry have vastly improved over the years, particularly at the grass-roots level, where it's needed most. We need those kind of improvements in our Art and Craft Industry. Some people need to change. I dare say that some of the Industry's leadership or some of the more prevailing 'outspoken voice' out there need to broaden their narrow thinking and if they say they exist to benefit the Industry… then they need to really do it for ALL the Industry.
Some greater interconnection and networking needs to happen with the forging of new stronger relationships amongst all the different facets of our Industry; not just up and down but across… If it doesn't, it will be no wonder that our Industry can lay claim to the horrible term, "starving artists". There's so much more we could do to help each other.
SO… what am ranting about? What am I appealing to? What am I challenging you to?
Set aside the dark side of ego…
It can rear its head in any of us at any time. Reckon with the fact and test to see if you, as an artist or craftsperson, actually do have much more to offer than only your art. It can pay you back in dividends that can go beyond how many paintings you sold this month versus last. This Industry needs more mentors, more brothers and sisters, more supporting of one another. There's enough politics, self-created polarity and elitism, enough of the 'old school', enough of the self-proclaimed experts and prima-donnas within it. Many of them became that a long time ago, and may not change, but what about you and I?
I'm talking about doing something simple as a starting point: set aside the dark side of your egos… Add to your conscious task list —
To be more mindful of when your ego is rearing its head a little more than it should. Remember this: The art-loving public, your potential customers, are mostly down to earth regular people. When they come up against someone a little too "heady", they'll leave. By and large, people looking to buy your art are looking to people they can relate to and talk with on the same level.
Do the personal check-ups more often, and…
Commit, set some quality time and real effort aside to help someone in your Art or Craft Community that you know could use some help, whether they'd ask for it or not. You don't need to fancy yourself as some skilled consultant, or advisor or mentor… But YOU do have something to give. It's simply called, 'care'. Try it and see how this also brings some different kind of joy to your artistic journey and personal life, too.
There's more to success than looking after ourselves. In my humble opinion, the "pure artist" would be truly unselfish or selfless, or aspire to be. There's more to the ongoing longevity of our Industry than all kinds of discrete sometimes-connected, sometimes-very-disconnected Art and Craft organizations all doing their own thing with their own crowd.
Community allows diversity without prejudice, choice with options, equitable support for all…not favoritism. Even our Arts and Craft Industry has its own politics, but grass-roots artisans and craftspeople have tremendous power to affect change if they want it to… Never forget that. It would be great to have an Industry that truly does its all to 'look after the small guy'. Wouldn't that be something?
My challenge to every artist, artisan, and craftsperson is to be something more than you think you are as an artist. Don't fall into the ego-trap.
Remember these simple facts of life and business — We get what we choose — We reap what we sow. The art and craft market, which has been around seemingly forever, is still in so many respects in need of some help and maturing.
So, as Robert Genn mentioned, "Mind your ego…" and yes… "Hook yourself to a greater ego", so to speak. Add to your aspirations something that has little to do with yourself. When we get beyond ourselves as the entire focus and direction of all of our talents and efforts, you'd be amazed at the doors that open, the new opportunities that can present themselves, and the greater personal and business fulfillment that you can experience.
I simply believe that if everyone gave a little bit more back to the Industry, did a little bit more caring and mentoring, we'd all be much better off for it.
In summary, my challenge to you, is simply this:
If you need to…
Re-think things a bit
Re-prioritize a bit
Change your attitudes and ways a bit if you think it would help you or someone else…
And simply, do what you can that you'd like others to do for you…
No magic… no rocket science, just more care.
I'm proud to be actively involved in our Canadian Arts and Craft scene. If any of this long article is worthy of its intention, then please take that to heart and let's together continue to build up this Industry and make, each, our own art or craft businesses, what they could be!
I guess it's at this point in my discussion of the "dark side" of ego that I'll say, corny as it may be…
"Avoid the dark side… and, may the force be with you!" All the best to you, my friends!
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