By Creative Contributor: Seth Apter
As artists, there are many things we can be taught: technique, composition, and color theory to name a few. As I have spent more time making art, the more knowledge I have gained. But I have not only learned the “right way” to do things. I have also learned the “wrong way.” And by this I mean mistakes. No. I did not have to learn how to MAKE mistakes…that came naturally. But what I have come to understand is how important it is to EMBRACE mistakes. And in some ways, this lesson has been one of the most important I have learned.
Creativity is stifled when a person approaches any creative endeavor, art or otherwise, with a fear of doing something wrong. Options are taken away and possibilities are removed. Worrying about a potential mistake only serves to place limits on our creative process and progress. There have been times when I felt intimidated by pushing my creative boundaries further outside my comfort zone. Fear of ruining an artwork sometimes led me to consider an unfinished piece complete. Even when I knew I had more in me to express.
Has this ever happened to you? You have been working on an art piece and have reached a point where you are happy with what you have done but at the same time know that it could be even better. The piece calls out for more work and your inner voice tells you that you have not said all you can say at this point. BUT there is fear holding you back from proceeding. What if I add another layer of paint and the beauty of what I have already done disappears? What if that section that I like so much gets covered? What if I throw off the composition? What if my next step ruins all my hard work?
With a fear of making mistakes, you might respond to these thoughts by playing it safe. Best leave well enough alone and time to call this one finished. Or you chose to go further and actually make the mistake you feared you might. Then the frustration comes and either the piece is torn up to be used as collage fodder later or the canvas is painted over.
Art is all about risk. Creativity should not be bounded. Once you embrace the mistake, the door swings open and the possibilities are endless. Do not give up. Rather, go on! Take the next step and take a leap of faith. And you know what? If it doesn’t work…keep going. Some of my personal favorites have come as a result of working through a mistake. In my experience, 9 out of 10 times the artwork ends up being a truer expression of me. And that 10th time? Well...nobody is perfect and not every creation can be your masterpiece. I say, step back, check your ego at the door, and learn from your mistake for the next time.
Recognize that mistakes are natural. We all make them and they do not in any way reflect failure. In fact, they reflect effort and passion and a willingness to achieve. As in life, what is most important is how we react and respond to the mistakes we make. And as in life, if the fear of making a mistake holds you back, you will never reach your potential. You may never know what you are capable of. You may never unleash the artist inside. So embrace the mistake. You will be happy you did!
Seth Apter is a mixed-media artist from New York City, focused primarily on paper arts, book arts, and textural assemblage. Using layers of paper, paint, ink, text, transfers, found metal, and other altered objects, he creates highly textured and distressed artworks.
His work has been highlighted on multiple websites and published in national magazines, independent zines, and three books to be released in 2010. His blog, The Altered Page, is a visual journal of his own artwork, photography, and collaborations, as well as a showcase for artists he admires and his creative experiences in NYC.
Blog: The Altered Page
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This article is courtesy of the MMCA Marketplace Blog, a
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Amen!
Posted by: Carmen Nessman | April 2010 at 12:04 PM
Super post! Hard to imagine that there are ever "mistakes" in your work- they are all artistic gems. But as you indicate, the imperfections are what can make our work truer versions within our expression!!
Posted by: Jill Zaheer | April 2010 at 08:07 AM
This is a great post Seth! Fear and intimidation are salient to me at this time in my artistic process. Something I am constantly working on. I have destroyed works that were "mistakes", only to regret it later. Thanks for such an insightful post...Cynthia
Posted by: Outsidelines.blogspot.com | April 2010 at 12:41 PM
Well said, Seth! I know just what you mean about hesitating out of fear, and also about how much we can learn by plowing through and blundering. I also think fear can keep us working on a piece long AFTER it should have been finished. It is this latter tension that I am more curious about lately.
Posted by: Dee Mallon | April 2010 at 10:53 PM
Couldn't have said it better myself, Seth- well done!
Posted by: Julie | April 2010 at 11:04 PM
Very insightful and applicable to life in general. Thanks Seth!
Posted by: Crystal Neubauer | April 2010 at 09:16 AM
Your images and words blend like a mating ritual in Nature. Fear is the unknown critic we have living inside us when we dare to make a sacred mark. Wonderful! Imagine and Live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart
Posted by: mary helen fernandez stewart | April 2010 at 06:50 PM
Incredible article Seth you always seem to say the words that are in my heart.
Nice that they also published your pic, very nice.
Posted by: Darlene AkA hugger | April 2010 at 06:42 AM
Great post and good advice, Seth. These images have got my heart racing!
Posted by: robyn | April 2010 at 05:12 AM
Seth is sooo right! I learned so much from my mistakes.. and I too know those fears. I leave my piece alone when that happens... but I too go too far sometimes. Some mistakes might learn you new things and turn out great, a friend of mine called that "flopportunities"... I LOVE flopportunities!
Posted by: Marit | May 2010 at 08:03 AM