Writing and visual art – two crafts I am involved in – are highly competitive industries. And unfortunately, many individual artists of all kinds try to shut down their competition rather than build each other up.
I’ve encountered this kind of selfish snobbery first-hand – from the renowned poet who denied me entrance into her undergraduate poetry class because of my supposed lack of talent to the smug art instructor who berated my painting abilities in front of other students.
It’s easy to feel defeated when dealing with such jerks who love nothing more than tearing others down. But there’s another side to the story – allies who lift each other up.
I am lucky to find such allies in my writing and visual art endeavors. The Substack community is filled with so many wonderful writers who are good-spirited and encouraging, and I consider them my friends. These individuals are welcoming, insteading of trying to compete the hell out of each other. Truth is, the universe has infinite room for all artists of all types. The universe needs our collective and varied voices.
Regarding visual art in particular, I have a great relationship with Alene Nitzky, a modern abstract artist. You can find her beautiful work at her website here. I am in awe of her art, and we both encourage each other within and outside the Substack space.
This week, Alene and I communicated outside of Substack. I recommended to her an art-business book I had purchased, and she told me about an art resource and opportunity that I cannot pass up. A new New Jersey cancer center opening in spring 2025 is looking for substantial numbers of “artwork on the theme of Recovery/Discovery: work that conveys the healing attributes of art while also expressing themes of creativity-exploration-discovery.” The selected artworks will be seen by patients, their caregivers, and the center’s staff.
Alene is entering her artwork and has been encouraging me to do so, as well. The deadline is this Sunday, and the two pieces of artwork I’m entering are below. I’m only entering the pieces that show recovery and healing.
Ideally, the committee in charge of selecting artwork will select at least one of Alene’s art pieces and one of mine. Ironically, we are on both sides of the cancer spectrum, thus giving us unique insights into this disease. Alene has spent much of her career as an oncology nurse, and I have been a cancer patient.
Relationships with other artists should be healthy and embracing. If one of Alene’s artworks is selected, and mine isn’t, I will be happy for her and congratulate her. If the converse happens, I know Alene would be happy for me, too. But my hope is that the artworks for both of us are accepted. Yay us!
Some snobby artists try to shut others out, but they might not realize – or care – that art is not created in a vacuum. We need each other’s input, support, help, and encouragement. Being part of a community that cheers each other on and lifts each other up is far superior to shutting others out.
Bonus: The following is the latest draft of a recently started landscape painting. The mountains and clouds are done. I will be filling the grasses in more, hoping to add some reds and maybe other colors.
I’m so happy that you are submitting your artwork. I also love this piece so much! Sending you lots of good juju!
Oh Beth, I’m so excited that you will enter your art pieces into this competition. I’m a big fan of your “Dear God” painting. Both of your artworks are worthy of inclusion at the Center! Good luck!
Sadly, I have seen writers and artists who are not quite as supportive as one would hope for. Here on Substack however, I am just beginning to uncover a host of kind, generous, and attentive peers who want to promote one another’s work and provide a supportive community.
You are one of those generous supporters Beth. You have been an amazing mentor for me and I’m so grateful to be part of your circle of friends and fellow artists here. Thank you for all you do to support and create a positive, nurturing space to come together and share art and ideas!