Lisa Call

Structures #21    ©2003    12" x 12"

 
Post #4 on my thoughts on the design principles from my kids’ Expeditionary Learning school and how they relate to being an artist. [All my posts on design principles.]

Design Principle #6: Collaboration and Competition

Teach so as to join individual and group development so that the value of friendship, trust, and group endeavor is made manifest. Encourage students to compete, not against each other, but with their own personal best and with rigorous standards of excellence.

The Power of the Group

In a previous post on the design principles I mentioned I belong to several artist groups. I feel the most successful groups are ones that operate on the above principle. We come together in friendship and trust looking to support each other. All individual and group successes are celebrated.

I’m a believer in the power of group energy. I think this type of collaborative and supportive artist group can propel all members forward. The energy that is created when a group of like minded individuals get together can be incredible. I always look at the artists in my online support group, The Fiber Connection, and can see the results of such group support.

I’ve recently started working with a small mastermind group from the Artist Breakthrough Program I took with Alyson Stanfield last month. Each evening we email the other members a list of our goals for the upcoming day will be and a report on how we did on the current day’s goals. Having the group energy and the accountability to stay on track have been huge. Although the last month I focused on my house instead of my art, I know this group was a significant contributing factor to keeping me on task.

I highly recommend both Alyson’s program (next one starts in August) and finding a small mastermind group to share your daily goals and successes.

Becoming My Best

I am constantly thinking about how I can improve my art and my art business. Being in competition with oneself is a healthy way to achieve one’s personal best. I track my goals, my time spent in my studio and my accomplishments and I think a lot about how to make improvements in all areas. I have extremely high expectations for myself and by checking in to see how I’m doing every once in a while I find I can keep improving and tweaking what works and what doesn’t.

While I do look to other artists to see how they are doing I try not to compare myself to them. I might not always succeed but I’ve found that over time I am much less concerned with how other’s are doing. I rarely feel a need to bring out the yardstick to see who might have more shows or sales or better art. Competing only against myself is enough. It’s healthier and my life is calmer when I’m not getting caught up in how I’m doing compared to everyone else.

I can’t claim this is easy, not comparing (and then feeling either inferior or superior) but it’s something I have been putting energy into. Staying focused on the present moment and not getting caught up in the past or stressed out over the future is a huge help.

Moving Update

My house went on the market today and I had a second showing this afternoon. I hear they loved it and will be presenting me an offer in the morning. All the hard work has paid off. Woohoo. On thursday I will start looking for a house to purchase as it looks like I’ll be moving soon!

I have to admit it’s been a challenge to sit here the last hour and write this post as I’m much more tempted to search real estate ads to find the perfect home. Then I remind myself I have a real estate agent that is getting paid plenty to find the homes for me. So I’m working on relaxing and knowing she will do a fabulous job and the right house will soon be mine.

Structures #21 - Moving Sale

A study in working small, something that is I find a challenge but enjoy doing the more I experiment with it. This piece is also available as part of my moving sale. Originally priced at $225, it is $135 until June 15.

If you are interested in purchasing Structures #21, or any of my available artwork please email me.

Detail of Structures #21: