Comfort Zone
Well, it’s fair to say that this week I have done something completely out of my comfort zone … so tick that off the list!
To say that I was a little apprehensive when our SHE-TEA Marketing Mentor suggested that I paint “live” at the trade show we were attending to help to create an interesting atmosphere and to spark conversations, would be an understatement.
Trade shows are notoriously loud, glary and generally a little overwhelming on the senses, so it is difficult to make a real statement and stand out amongst all of the bells and whistles. I have never really painted in front of anyone since high school (except my husband and child), particularly not hundreds of strangers over a two-day period, but despite my nervousness I could certainly see that she had a valid point.
So during Wednesday and Thursday this week, at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne, I spent two full days creating “Indigo”. To be honest, this leap of faith turned out to be quite liberating and resulted in a piece that I am very proud of.
SHE-TEA Stand set-up (Only 3m x 2m)
It took us a few hours to set the stand up. We were surrounded by stalls with loud music, bright lights, multitudes of plastic gimmicks and bizarre costumes. Our aim was to be a little sanctuary amongst the chaos of an events showcase, with products that were easy on the eye and conversations that were meaningful and genuine. The feedback we received indicates that we hit the mark.
Wednesday morning I started painting at around 10am, with people walking by and wondering what was happening.
Creating Indigo
Over the two days, as the painting progressed, people became more and more interested in the process and technique used and I had some great conversations about art and life as a result. My painting while talking about our tea products also really helped people understand the whole package that we offer as a business, and our views on work/life balance.
Final Touches on Thursday afternoon
I ended up enjoying the whole process of painting at the trade fair, despite my initial reservations, and I feel that it pushed me to examine my techniques and and even make some improvements to my style. On the drive back home to Daylesford on Thursday night after we had packed up, I spent some time reflecting on why I was nervous about painting in front of so many people and if I am honest, I think it stems from being a self-taught artist, and having a level of insecurity about my painting techniques and processes. (Art is funny like that, some people like to spend their time intellectualising something that should perhaps just be felt or experienced. I try to steer clear of this thinking but every now and then it creeps in again.)
Regardless, the end result is a painting that oozes confidence and strength, which on reflection is how I felt after challenging myself and going through with something that was so far out of my comfort zone. I am grateful for this experience and look forward to my next challenge … whatever that may be.
I think that sometimes that tiny voice that whispers “but you didn’t go to art school” gets more notice than it deserves. I am pleased that you pushed yourself out of your comfort zone. As artists, we do our thinking in public and sometimes those public thoughts take a lot of courage to articulate.
On the tea front, I will write the article soon. My head has been in the studio this past week not in the blog. But your lovely tea certainly deserves a few words from me. I am very leased that I “met” you I really really like your art and have a couple of your girls pinned up in my studio. They make me smile.
cheers Kim
Thanks Kim, I appreciate your comments and glad that you enjoy both the tea and the art.
Theres a sceret about your post. ICTYBTIHTKY
pleased not leased *doh*
Never seen a beettr post! ICOCBW
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You cludont pay me to ignore these posts!
very nice read, your site is great I am going to bookmark it
Kudos! What a neat way of thikinng about it.
I like your site, can you tell me what platform it is on?
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very interesting post, your site is great I am going to read a bit more of it
It’s spkooy how clever some ppl are. Thanks!
I agree, I wish more people had this point of view.
I agree, I wish more people had this point of view.
Knlwoedge wants to be free, just like these articles!