One time after I’d given a talk, a young man approached me and asked if I could give some advice to his brother. His brother wasn’t there, but he told me he was an artist and struggling with the marketing part. He wondered if maybe I’d have a word for him.
For a moment I was blank. “This is very strange,” I thought, “a man asking for advice for another not there with no way for me to get an impression of the person or his art. I almost said, “No,” but then thought better of it and said, “Yes.”
“Tell him to walk through every door that opens, and knock on many others.”
That was it. I don’t remember the man’s response, and I have no idea what happened after.
It seemed that bit advice, which I’d never said before, not in that way, was just general enough for many things, and possibly exactly right for that one.
Because for many an artist it’s not the art-making that’s the struggle, but the rest of it, even when the work is good.
If the work isn’t good yet, that’s another challenge. But when you think about it, a lot of people are “succeeding” with so-so artwork, while others with brilliant work can’t seem to get going.
A lot of the art-making game, like so much else, involves the element of getting it out in front of people, into galleries, into shows, onto walls, in front of those who might like it, might buy it, could use it.
And all that can require an initiative that doesn’t come naturally. Certainly not to those more comfortable in the privacy of their own studios, or the privacy of their own minds.
But it’s part of the equation. Paintings are made for walls, not for storage units.
But how? What? Where? When?
Who knows? There are many ways. Until one finds the right way, the answer is to try them all.
When a door opens, don’t be shy. One will lead to another.
Go through every door that opens, and knock on a lot of others.
It’s for all of us.
And maybe you have a brother that needs to hear it.
_________________
PS Thanks for all the remarks on last week’s post, “A Turn in the Road.” That Damascus Roads video is now on my website under a new section: “Videos.” Feel free to share it with any who could use it or just enjoy it (like maybe a brother).
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
9:26 am
Thanks Hyatt for sharing your knowledge and assets so that others like me can succeed. I recently read a quote, “if you want to succeed, double your failure rate”. I thought of it as I was reading this blog. I’ve already shared the video with my brother. I look forward to the coaching session with Ken and Mercedes once some things settle down. Hope you and Anne have a great time in Palo Alto this weekend.
9:32 am
Great advice, Hyatt. It reminds me of the many things Cam Townsend said about how to deal with “no” before getting to “yes.” He didn’t fear rejection, he embraced it, knowing that in time, the answer would be “yes.”
10:00 am
As a young lad, I remember being told, “Good judgement comes wisdom, and wisdom through life’s successes and failures … mostly failures.” I never forgot that. Jesus said the path to life is a narrow and rocky one.” In whatever talent/ability we have been given, large or small, seen or unseen, God has a wonderful idea for it … that’s all I need to know. In this, I take heart.
10:26 am
Wow, Hyatt, did you write this one just for me. (On June 28th I’m retiring from a 34 year career with GM and Toyota Corp)
I am growing as an artist and will soon have time to market my art, as well as continuing study.
Now, I have an outline for the rest of the year. “Go through every door that opens, and knock on a lot of others.”
I’m ready to knock and pass through.
11:00 am
What a nice text, thank you dear Hyatt!! :-)
Even when one door closes God opens a couple windows so it is really important to be aware and on the moment and be able to accept the situation and just move forward. Thank you once again for the words of wisdom.
Have a productive week!
All my best to you and yours,
Marina Padovani
11:27 am
Thanks, Hyatt!
You make it so simple. I’ll never know how many doors are open ahead if I don’t walk through the one in front of me.
11:40 am
Thank you Hyatt! Always something offered that’s needed.
6:04 am
Hyatt, words of wisdom for life in general. Each door that you choose to go through that leads you to others. Its the fear of opening the doors that keeps you from advancing. Conquering fear of failure helps you to keep opening more doors.
9:52 am
Yeah, we plant the seed and God grows the tree. And we need to plant as many seeds as possible to see where His blessing is flowing. Wisdom and trust is key though as we go.
4:41 pm
You are so funny! Art is not made for storage units!! hahahaha! Hum, I wonder who you were thinking about when you wrote that! hahahaha! Such great advice about the doors! Walk through every door that open and knock on many others! Loved this! AS I needed to hear this! It is so hard to get going when you are the artist or the designer with your own business. Hard. Uncomfortable. Need to trust and listen and pray and then go! Breath in the Holy Spirit and then go, I think you said before! Best to all! Lisa