1st Solo Art Show Was Not What I Expected

The day I had been working towards for months was finally here!! My 1st solo art show, but it was not what I expected.

On being offered a chance to be in a gallery for the first time, my range of emotions went from being shocked, excited, inspired, overwhelmed, determined, and back to excited.
I am in a season of “learning in the process” so even though the thoughts of “I have no idea what I’m doing”, “I have never done this before” crept into my thinking, I quickly pushed them away and leaned into the unknowing of this new territory.

Culture has taught us…

To fear mistakes more than missed opportunities.
To fear rejection of others more than rejecting our purpose.
To fear the unknowing more than never knowing.
To fear loss of comfort more than loss of growth.
To fear failure more than stagnation.
To fear the critics more than unmet potential. 

Perfection likes to show its conniving face in these moments and tell us that “unless it is perfect, there is no value”. 

Well, Perfection, you are wrong!

That is such a lie to think that worthiness exist only inside of perfection.  Instead of living in the messy realm of progress, we stay immobile by the chains of perfection. 

You do not have to have it all figured out before attempting. In fact, I am learning that It is better to not have it all figured out. It is not as overwhelming to encounter things out as they come instead of having everything laid out perfectly in advanced.

Case in point, my husband and I sold our house in town two years ago. We purchased land in the country and lived on our property, in my parents RV with our 3 year old and 18 month old sons while our home was being built. 

We had no idea what we were doing. If we had known everything that was entailed in that process we would never attempted it. It would have seemed almost impossible. However, I am so glad of our choice and grateful for were we are now. Taking small steps can lead to great things. 

I challenge you to choose progress over perfection. 

It takes vulnerability to lean into the unknowing. There is a risk of failing. There is a risk of looking foolish.  However, vulnerability also brings the path of connection and progress. One of my favorite authors , Brene Brown writes so many gems dealing with vulnerability. 

“Vulnerability is the only bridge to build connection.” 

Stepping into something you are not an expert in takes vulnerability along with showing others your journey instead of just the end perfected product. 

 

The only goal I had for the show was to make connections. In the process of self discovery, painting, exploring, and expressing myself I was excited to practice vulnerability in showing my work and make connections with others. However, my 1st solo art show was not what I expected at all! 

It was so much better!!!!

I was blown away by the family, friends and strangers that came out on opening night. Multiple friends even purchased paintings!! It was such an humbling and honoring experience to know pieces of my journey will be in their homes. I feel like so many connections were made that night. I am beyond grateful for the experience and people. 

Authenticity is not easy. Vulnerability is not easy. 

But they are extremely rewarding!!  

Keep crushing it!