Falling Up

I recently heard an interesting story about a rock climber. Even though this rock climber was an award-winning champion, he noticed that other climbers were improving faster than he was. He sought the advice of a coach. The coach watched him climb, and immediately saw the problem. Diagnosis: "Your problem is that you are trying to avoid falling. You can never get better if you are tying not to fall." 

"High Flyer"
Oil on Canvas, 20 x 20
(c) Kim Barrick

There is definitely a life lesson here, and one that applies to painting (as well as to any other endeavor, I suppose). I was reminded of this lesson when I saw the title of a painting workshop being offered at Warehouse 521. The instructor is Kim Barrick, and the title of the workshop is "Fearless Painting". Kim writes, "Taking risks is essential to developing your unique artistic voice." Agreed--but it sure is easier said than done!

I have been thinking about this concept as I prepare to attend a painting workshop this summer. I always try to take advantage of workshop situations to spread my wings and try new approaches. This kind of experimentation is best done in a workshop setting, where there is an instructor as a "safety net" to catch you when you fall. Notice that I said WHEN, not IF, you fall. Trying new things makes falling inevitable. But it's the only way to learn and expand your reach.

You can't say I didn't try...

The downside of experimenting during a workshop is that you will fall in full view of other people--people whose respect you would like to gain. So we must try especially hard not to let fear or embarrassment stop us. I think I will print the coach's words on my sketchbook for this summer: "You can never get better if you are trying not to fall."  Courage!!