Slowing Down: Is Less Really More?

A few weeks ago, I made a list of this year's art shows. Last year, I set up my booth at half dozen shows and exhibited in a few competitions. I had every intention of doing a little more each year, as if the only way to be successful or happy was if I became increasingly busy. On top of these shows, I did a few portrait sessions and even some commercial photography. This year, I figured I would just do more of the same.

But as I reviewed the list, with at least a dozen opportunities, I didn't feel excited about the prospects. I didn't feel bored, either. I felt...bothered, as if it was a chore.

And that's my warning sign. That's when the sirens wail and the flashing lights whir inside my head, waking me up and yelling: "THIS IS NOT WHAT YOU WANT!!!"

As with other pursuits -- music, writing -- photography, to me, is to be enjoyed, and not to feel like a chore. Of course, I'd think differently if I relied on it for a living, but as a hobby, it should make me happy, and if it doesn't...

...I've signed up for just three shows this year, in June, August, and October. And I'm good with that. There are a few exhibitions I might do, but I might not. I'll decide later, and that's okay. (Why is this happening? Let's just say there are a lot of other things going on this summer, so I have to assume that I just don't want to juggle too much.)

A part of me feels the need to justify my hobby by being increasingly busy, by making money, as if it doesn't matter otherwise. I'm not sure where that comes from, but I wish the voice saying such things would shut up.

This, hopefully, will be a long journey, a life-long one, and there are miles to go before I sleep. The last thing I want to do is to rush it, burn out, and end up hating it. That would suck.

G