Both as an artist, and in life, I have found that the two most vital characteristics that continue to propel me forward are vulnerability and grit. It’s worth noting that both happen to be the themes of two TED talks, that I highly recommend lending an ear to.
CLICK HERE for a brilliant Ted talk on vulnerability by the one and only Brené Brown
CLICK HERE for an inspiring talk on Grit by Angela Lee Duckworth.
Vulnerability and grit are somewhat contrasting experiences, however I believe there is great beauty and power when artists contain both, together.
Working with a photographer is an intimate experience of collaboration and design. It also requires sitting before a camera lens, which for many is a very uncomfortable experience. It’s uncomfortable because it requires intense honesty and vulnerability. The client is waiting to be seen and captured by my camera. If I lack vulnerability as a photographer, I cannot expect my clients to be vulnerable in return. Consequently, the art itself will suffer for lack of honesty.
Vulnerability is what has allowed my art to speak to the hearts of my clients and reflect their stories as I capture worlds in a single image.
Vulnerability is what has allowed my art to speak to the hearts of my clients and reflect their stories as I capture worlds in a single image. Vulnerability has made my photography stand out and allowed my clients to enter a space where they are honest about their lives and able to connect with pieces of themselves that so often, life has not allowed.
The definition of grit is: courage, resolve, or strength of character.
The definition of grit is: courage, resolve, or strength of character. It is arguable that you cannot have grit without vulnerability, as it is a requirement for true resolve. In my life, grit has always been a characteristic that I have cultivated and pursued. The concept of, and embodiment of grit has helped me to overcome many difficulties and achieve many milestones, from earning a Masters Degree in clinical psychology to performing two 18 piece classical recitals as a studying Soprano soloist, singing from memory in four different languages. I've been able to accomplish things that I didn't think were possible because I chose to believe in myself, practice resolve, and rest in my strength of character. I have seen accomplishments and encountered exceptional inner healing because of my dedication to practicing grit. That doesn't mean that things have always been easy, but after shedding tears, processing with family and friends, and prayerfully choosing to rest in peace, my choice has always been to move toward something better.
To be clear, this does not mean that I never walk away from something that isn’t a good fit. Knowing when to give up, when to say “hey, this isn’t working”, this attribute is just as important as the grit we need to keep going when we find something right. Discerning what is worth fighting for can be tricky and is certainly easier with age and experience. We will all try things that aren’t a good fit and we’ve all failed at something. The key is knowing the difference. That moment, that discernment sets apart those who can self actualize, and realize their dreams and those who lose themselves to a pursuit of something that steals their energy.
Once we have harnessed that discernment, once we have cultivated the art of knowing when something is worth pursuing, the stage is set for the practice of grit.
Grit is knowing in your bones that something good will come of your efforts.
Grit is knowing in your bone that something good will come of your efforts. Grit is enduring. Grit is crying and sleeping, and waking up, and starting over. Grit is allowing yourself to run on fumes and to continue to keep your eye on the prize. Grit is visualizing the next step without the strength to take it, and trusting that someone or something is going to come alongside you and help you move that foot forward.
I am not an artist because it is easy or fun, I am an artist because it is the vocation to which I have been called. I am committed to this journey. and I will challenge myself to be more vulnerable as I continue to press on with the resolve and passion of my ever-growing grit. Vulnerability unveils every creator, allowing the journey of self-actualization. In turn, vulnerability informs the integrity of our art.
If we can carry our creations forward, allowing our grit to pave the way, we will silence criticism and fear. Consequently, as creators, as artists, we are creating a space in the world where our art can be seen, understood, and valued.