I've got new rules (I count em!)

Hello Everyone! 

          It's been, well, quite a long time since I've been active on the blog. Nowadays I feel as if that is how I start off every one of my posts. Unfortunately I have been going through a bit of  a pre-quarter life crisis (and I CANNOT wait for the next crisis in two years, or months, depends on how life goes), rethinking my career and artistic paths. However, not all is lost! Like the tides, I am constantly changing, and now that my latest temper tantrum is over I have embarked on what hopefully will be the next great step of my journey.

          BUT NOAH!!! HOW WILL YOU DO THAT??? YOU HAVE A MELTDOWN ALMOST EVERY OTHER DAY!!

        Well I'm glad you asked, voice in my head! One of my mentors, a fellow artist who currently resides in the Hudson Valley, told me to focus on "the rules" aka the principle characteristics and themes of a person's body of work. For example, when people think of Caravaggio, his name usually brings to mind soft but full figures, strong contrast of light and shadow (chiaroscuro for ya artsy folks), and strong religious scenes (he also painted some mighty fine men, but that's beside the point, for now). My mentor told me to identify the rules of each artist that  draw inspiration from, and that list can be found here, and in doing so I will be able to more effectively define the rules of my own work. 
          Now that there are some rules in place (that will eventually be broken), I should have an easier time pursuing new projects and revitalizing old ones. Right now I'm drawing from a local crowd, and will hopefully find a few regular models for projects and collaborations (so if you know of anyone in the Philadelphia area, please let me know!). I've also joined the Center for Emerging Visual Artists as an Artist Member! They're a great organization that provides career guidance and support for emerging artists, as well as exhibition and teaching opportunities. I have not had any shows since my senior exhibition (and part of my time has been spent telling myself that it's okay, seeing as I have been focusing on my financial situation). As a dear friend and mentor of mine once said, "You've spent your time finding a way to survive, now you need to find your voice." 
          Thus, as a reminder, it's perfectly okay to take time for yourself, even if that means focusing on you financial situation. People will say "you need to accept that you're going to be poor for a long time if you want to make art," and while it is not always a lucrative career, or a quick track to success, it's okay to take that break from art. Some artists put down the brush, pen, camera, for years while they focused on working and getting themselves to a point where they feel stable. AND THAT IS PERFECTLY FINE. There is only one path to success that remains constant (and no, as much as I would love to say it's your own) and that is nepotism. Everyone else has to forge their own path, but even then we're not alone. As long as we are putting our work out there and making connections, someone will eventually notice. And that's all it takes. That one person will change your life for the better. So chin up. 

- Noah 
Open your mind, be brave, and be kind.