Friday 28th November
I say this every year, but I can’t believe I have been blogging for 5 years? I didn’t know what a blog was when I started. It was Tom’s idea as something additional on my website but I wouldn’t have believed I’d still be doing it 5 years later. To be honest, I didn’t think that anyone would be interested in what I do on a weekly basis. So, this week forgive me for a little self reflection.
Looking back at my blogs over the time, it appears I do quite a bit really. Whether it’s interesting to anyone else is debatable! However, I still have my loyal readers and I thank you all. Your comments are always kind and supportive. Those who read but don’t comment are also welcome. I don’t really know how many people read the blog or whether numbers have increased or decreased? One thing I can see from all my blog history is that my life as an artist is not always plain sailing or predictable. My life is a big juggling act. Continually changing styles and media to satisfy the demand put on me whilst trying to make a living in an unpredictable and fickle artworld. My art is not my whole life. I do have other interests and commitments. I don’t paint at weekends. They are family time. I rarely paint on Fridays as that is “bloody housework” day. I do cook tea on most nights and usually walk the dog 3 times a day during the week. I also have to fit in watching my sport. Income can be sporadic. Galleries are continually complaining that it’s tough out there and their cash flow problems can mean that they are not always upfront about sales. I talked about this last week so won’t repeat myself but most now take 50% commission and do have a duty to be fair to their artists.
My blog gives others insights into my world that I otherwise probably wouldn’t reveal. It can be cathartic in a way but also reveal a vulnerability that might not otherwise be apparent to those who know me. I always try to be honest in my writing. I honestly love my life but it is not always as idyllic as some might imagine. Constant outside influences disrupt and change how, when and why I work. This is not unique to me as an artist. It happens to everyone but not everyone writes about it. Putting my feelings, problems, successes and failures out there for everyone to read may look rather self centred but being creative for a living does take its toll. I have to admit (being honest) that in the darker, more difficult or stressful moments I have considered packing it all up and doing something else. However, the moments tend not to last long. I don’t know what else I’d do.
My work can also take a toll on my family life but they have always been supportive, despite both Natasha having full time and demanding jobs. It is not always an easy thing for them, especially as I’m living a life I always wanted. Frustration, stress and anxiety shouldn’t really be part of my life but I am only human. I often describe my working life as a rollercoaster ride. The problem is I hate rollercoasters.
I have to say, in recent times my successes outweigh my failures and that spurs me on. Working alone in my the ever-increasing decrepitude of my studio or in the house when necessary is my happy place. Despite the constant juggling I’m still pushing forward. Retirement is not in my current vocabulary, despite my pensions, bus pass and senior railcard! I suppose that whilst ever I’m working, I’ll have something to write about. My relationship with art keeps evolving and it’s that unpredictability that keeps me going. Recently, when I was in Beckstones Gallery delivering my Lakes paintings, Niki (one of the owners) said, “I don’t really know who the real Nick Potter is?” obviously referring to the different styles of painting they have in the gallery. I have heard that comment before and it sometimes still bothers me but I don’t think I will change. The older I get, the less I’m worried about that aspect of my work. I think it's the variety of stuff I produced that keeps me interested. It is my hope that my loyal readers will continue to follow me on my journey perhaps for the next 5 or so years.