Feeling like an Imposter?

Imposter Syndrome has been acknowledged as a 'real' condition and in this recent article it states that more than 70% of people at some time will feel it.

You know the feeling. You are at an event, or part of a project or in a meeting and you have that uncomfortable feeling that at any minute someone is going to tap you on the shoulder. The effects of it can be have an impact on your confidence, self-esteem and progression of your work and ideas. Here are some practical tips from Fast Company, to help you get through those moments and to let you enjoy what you do.

Tasmanian Portraiture Prize

It has been another amazing year working with RACT Insurance and Tasmanian Regional Arts as the curator and co-manager of the Tasmanian Portraiture Prize. The exhibition is on at the Long Gallery until Saturday 4th October and already we have had hundreds through the doors.

Then it is winding it's way north to Sawtooth Ari and then the Burnie Regional Gallery. See details at the TPP website and in the meantime check out our newly released film produced by HYPE TV that captures the work that goes into the prize along with the finished exhibition. Congratulations to all the artists involved and our wonderful judges; Robert Hannaford, Jane Stewart and Alex Davern.

View the TPP Film here...

No Artist is an Island

Whether you are an artist, performer, musician or writer it is often a struggle to nurture and establish a sustainable career in your chosen art form. Over the last 5 years I have worked with a range of individuals who are seeking to make a living from their work. Like many ventures this is not always easy and more and more I am convinced that it is about delegation and investment rather than going it alone.

Of course there are examples of individuals who have hit the big time and often this is put down to timing, the environment and pure luck...the right place at the right time. Although, I am not really a believer in luck. I tend to think that by focusing on a clear direction and putting steps in place, it can lead you to your own luck.

In a recent article in Cut Common Magazine, James Morrison wrote of the challenges of having and maintaining a career as a musician. In response to the question...Do you feel musicians are very business minded?, he responded with...

Being fed

There is much discussion about the meagre incomes that we earn in the arts sector. Whether you are a musician, performer or manager, it is often difficult to scrape together a decent annual income. A couple of years ago I was speaking with a friend and mentor about this and conveying my frustration at just how challenging it was. Not just the money, but managing how I think as someone who stands with a foot in each camp; the creative maker and the manager/producer.

Dale Williams, a painter

In response she calming stated...‘Well I guess it is challenging when you decide to live a creative life.’

In that moment my mind exploded with the realization that that is exactly what I was doing…choosing to live a creative life. You might be reading this and smacking your forehead with a doh! But so often when we are in the thick of projects, management, media and people, it is difficult to have the space and luxury to enjoy and acknowledge what is going on and how amazing it truly is. The forest for the trees scenario.

In a world that often diminishes the importance of creative thought and expression, it can be difficult to stay steadfast in your resolve to…Just do it! It’s what you do. Now can we just get on with it ….

Understanding the Unsexy

It was great to be able to talk about the arts with Louise Saunders and Leo Schofield. It's always a topical and interesting subject. Read some of what was said here

A great start to 2014

So, it’s 2014. Phew! What a relief.

2013 brought many challenges and to be honest I was quite relieved to read that last page and close the book.

2014 has began and it’s looking like a rippa.

I have started as Communications Manager (2 days per week) with the Tasmanian Writers Centre and what a wonderful team I have joined. Marion (pictured with me), Chris, Sarah and the Board. I am really looking forward to learning more about Tasmanian Writers and working to raise the profile of writing in and outside of the state. Drop by and see us at the centre Monday-Thursday 10am-4pm. www.tasmanianwriters.org

This year I have the absolute pleasure to be working with a fantastic group of artists on Flinders Island. These are visual artists, musicians and a film maker. We have invited Jane Stewart from TMAG on board as the curator of what will be an eclectic and intriguing group exhibition to be hosted at Strait Works in Whitemark, Flinders Island. You are all invited of course. http://www.flindersislandregionalarts.org/strait-works-gallery-whitemark.html

An eclectic life...just the way I like it!

It seems that I haven't been home much lately. Most weeks I am working in the north of the state working with students from the Tasmanian Polytechnic or more recently, showing 3 designs as part of Interweave Arts Streets Alive Remade Fashion Show. This latest experience reinforced my commitment to supporting and promoting others, rather than being in the spotlight myself. The catwalk experience was terrifying.

I have driven the Midland Highway thousands of times over the last 27 years , so it is a familiar path; past the stumps that look like faces, the trees that look like lollipops and the bits of road that are nostalgic for one reason or another.

The turn off to the East Coast always reminds me of summer holidays when mum would pack us four kids and the dog in the Kingswood (an ex police car) and we would drive for hours before reaching Scamander. Falling out of the car in the dark we could smell the salty air and hear the crashing waves of the nearby Beaumaris Beach.