There are a million reasons we give ourselves about why we hide ourselves artistically. Here are just a few:
- That's what other (talented/clever/creative) people do and I'm not like that
- I'm an accountant/nurse/teacher/bricklayer/whatever - not an artist!
- My family and friends will laugh at the idea
- Blah blah blah
But one excuse that has way too much power is (drum roll please):
“It's a hobby and I don't have time for hobbies”.
What if I suggested that if you want to call it a hobby, then call it a hobby? But if this “hobby” has you feeling happier, more fulfilled, relaxed and easier to be around, then it's a “hobby” you cannot afford to neglect. It's a pursuit that needs your time and your attention. It's not a luxury, it's a necessity.
If expressing yourself artistically is like a walk along a beautiful track, or a dive into a cobalt sea on a summer's day then we are not talking about something trivial, we are talking about something vitally important for your emotional and mental health.
In the West we are getting (slowly) better at “taking time out for ourselves” recognizing that this is needed for stress release and general healthcare. Use the same reasoning to make time for your artistic self to come out to play.
If you look at self-expression through art in this way then your lack of confidence has to take a back seat because you are telling yourself that you are entitled to a happier, healthier life. Confidence or lack of it doesn't come into the initial stages of doing this.
It's unsatisfying and debilitating to hide an artistic idea. On the other hand, there's nothing more uplifting than feeling inspired enough to act on that idea. Start with little projects that are purely for enjoyment. Feel the pleasure of the finished product and then do what you like with it. Chances are that the little projects will lead to more ideas and more projects and therefore more fun. And guess what another offshoot will be? More confidence!
Art equals play. More play equals improved skills, which leads to confidence and happiness. Now who amongst you is going to argue that you aren't entitled to these simple but profound pleasures? Hmmm?
Whether or not you choose to become public is for you to decide, and not within the realm of this article. The main message here is let your art-self out for some fresh air. When you start to like it a whole lot, notice how it's easier to find the time for your “hobby”!
