Do you really think your good enough to be an artist? Is your art good enough? How does it compare to other artists? Are your themes relevant? Are you you technically superior? Where do you fit in the current art movements? Are you evolving? Are you being sought after? Can you actually make money as an artist?
Do these questions make you sweat a bit or give you heart palpitations? Does your stress/anxiety levels raise when you think through these things? As artists we are faced with these question both externally & internally. They are a reality in a field that has "ART CRITICISM" as a foundation. Though these questions can be beneficial if reflected upon in a constructive manner, they can also squelch the insecure (and don't we all have a bit of insecurity). A statement such as, "Am I good enough?" can cause one to question not only the artistic worth of their creations, but their own personal worth and value as an artist. There is something about those words that can derail even the most confident and seasoned artist. How do we continue when we are told we are not good enough? Rejection is a reality. How do we handle rejection?
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Artists are often extremely critical and self deprecating, and we are bombarded by the negativity in our world today through social media. If we allow this negativity into our hearts and minds....we can become "defeated" before we have the opportunity to succeed or not. We can also unwittingly perpetuate the negativity that has been given us. This cycle prevents us from fulfilling what we were designed/called to do. God does not look for "good enough". He desires men and women who have an open heart to love him and serve him with abandon. We cannot hold on to the negative self talk or the deplorable comments (and/or actions) of others. We must embrace the truth of God's Word. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 is a great reminder that our Lord's grace is sufficient for us. Our weakness is opportunity for his strength to be on display. When we wrestle with insecurity and doubt...we can hold onto the truth that our God loves us and desires to meet us in our struggles, and show us a better way. It isn't that we give up, but because of his grace & love...we continue on for God's glory.
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