Mentoring the Artist

I recently attended a Mentoring session organised by Artlinks.  I can honestly say that this was the most useful two hours I’ve spent in a long time! 



Mary Cullen, Positano, Italy, Photograph, 2007

This mentoring session was about arts practice, goals, career development, etc.  The mentor talked about the art world at local, national and international levels and how all these areas have to be considered - in time, not necessarily all together.  I admitted to her that 'art speak' really scared me, and she responded to this directly with advice and clarification.  She noted this was a barrier that could be tackled, but that would continue to cause me to avoid certain opportunities if I didn't deal with it.  That really struck home with me.  We talked about personal arts practice, and how work should be authentic and directed by the artist, and not the 'scene', however, the artist needs to examine and continue to add to and progress the the way they work, and to be able to speak about it articulately if and when needed.