The healing journey of the struggling artist.
When I think of my journey as an artist, I quite honestly remember the struggle at the forefront. It's unfortunate but it's the reality and trust and believe that I am not about to spin out some sweet coated BS into this blog. Instead I'm going to serve it to you raw and real because that's exactly what I strive for in my practice and in my visit on this earth.
When someone asks me what my work is about, I don't always know how to articulate the thoughts into words. (I guess that's why I paint) How do I even begin to describe my own set of personal experiences and feelings that move through me and into creation. Instead, I often say my work is so much about feeling and it's about the viewers response to the work. The muses become a mirror-like reflection for the viewer as they unveil the beauty in vulnerability and begin to see beneath the layers.
Which leads me to discussing the struggle. I believe struggle is born out of fear. Fear of not feeling good enough, fear that other people will judge you, fear of feeling abandoned and unloved. The fear has reared its ugly head countless times throughout my arts practice, and it still continues to. While some days I have unwanted visits from my creative imposter syndrome, i've learnt to practice mindfulness and being conscious of these false narratives that can so easily take over. I've learnt to tear down the walls of stigma surrounding the struggling artist cliche. Repeat after me... I will not suffer for my art or work!
Ultimately, on the other side of fear is whattttt!!?? LOVEEEE SWEEET, SWEET LOVE. It is at the heart of my work. Love love love love always... It is the feeling we constantly chase and it's one thing that injects us with the most amount of joy.
In a world where we have become overstimulated and out of touch from the main source, I endeavour to bring a slice of magic to the world with my creations. I learn so much from them as they have become a visual journal of my personal evolution. Nature has been a guiding force for me and so I search for flow in my works and I offer the flow to you and hope that you find solace there.
Warmth and Love.
Brian Connolly.
(Sydney and Byron Bay based Artist. Painter).
“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”
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