Artist Dilemma #1

You recently completed a body of work, and the response was lukewarm. What motivates you to start on a new body of work?

This is one of the difficulties of being an artist. I work alone in my studio everyday, in isolation. I don't know what the response to my work will be until I unveil an entire series, either by doing a show or by doing a mailing.

I can ask my friends what they think, but most of them don't really know about art and the art world. They say that my work looks great, because they know me and they like me. The reaction of people who don't know me is different.

I've never before had a job where my work wasn't valued and appreciated. Sometimes the art world is kind and accepting, and sometimes it's not. Without a doubt, this is the most challenging job I've ever had.