A series of short essays -

What is a SELF-TAUGHT ARTIST?

The pros and cons of Art School versus SELF-TAUGHT.

How to use Creative Expansionist techniques to grow your Art.

How to become a successful Artist?

My MENTOR and Advice for a PATH FORWARD.

1968 was a tumultuous year in the USA. I was 16, realizing just how my life and opportunities had changed due to my family's relocation. My social and familiar resources no longer existed. I found myself without a clue about how to salvage my cherished vision of becoming an Artist.

I auditioned and won a year's mentorship with Jack Cartlidge, working in his private studio once a week, in Sarasota FL. While I was learning assorted sculpture techniques for near full-scale human figures; we had conversations about my creative hopes and dreams.   Jack also snuck me into figure drawing classes he was teaching at the Ringling School of Art. That lasted only until some students complained…I wasn’t a paying student.

My frustrations were acute; how could I achieve my dream to become an Artist without an Art School Degree? The serious discussions we shared led to clarifying my goals and understanding the limited resources I had available. Laying it all out helped me see my options in a new light…it still was not good.

I suspect Jack took an extra deep and cautious breath, before offering me a unique but viable way forward as he explained a new paradigm for achieving my dream.

First off, he expressed his faith in my talent and my determination.                                                                                                  Then he said, “Art School is not the only way.”                                                                                                                                                       My ears perked up. Despite his being a professor of Art at two University level Art Schools. …there was an alternative?

He suggested a new path… to find creative jobs that offered some support from creative people while learning my art. He warned me this road would be exceedingly difficult, at times a slow road, and sometimes hungry and lonely.  Stressing his belief in my abilities; he had faith in me and my talent. That I could succeed!

I would be working alone, following my own interests. When I found an Artist whose Art I admired, I might take a workshop, apprentice with, or share a studio space.  If I wanted to learn a new medium or technique, I could take a single class.  But focus on my intentions and follow my own muse.

My advancement and success would be entirely in my own hands. It would be through my own efforts to make the opportunities for developing my unique creative voice on my own while maintaining my individuality and evolution into the artist I needed to be.

Then he said the magic words -"Find ways to “EARN AS I LEARNED.”                                                                                                                   I took his faith and directions to heart and stepped forward and into my life

NOTE: Jack Cartlidge was an art professor at Ringling Art School and a founding member of the Art Department at New College in Sarasota, FL. He had many of his sculptures installed throughout the Southeast.

Self-Taught Artists can face extra challenges as they “make it” in the wide world.

There is no program (that I know of) to CERTIFY that this (insert your name) - self-Taught Artist has met all the requirements and is now qualified by…WHO?

It is each individual artist’s dedication and development to their Art that becomes their credentials.

Art schools have changed their curriculum since the late 1960s; less Studio Arts and more towards esoteric ideas and events…were if I had not read the artists statement at the beginning of the exhibit…I may find I am scratching my head in dismayed frustration.

I have come to realize I would not have been happy at the prestigious Schools that I had dreamed of attending. Had my opportunities been different, I may never have become WHO I am now…

I would expect an Arts School graduate to receive (versus the Self-Taught Artist) the connections, insider knowledge, and the Art-speak to talk about their Art. Hopefully, they should have learned how to develop their career; how to approach Galleries, apply for Competitions and Grants, and other valuable Business knowledge. That expensive Degree can open doors easier that will validate their Art.

They also likely have that heavy burden of debt to pay off.

But there can be a downside…beyond the debt.

Over the years I’ve met many Arts School graduates, including those who sobbed on my shoulder, from the memories of art professors’ vicious verbal beatdowns, while ripping their art and dreams to shreds! Destroying their sense of worth and their passion for Art… Sadly, some of them never recovered to find their love and hope for ART again… NOT THE RIGHT LESSON!

Whether they soldier through to receive their degree or not, most found some way to use their talents in business. Or filled their attics with unfinished (failed?) canvases. But the shame I’ve sensed from them, of rejection, of NOT fulfilling their vision for their full potential was real. And heartbreaking.

As a Self-Taught Artist, I’ve had to prove myself, repeatedly… I faced people telling me “Well, you did not graduate from Art School, so WE are not likely to use/hire/represent…. YOU!”. OH OUCH!

This meant I had to work extra hard, often for less pay, to prove myself. Ultimately working into the job, I first applied for! Where my art proved valuable. And, where I could gain more knowledge (a bonus!)

ALWAYS look for opportunities that will, through osmosis, be adding to your knowledge and can assist the development of your art!

I often wonder why some “Art Deciders” had such little faith in their own sense of what’s GOOD or BAD ART… But I’ve occasionally been a salesperson in Galleries on Canyon Road in Santa Fe and elsewhere: the MANY hopeful artists walking in with their portfolios can get overwhelming! The competition is fierce.

The Galleries MUST SELL substantial amounts of Art, for particularly good prices, to cover the cost of every single square foot of wall…PLUS everything else about running a Gallery.

Regardless of your road…Being a successful (if not wildly famous) ARTIST is a tough road to travel, It takes real effort and dedication!