Artists count on wealth of help during festivals

CHERRIL DOTY

“While creating our life as art requires an independence from our

prevailing circumstances, if we can create a supportive atmosphere

for ourselves, we make our job easier.” -- Robert Fritz

It is the people.

No matter who you are or what you do, your world is made up of

people. Some are on your side. Some are neutral. Some are not on your

side. Who do you choose?

When it comes right down to it, we must rely on ourselves. But

there is a host of others surrounding us who can and often do lend

their support. And this support often comes in ways unimagined.

As the many artists participating in this year’s festivals will

attest, the preparation that goes into putting on the show is

enormous. It is very difficult to do it alone. Even those who do most

of the work of building booths themselves have support of some kind.

Some offer physical support. Others offer the emotionally supportive

environment so necessary. Sometimes it is only a smile. Sometimes so

much more. Each artist chooses, though, the infrastructure that gives

support and nourishment...or not.

Most creators learn early to surround themselves with people who

support them, support what they are doing and rally for their

success. If they do not, they only create more work for themselves,

more psychic injury, more stress. If they do not, too much of their

energy goes into work other than their art. Much of their energy goes

into defending themselves and their art, in resisting outside forces.

This is not to say that one should surround oneself with attentive

flatterers. Sometimes support comes in the form of people who will

tell you the bad news, but who care about your success. If one has

chosen carefully, this can be like having extra sensory abilities --

more eyes, more ears, more views all at once.

This year, as I watched those around me getting ready for the

opening night of the Sawdust Festival, I saw a great deal of support.

Some of it was overt -- friends and family bearing the weight of

carrying art, hanging it, bearing food for the party, offering to run

errands, and more. Some of it was less obvious -- friends just

showing up, just being there in silent support of the artist’s

efforts, enjoying their success. Some of the artists clearly

supported each other in subtle ways as well. All of this was

energizing and nourishing.

I also felt support extended my own direction and I would like to

take this opportunity to thank some of those whose solid and

nourishing support I have felt in preparing for this and other shows.

Thank you, Helen McNamara, for all the ‘bits’ and the enthusiasm

and the friendly, helpful critiques. Thank you, Susan Wade, for the

seeds planted. Thank you, Marsh Scott, for the years of friendship

and support. Thank you, Catharine Cooper, for always being there and

for the pushes and shoves when I didn’t always want to move. Thank

you, Michele Taylor, for your enthusiasm and talent.

There are so many others -- too many -- to thank. Jay Grant, for

all the kindness. Olivia Batchelder for the gentle, soft-spoken

‘knowing.’ Fred Sattler for good, sound advice and wife, Jan, for

book support. Thanks to Michele’s mom Barbara for the food and the

beautiful smile. Thanks to friend, Rick, for the help with the booth

and the quiet appreciation.

So many people make this all work for me. How can I get them all

in? Mary Ann, Ket, John, Penny, Rachel, Alan, Erica, Erna, Pat, Jim

and John, Donna, Sue, Betty, Mollie, Jennifer, Rebecca, Dolores,

Robina, Cathy and Katie...I just can’t name you all. Especially, too,

I must extend my gratitude to my family -- to Mike for building the

booth once again and ongoing support; to Jenna for the good eye for

detail and the willingness to do more; to my mother and sister for

their gentle support; and to Kendall and Patrick for all the

encouragement; and to Christian for the nourishing breaks from it

all.

It is all of these people and more who are, for me, the supportive

team that allows me to feel momentum, vitality, energy, growth and

drive. I think I’ve chosen well. Thank you all. I count this as

success.

* Cherril Doty is a creative life coach and artist, exploring the

mysteries of life as they come. You can reach her by e-mail at

[email protected] or by calling 949-251-3883