Episode 60: Following Your Hunches to Find Your Sweet Spot with Nicholas Wilton of Art2Life
Nicholas Wilton shares the story of how art saved his life. Growing up with an artist father, he was nurtured in an environment where art wasn't just a passion but a viable career path with the promise of prosperity. However, a major economic downturn in 2008 became a pivotal moment that shattered his confidence and personal life, pushing him to seek refuge in his art. Determined to rise from the ashes, Nicholas returned to making deeply personal, impactful artwork. This period of struggle and self-discovery ultimately qualified him as a coach and teacher, enabling them to help others overcome their artistic insecurities and fears.
From this transformative experience emerged "Art2Life," an initiative dedicated to helping artists recognize that all the answers they seek are already within them.
Trust and Direct Your Energy
This artist's journey is like rollercoaster ride, from doubt to self-belief, and Nicholas's story is a testament to the power of intention and focus.
Nicholas had a breakthrough not by choice but by necessity. When life cornered him, he had no plan B. It was a make-it-or-break-it moment, and Nicholas had to trust in his work. This real-life lesson taught him that you don't need a crisis to start following your passion. You just need to decide and direct your energy towards what truly matters. Where you put your energy is where things happen.
Nicholas sees that his purpose is to show people what's possible. It's not about doing mundane tasks but embracing what makes you come alive. It's about finding the "juice" and channeling your energy into it. Whether it's art, music, writing, or any form of self-expression, the key is to pursue what ignites your passion.
Finding Your Sweet Spot
Nicholas doves into the art of finding your sweet spot and the elusive Plan B. He acknowledges the security blanket of having a Plan B, that escape route when things get tough. But he argues for a different approach.
He believes that it's not about abruptly quitting your soul-sucking job and diving headfirst into your passion. It's about a gradual shift, about moving towards that sweet spot. Whether you work a day job or have a backup plan, it's okay to keep it as you explore what truly brings you alive.
He speaks from his own experience, how he used to sell prints alongside his paintings until he realized he was more drawn to teaching. The key is to keep moving towards what lights your fire. It's a journey, and the pace doesn't matter as much as the direction. It's about taking small steps, building confidence, and relishing the process.
The Importance of Objectivity in Art Making
Nicholas emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and objectivity. He compares it to a party where someone is talking loudly, oblivious to the fact that there are others in the room. This lack of self-awareness can lead to discomfort and a feeling of oversharing.
In art, there are two conversations: the quiet, intimate one that's all about you, your soul, and the nuances, and the loud one that's the external view experienced by others. Nicholas encourages the need for both perspectives to create truly remarkable art. It's about finding a balance between the inner, personal experience and the external, communal aspect of art.
He underscores that this awareness not only enriches your art but also your interactions with the world. It's about making choices that align with your authentic self and considering how your art impacts not just you but also those who experience it. The key, according to Nicholas, is to develop discernment and make exceptional choices in art and life.
Following Your “Hunches”
Nicholas reinforces the idea that our souls already know what's right for us, and intuition is a powerful guide. The creative journey involves following these breadcrumbs, responding to what makes your soul sing. He highlights that our hunches and creative callings are incredibly patient. They won't shout at us, but they'll patiently wait for us to heed their call.
He encourages creators to look at the trail of work they've produced and discover what resonates with them and their audience. In the early stages, when it might feel like no one is listening or watching, the advantage lies in the courage to be different. Nicholas reminds us that many people secretly admire those who dare to follow their creative calling. Vulnerability becomes a secret weapon in this journey. Sharing your personal story and the journey of becoming you is as vital as the art itself. It's about letting your audience connect with your authenticity. In the creative realm, embracing vulnerability, humility, and the lessons learned from life's ups and downs is the recipe for creating substantial, impactful work.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Even if it feels scary, making choices that align with your inner voice and following your creative hunches is crucial to the artistic journey.
Strong personal work will eventually attract people. Own it and share your journey as personally and honestly as you can.
Finding your creative "sweet spot" means creating work that genuinely resonates with your inner self, even if it doesn't conform to traditional norms or expectations.
What we put our energy into is where things happen.
Separating yourself from your art and gaining awareness of both the intimate, personal aspect and the external, public aspect of your creative process is vital. This objectivity helps you improve your discernment and make better choices in your art and life.
Embrace vulnerability and share your journey with others. Your story of becoming and entering in your full self is just as important as the art you create. Tell the story of you, not just the story of your work.
Nicholas is a fine artist and also the founder of Art2Life, a platform that helps people discover and ignite their art using a new approach to creativity and life. Art2Life offers creative coaching through the Art2Life Destination Workshops, the Art2Life Academy, SPARK and the Creative Visionary Program.Nicholas Wilton was born in San Fransisco, California. As a teenager he studied design with the German contemporary glass artist, Ludwig Schaffrath, who catalyzed his ongoing passion for art making. Nicholas studied art at the College of Creative Studies in Santa Barbara and then went on to receive his BFA from Art Center of Design in Pasadena, California.
Wilton’s paintings are seen in yearly gallery exhibitions, International Art Fiae, and are included in numerious private and corporate collection in both the United States and Europe. His paintings have also been used on the covers of the nation bestseller “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz, and Brene Brown’s “The Gift of Imperfection.” In the spring of 2022 the US Postal service released a series of “mindfulness” stamps featuring Nicholas’s art.
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