Frankie Watt-Elphinstone in StudioWe all like to stay in our comfort zones, and when something shakes that comfort zone, we tend to revert to what we know, who we think we are, and what we're safe with. Getting to a place where you’re comfortable with being uncomfortable means stepping outside yourself, being able to take criticism and advice, even though you might not agree with it. It's important to be seen in a curated show and assessed by a jury with knowledge about the art world. It gives you recognition, it gives you validation for what you're doing, and seeing your work up in a gallery with other pieces that have been brought together in the same context gives you a sense of where you fit in the contemporary art world. It’s really beneficial. You don’t tend to get that depth of thought just showing to family and friends. People you know will say everything you do is wonderful (whether they’re honest or not), but being in a curated show really sharpens you up!Getting to a place where you’re comfortable with being uncomfortable means stepping outside yourself
"Rejection is part of the process. It’s important to be comfortable with it."
Frankie Watt-Elphinstone's Studio
Red Shoes by Frankie Watt ElphinstoneSelf challenge is definitely a big part of what I do and I'm probably more critical of myself than other people are of me. I'm learning all the time. I don't feel I ever do a piece and think, ‘Wow, this can't be improved’. I'm always going back into what I do, asking myself, ‘How can I develop these ideas? What is this about? Is there something I need to know here?’ Because being an artist is a constantly evolving process - there’s never an end point."Self challenge is definitely a big part of what I do (...) Because being an artist is a constantly evolving process - there’s never an end point.
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Frankie's website: www.wattelphinstone.com
Follow her instagram: @wattelphinstone
Ready to go beyond your own boundaries? Visit the Federation of Canadian Artists' website today and enter this year’s On The Edge - submit today!
Watch and Listen to Frankie's Full Interview in the Opus Visual Podcast
