There’s a moment every artist faces when they decide to share their work publicly. It’s a mix of excitement and dread. You might ask yourself: Why am I doing this? Who wants to see this? What’s it all for?
These questions are natural, especially in a society that often equates value with productivity and profit. In such a landscape, taking the time—and sometimes the money—to exhibit artwork can feel self-indulgent. It can feel like a risk, one that’s hard to justify unless there’s a clear return.
I have asked myself the same questions, and they led me to a long break from exhibiting and a nerve racking return to it this month!
Having a break from exhibiting your artwork isn’t always a bad thing. After many years of constantly pushing for shows, I needed a break to focus on other things for a while. But, we shouldn’t let fear or insecurity stop us from doing it when really we want to be seen.
Here’s the truth, you don’t need to justify the fact that you want to show your artwork.
Art is expression. It’s connection. It’s a reflection of your inner world or how you connect to the outer world, and that alone makes it worth sharing. I’ve had to remind myself of this recently, as I prepare to exhibit my own work. I’ve felt the doubts creep in, the questioning of purpose and worth. But I’ve also felt the quiet conviction that this is something I need to do—for me.
And deep down, I’m excited! I can’t wait to see what it feels like seeing my drawing up on the wall and to connect with other artists about my work.
So I’m taking a leaf out of my own book and choosing to forget the metrics. I’m choosing to exhibit not because it’s profitable, but because it’s personal. Because it matters to me.
And I want to encourage you to do the same. If you’ve been holding back, waiting for permission or validation, consider this your sign. Share your work. Celebrate your creativity. Do it for you.
Because your art deserves to be seen. And so do you.