We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chris Weller a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Chris, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
When I bring this subject up with other artists, their response is almost always, “You too?” Feeling like an imposter just comes with the territory. I don’t think we ever get over it, it just becomes part of the way artists see themselves and their work. There is so much rejection to steel oneself against when you are creating and submitting to galleries and competitions. For me, working in shared studio environments and attending figure drawing sessions has been invaluable. Constructive criticism and a chance to share work and ideas with other artists helps me stay focused and confident.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I can’t remember ever trying to decide what I was going to “do with my life”. Some of my earliest childhood memories are of standing at my kindergarten easel. I have worked as a house painter, groom and stable hand, housekeeper and private chef to support my art career. My family moved a few times when I was young and I think that encouraged me to not feel rooted. I lived in a several different places after completing my fine arts degree. I was consistently making art but the work was mostly focused on continuing to develop my skills and not on any specific ideas. When I moved to New York my work quickly changed. The urban landscape and cultural diversity of the city inspired me and made me feel at home. I love exploring the complex and fragile balance of nature entwined with the imposed built environment of the city. Most recently I have been returning to portraiture to explore the connection the people here have with their city and its environment.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Develop a work ethic. Inspiration is for amateurs as my painting teacher used to say. Making art is difficult and if you wait around to “feel it” nothing will happen. You have to work and continue to learn in order to be able to communicate your ideas.
2. Develop habits that keep pushing you forward. Continue to draw from the figure and keep a sketchbook with you. Learn to say no and prioritize a schedule for being in the studio, going to galleries and museums and getting your work in front of people (social media, entering competitions and shows, etc).
3. Develop a thick skin. If you are making art, rejection is your middle name. Enter your work, press send and forget about it. If you read your comments be prepared to be annoyed. Stay true to your ideas and vision and work towards your goals. Get feedback from people you respect. Don’t give up.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My friend Eli built all of my websites, starting when he was 14. He is your basic genius creative and I owe so much of my continued confidence in pursuing an artists life to him. Over the years he has taught me technical skills as well as career navigational skills. I have always worked hard in the studio and tried to get my work in front of people, but I didn’t have the computer or networking knowledge that one needs now. My chops are still pretty dull mind you, but when I get stuck he is always there for me. I hope everyone out there finds their Eli. I’m lucky.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nycdrawings.com
- Instagram: chriswellernyc
