Meet Deidre Blair

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Deidre Blair. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Deidre, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

I opened an art gallery.

Until then, I had been painting, selling my work at fairs, coffeehouses, occasionally making it into a “real gallery show.” When people galled me an artist I balked. I wasn’t making my living from my art. I certainly wasn’t the most talented artist. Who was I to call myself an artist?

Then the pandemic happened. My “real job” disappeared and as we came out of the quarantine a small space in town that I had always dreamed of becoming my own gallery became available. I took a giant leap of faith and decided to go for it.

As I prepared my new space for what was to become The 3 Sisters Gallery, I remember saying to myself “you’re opening a gallery, you need to accept that you’re an artist.” It was a deliberate moment that I shelved my imposter syndrome. If I was going to open a gallery, I needed to step into the role of artist 100%.. and so I did.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am an oil painter. I own an art gallery in northern New Hampshire. The gallery is also my working studio.
I opened The 3 Sisters Gallery in July of 2021. I currently have 20 other artists whose work I show at the gallery. They include candle makers, potters, metal smiths, jewelers, painters, fiber and paper artists, wood workers, and stained glass artists.

I host a variety of art classes, teaching some and more often bring in teachers. I host gallery shows throughout the year having an open call for art. Recently I had a Tuckerman Ravine inspired show. In November I am hosting an Upcycle Art Show.

My focus for this new year (I start my gallery in July) is to get my own art in other venues and shows. I’ve done several fairs this year already and have a few more left

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. One goal I had when I opened my gallery was that it wasn’t to be stressful. I was my own boss now and I made the decisions. If something felt stressful or caused me too much anxiety/worry, then the answer was “no.”
I am a big believer in energy and I only wanted feelings of joy and positivity associated with the gallery. I wanted those who came into the gallery to feel that positivity.
For me, not being stressed out means I love coming to work, it’s a place I look forward to coming to and want to create and grow..
2. I’m flexible. As a military brat who grew up moving often, I learned how to be flexible early on. Be willing to accommodate, be willing to change to direction, be will to follow, be willing to lead. Always keep learning.
3. Use resources in your area! For me that was the Coos Economic Development Corp. They provided free business support when I first opened, a year after opening I got a grant from them to update my websites. There are resources out there, find them, use them! They want to help you, let them help.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

1. When I feel overwhelmed, I spend time outdoors, with people I love, or just being home. I love being home!
2. I refuse to allow my work to stress me out. As I mentioned before, I made this a goal for my business. If I’m stressed out making art, running my gallery, something is wrong. Yes, there a times when things are hectic and there are things I don’t enjoy doing, but are part of running a business. But it’s a priority that I make sure those things don’t stress me out.
Tax season is very stressful to me, but I hire an accountant. The money I pay him is worth every penny to avoid the anxiety I normally would feel when doing my own tax prep.
I space out the time between art fairs so I am never feeling overwhelmed.
I say “no” to things that don’t really interest me or feed my soul or require too much time even if I’m getting well paid.
I say “yes” as much as I can.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

All images are my own, Deidre Balir

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