We recently connected with Vickie (VJ) Thurston and have shared our conversation below.
Vickie (VJ), 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 words 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.
So, I had to look up “imposter syndrome” to see if I have it! I quickly identified with some of the aspects of this syndrome, especially recently while teaching an art class for the town that I live in.
Sykesville Downtown Connection applied for and received a grant to offer free art classes to our community. The classes were free for the students, but the selected art teachers were paid for their time and supplies. I was excited to be selected to teach the adult art class!
I have noticed that in the realm of art and painting I do feel “unqualified” at times, because I don’t have a degree in art. In other words, I consider myself “uncredentialed”. Teaching what I am usually (notice the hesitation) able to do in my painting is wholly different than teaching it to someone else, in my mind. What are the first steps? Drawing? Charcoal? Then on to painting? I definitely felt like an imposter as I came up with lesson plans for the class. Applying to teach the class was a breeze–actually feeling qualified to teach it, despite being an oil painter for the last 30 years, was scary!
But, I screwed up my wavering courage and took on the class. I was happily surprised that the class filled up quickly and they had to cut off registrations. I came up with flexible lesson plans for the six week class which would allow me to switch gears if things weren’t going well and it became obvious to the class that I didn’t know what I was talking about! (Another imposter syndrome trait, I presume)
Students chose from a collection of photos that I took of historic buildings around Sykesville. This was the predetermined theme of the class. They each had their own canvas size photo to work from and their choice of acrylic or oil paint. I taught them how to transfer the photo to the canvas and set about painting. I mostly walked around the class answering questions, giving suggestions here and there. On reflection, I felt mostly inadequate to explain how to approach issues, but my students seemed to appreciate what I offered. I was surprised by this, of course, and also surprised that I actually had things to say that addressed the issues they had. By the last class, folks had bonded into a nice artist community and they were trying to talk me into teaching an ongoing class that they would have to pay for…the ultimate compliment. Someone willing to compensate me for my knowledge! It was the same feeling of surprise as when I sell a painting. Someone likes my work enough to pay for it. I guess I have imposter syndrome written all over me!
I would say that teaching this class, continuing to paint and selling one occasionally, has been the best way to overcome feeling like an imposter. I know that going forward, teaching this class has given me more confidence that I do have some expertise to offer others in their artistic endeavors. But, even as I write this, I feel the lack of confidence at the same time. I guess this will be an ongoing struggle. After all, putting my art and ability to teach it out into the world is a very vulnerable thing to do. As quickly as it can be praised and accepted, my artistic offerings can be rejected, so if I depend on what others say about it, I am “up a creek without a paddle” as they say. I suspect that I will keep throwing myself out there and trust that there is enough Love to catch me if things go bad!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I began my journey as an artist at age 14 after being inspired by a middle school art teacher. I have been involved with art in some way ever since. After raising four kids, I began taking classes again in photography, drawing and painting. Currently, and for the last 20+ years, I have been a student of Howard County resident artist, David Zuccarini, to whom I credit learning the best of my art skills.
My paintings are inspired by all things beautiful, especially when the light on the subject brings a certain “magic” glow. I also enjoy painting expressions of my personal experiences related to my faith in imaginative, creative ways. This is reflected in my slogan–“Following the light in life and art”
My paintings have been displayed at many museums and shows in the mid-Atlantic region, including juried shows at the Howard County Art Council, the Washington County Museum of Art and Montpelier Art Center in Laurel, Maryland. Several years ago I was commissioned by the Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County to create a work depicting life in Carroll County as residences dream it can be. The painting has traveled around the county on display at various libraries and county agencies. This year, I was excited and honored to be accepted into the BMRE (Biennial Maryland Regional Juried Exhibit) as one of 160 artists chosen out of over 450 applicants. This show is currently up at the exhibition hall.
My artwork can be viewed at vjthurstonart.com.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Well, as far as qualities, I think that artists come in all shapes and sizes! Maybe the stereo type of an artist’s personality is a moody, eccentric and maybe a bit of an introverted personality. But, for myself, I don’t think I represent the stereo type, so maybe there isn’t one in reality. The quality that most influences me is the overflow of ideas. In fact, my ideas can drive me crazy at times and even cause me to “stall out,” trying to make decisions about what idea to pursue next. This quality carries over to all areas of my life, not just art.
I have pursued those areas of skill that I need to learn in order to create and bring my ideas to reality. Even when we struggled financially raising our four children, I made it a priority to come up with the bit of money I needed to keep taking class from my mentor, David Zuccarini. I also signed up for inexpensive classes in art and photography at community colleges. It took time, but I was able to gain the skill set that I wanted.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
What an interesting question! I don’t think there is a right or wrong way to be who you are. As an example, my husband of almost 50 years, is a classical pianist. He has three degrees in music, ending up with a Doctorate of Musical Arts. Although he was never able to have a career in music that would support our family, he has never stopped investing in his piano skills. Even when he was working fulltime for the government, he would still practice 1-2 hours a day. Now that he is retired, he practices 4-5 hours a day! His skills at the piano are amazing and he regularly performs in our community.
In contrast, I struggle to stop what I am doing and just paint. I have a studio in my home, I have the supplies and I have the skills gained from being an artist over 40 years, but it is not the first thing I think of doing in a given day. I have way too many ideas and interests that keep me from focusing on just my painting or photography. Does this make me “more well rounded” than my husband or does it make me, me?
I believe that whether a person is focused and dedicated to learning a skill that they love, or, someone who has many interests and therefore don’t become as skilled in one thing, they should follow their God-given personalities and pursue what they are meant to purse. Be who you are meant to be!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vjthurstonart.com
- Instagram: @vjthurstonart
- Facebook: Vickie Thurston (personal page) VJ Thurston (business page)
Image Credits
Brittany Thurston
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
