Feeling the fear and doing it anyway
My Pivot
Or just going back in time
Hi everyone,
I thought I better do an update for everyone out there finding me for the first time.
I'm Ngaio, an artist living in sunny Napier, New Zealand. My name is Māori for those who are curious, I’m pakeha. The pronunciation can be a bit tricky for some it has a silent G. I grew up in Dunedin and part of my heart stayed there when I left. I definitely don't miss the weather though. You can read more on my about page.
My studio is in a corner of our home but often I spread out into other parts of the house.
I’m about to pivot with my art practice.
Correcting the course
Honestly, I’m terrified of what I’m about to do, I’ve been heading down a path that no longer feels right to my journey. I’m not really pivoting as I’ve been here before I’m realigning my path to correct where I will end up. I may lose some lovely people from my community along the way but I have to do it. Thank you to all those that have been with me up to this point and hello to new people that will join me as I move back into oil painting.
“What was clear to me was that something was happening, and that something was a train I couldn’t stop or slow down or get off. ...”
Finding what makes you feel alive
Painting does this for me
I've always been a massive reader and have worked in libraries since I was 20, I've been transiting out of library work for the past few years. Which is scary but I'm so ready to let it go.
I majored in painting at University but have been avoiding it for 8 years. At first, I had a change in living situation and then a pregnancy. I really struggled with what to paint and turned to embroidery as an outlet.
I'm now ready to return to oil painting after a health wake-up call (More on that story another time). I'm scared that I won't be any good, no one will like my paintings(Even me). I've distracted myself with other mediums, with commissions and teaching. My son is 7 now so my excuses are wearing very thin. I have a series planned and even the one after that mulling away.
Do you have any helpful strategies that have helped you live with fear and do what you want to do anyway? I'd love to hear them. Contact me here with your thoughts
I have one stitched home commission to finish then my easel is out, I have some canvases ready to prime and some paints and brushes.
I need my lovely community here to hold me accountable. If you’d like to follow my journey I’m mostly sharing it over on Instagram
Get ready to see some rusty paintings. Be kind. i’ll be sure to share my journey here and on Insta along the way.