When You Overcommit
Image Caption Goes Here
Floorcloth Prep
What does it mean to overcommit? Why do artists seem to be more prone
to it than others? And what can we do when we find ourselves in this
kind of pickle?
While I write primarily for artists and art collectors, it really
doesn't matter what walk of life you're in. Overcommitting is something
nearly everyone does at some point. How we deal with it depends a lot
on how we choose to view it.
Let's start with The Oxford Dictionary's definition: "to oblige oneself
to do more than one is capable of," or "to allocate more resources to a
purpose than can be provided." This often refers to risky financial
behavior. But in the art world, it refers more often to offering one's
labor, expertise, and materials without first considering what it might
mean to us and to the people who could be affected by a hasty decision.
I will admit to you, now that it's over, that I did exactly this about
a month ago. I heard of a need and I opened my big mouth before I had
time to think it through. It happens from time to time. Sometimes it
costs me big and sometimes it actually works out ok. In this case, it
worked out better than expected. More on this later.
But why do we overcommit? Could it be we just want people to like us?
Doesn't everyone want that? The problem comes when we crave it so much
that we want someone, or a group of someones, to see us as the solution
to all their problems. We get to be their hero for a bit and it feels
so good, that is until the warm fuzzy wears off, reality sets in, and
we find ourselves in over our heads. Then what happens? Once the crisis
is past us, we declare, "Never doin' THAT again!" And we don't for a
while. Then the craving returns and we repeat the mistake we said we
never would. That right there is the description of a chronic
overcommitter. Is that really me? Yep! Guilty!
I could blame it on my parents. Dad could have made a killing selling
the orchids he grew and that Mama crafted into corsages. He could have
provided a much better lifestyle for his many offspring. Seemed like we
were always and forever broke. Instead, he gave away most of the blooms
to anyone who expressed awe at his ability to grow beautiful things.
Let's just say we had the worst-dressed family but the best-dressed
school bus drivers, teachers, nurses, grocers, and neighbors in Huron
Township because of their generosity. If I could turn back time, I
wouldn't change that for the world! Would I really trade the fierce
pride I felt for them for store-bought clothes or a few more amenities?
Absolutely not! Dad's chronic overcommitment might have cost our family
some things, but the return was priceless.
Generosity and the desire to belong are what usually drive us to
overcommit. These are not bad things unless we hurt others in the
process. So what do we do when we find ourselves about to volunteer for
something when deep down we know it's going to come with a price we may
not be able or willing to pay? We humble ourselves, admit that we spoke
in haste, and ask for help. And we keep our promise. That's what we do.
No 'buts.' We can surely find a way to make it happen without ditching
on the people who count on us. If we don't, pretty soon people learn
not to trust. And integrity, friends, is crucial in every aspect of our
lives. Sometimes we are simply not in a position to follow through. But
most of the time, it's just a matter of having to get creative and work
harder than usual to keep a promise. It may mean giving up a whole
weekend or not eating out for a month or three. And hopefully, if we
can't eliminate our impulsivity entirely, we can learn to practice
cautious-overcommittment.
Earlier, I indicated that a recent event sparked this discussion. Well
here it is:
In the January board meeting of the Artist's Society of Dearborn where
I serve as recording secretary, we were discussing what to do for the
February general meeting. Our group decided awhile back that we wanted
to do more hands-on activities, giving members the opportunity to
experience different art mediums and methods. We batted a few ideas
around and then silence set in. I don't particularly like the sound of
chirping crickets and I did honestly want to be of help, so I offered
to teach the group how to paint floorcloths. In those moments of
silence before I opened my big mouth, I partially worked out whether
this was actually feasible in a two-hour general meeting. But the
moment it was out the board immediately approved it, and it was then
that I realized what I had committed to. Floorcloths are extremely
labor-intensive and kind of expensive to prep before they can be
painted. I would have to purchase about $100 worth of heavy Duck fabric
and primer. Then it takes hours and hours to cut the fabric and staple
it to heavy plywood so it would keep its shape when primed. Then the
priming itself takes many hours, with two to three coats on each side.
Then there was the time needed to compose a supply list and present the
idea to the general membership. I knew the actual designing and
decorative painting could be done within the meeting time. It was all
the lead up that worried me.
And then there was the stress of not knowing how many people would show
up for the event. We do have some non-painters in the group after all.
Would they be intimidated? Did I mention that I hate the sound of
crickets?
As it turned out, we funded at least most of the materials from our
club treasury and decided to sell the artwork at an upcoming silent
auction to raise funds for club activities. Sure, I spent a little out
of pocket, but a recent upturn in sales meant I had a little wiggle
room. Our president, Jena S. spent several hours one evening helping me
prime. We had a somewhat small turn-out due to sickness, an impending
winter storm, and possibly some disinterest in the floorcloth activity.
But those who came, including some photographers who don't paint, had a
wonderful time learning something new. The resulting artwork was really
beautiful and demonstrated a wide variety of styles. Several of them
even purchased some of the left-over primed fabric to paint a
floorcloth for their own homes, thus allowing the club to recoup a
sizeable portion of the funds spent. This small intimate group of brave
souls really enjoyed themselves. Jokes flew as frequently as paint
flecks and people shared their skills with each other.
When it was all over and I was home last night sipping tea in my cuddly
socks and pjs, I reflected on whether or not this was really a case of
overcommittment. After all, there was no real loss involved except that
I will have to work a little harder to meet all my upcoming deadlines.
Was it worth the emotional stress, hours of hard work, and possible
rejection by the group? Depends on how you look at it. I have to remind
myself that the fact that it turned out well does not mean it was a
smart move. It could have gone very very differently. So the next time
I feel the urge to raise my hand to volunteer for something this
demanding, I will hopefully pause and count the cost before committing
to it. I may still do it if it's a worthy endeavor that I'm available
and willing to help with. But at least I plan to go into it a little
wiser.
What about you? Have you ever committed to something that cost you more
time or resources than you intended? How did you work through it?
Please leave a comment.
Curious
Curious
Upcoming Event
Two of my paintings have been accepted into "Women's Work 2020," an
exhibit sponsored by The Detroit Society of Women Painters and
Sculptors (DSWPS). The exhibit is hosted at the Black Box Gallery 3700
Monroe Dearborn, MI 48124 and runs March 6-28th. Opening reception is
March 6th from 5-10pm. I would love to see you there.
April Giveaway
Are you ready for spring? Me too! I will be painting a series of small
color studies with a spring theme and offering one of them in the next
giveaway the last week of April. Color studies are original oil
paintings done with the purpose of working out composition and color
for larger works. They are intended to help me build skill. Though very
small, they are still artworks in their own right. Watch for more info
in upcoming newsletters.
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