This video seemed quite poignant to me after my big weekend at the Gold Coast Art Fair.

I was able to sneak a peak at the entire show, and indeed, saw many crowd stand outs!  I 

almost felt like, "OMG!  I cannot believe that I was selected to show my art along side so 

many talented, unique artists!"  Talk about intimidating!  After this weekend,

I have gained a new confidence, one

that will hopefully inspire me to do more of what I think I can't do!  To push the limits, and

stretch my skills onto the canvas, without fear of failure.  My goal is to learn to believe that I am

the secret ingredient to my own success.  My authenticity and my ability to be my true self is what

will ultimately make creating and selling my art into a lucrative, full time career.

 

Doing an art show, heck, even applying and being judged to get accepted into an art show, let alone

one in downtown Chicago, is something I never dreamed I thought I would have the stones to do!  I 

did it anyway.  I did it all "afraid" as I have heard other people say.  I sent in my application "afraid",

I waited "afraid", I planned "afraid", I drove my husband, mom, friends and family crazy "afraid", 

I packed for the show "afraid", I drove to Chicago "afraid", set up the booth "afraid", my friends can

attest that I even had a panic attack before the first day of the show kind of "afraid", I talked to new

clients "afraid", sent emails "afraid"....you get the idea?  The point is, you may always have fear.  I 

know that I am just hard wired this way, to be anxious.  It's what you do with that fear that really

matters.  You have 2 choices.  Hide and let fear win, resulting in nothing gained by anyone, or do 

what you dream of anyway, fear and all, resulting in gained experiences by you and all you encounter!

Ultimately, it's your choice.  YOU'VE GOT THE POWER!

 

I have always known, that fear of failure is my biggest obstacle in life.  I have performance anxiety.

I used to think that was just a man problem, but, nope, it's real for me as well!  I had so much worry of all the 

unknowns for this event, but guess what, I survived!  I am hoping that each time I do a little more of 

what I think I can't do, that I will beat my fears right in the arse.  

 

At the risk of sounding like a crazy person, which I might very well be, I have begun talking back to fear.

I tell it to go F*** itself, because this woman has s*** to accomplish, and I don't have time for fear to hold 

me back.  So what, maybe I am crazy, aren't we all?  My thought process is, if I can show one other person

how to kick their fears in the ass, then I have made my mark in this world.  

 

Imagine a world where talented people lifted the veil they have been hiding under in fear!  Imagine all the 

amazing beauty and awesomeness we could all enjoy from each other!  I mean, really!  What if The Beatles

decided that they didn't think they could handle success, or that they weren't good enough to compete in

the music world?  What a loss that would have been for all of us to not know the amazing music they

shared with the world!

 

This is what I want for anyone who is in hiding and afraid to share their true light. Lift your head out from under that hiding place, hold 

it high, and be proud of who you are and what you have to offer this world, and if you are afraid, know that

you are not the only one who has that fear, and get out there anyway!

 

Next time you are afraid to let your light shine, go ahead, say it out loud!  Trust me, it feels so good!

Tell Fear, a/k/a, the Devil, to go fuck himself, because you got shit

to do!  Share with us the good that you do and give glory to God!  AMEN!!!

 

God Bless You All!

 

Authentically Yours,

-M

 

Check out scenes from my booth at this year's Gold Coast Art Fair!  

Special thanks to: 

all who have supported me since January, in deciding to take the plunge into doing

the Gold Coast Art Fair in Chicago!  Couldn't have done it with out all of your encouragement!

Especially, my husband and my rock, Tim, my kids, my moms Pauline and Donna, my family,

and my dear friends who voluntarily came to Chicago to help me!  Love you Shannon, Robin, Stephanie and Aryn!

Thanks for putting up with my neurotic self during the show, and for making sure I remembered to eat and drink!

 

 

Get 10% off a custom dog portrait or ink sketch when you order by June 30, 2018!  Email me at info@mariestephensart.com for a free estimate. 

 

Click Here to see some samples of my work.