Opportunity + Courage

Reflections on navigating creative self-doubt and artistic opportunity

Photo taken right after the podcast recording.

It might sound uncool, but when I received the invitation to be a part of the May 2025 Behind the Glass Gallery exhibit, I was so surprised and thrilled I literally had to sit down.

Throughout this process, I have to keep reminding myself… It’s OK to be new to something. It’s OK to be anxious. It’s OK to show it really matters to you. I came across a couple different quotes recently that spoke to me in this regard and also seemed in conversation with each other:

Anxiety is the handmaiden of creativity. - T.S. Eliot

Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage. - Anaïs Nin

These bits of wisdom are comforting and encouraging because—

1. Yes, anxiety is totally normal in the face of creative vulnerability.

2. And yes, the more you move through anxiety in the direction of your creative heart, the more your world will expand.

While preparing for the opening (Friday, May 2, 6–8 pm), I've experienced this expansion. I’ve connected more with the local art community, learned a few new practical skills (aka how to wire a frame), and gained clarity around the meaning of my personal photography.

I recently joined the two other May artists and the curators—who've been organizing this monthly exhibit for several years—to record this podcast episode. There was something special about sharing stories and perspectives with a room full of people who love Rochester and want to capture life in it through art and photography.

Here’s the podcast episode description:

The primary focus of this podcast episode revolves around the introduction and exploration of three distinct artists: Corinne, Robert, and Aaron. Each artist presents their unique perspectives and creative processes, highlighting the interplay between their personal experiences and their artistic expressions. Corinne articulates a poignant duality in her work, capturing the bittersweet nature of everyday life through her photography, while Robert reflects on the significance of memories in his artistic journey, showcasing pieces that resonate deeply with his experiences. Aaron, diverging from traditional photography, elucidates his transition into mixed media, emphasizing the importance of reclaimed materials in his work.

Collectively, these artists not only share their individual narratives but also illuminate the broader themes of connection, community, and the evolving nature of creativity within the Rochester art scene.