February 22, 2009 was my very first post on The Jealous Curator. That. Is. Crazy. Over 1100 posts later, and I’m still jealous… but not in the same way that I was four years ago <insert tangent> I get a lot of flack for calling my site “The Jealous Curator”, but the truth is, when I started this whole thing, that’s exactly what I was. I was sad, and angry, and defeated, and yes, really jealous… but I so badly wanted to start making art again. I knew that, somehow, I had to push myself through all of the junk that was holding me back. Through writing this blog, I have learned so much – not only about contemporary art, but also about myself. I now know that there is room for everyone that wants to create. I also know that there will be creative blocks, and countless hours of self-doubt, but that’s ok. Everyone goes through that. It’s how you know you’re part of the club! Granted, I’ve also learned that every block can be cut through… although, yes, sometimes you have to use a chainsaw.
Now, four years later, when I find work that I love, it inspires me to get into the studio to work… actually… let me try that again. It inspires me to get into the studio to play. Allowing myself the time {and freedom} to play, and experiment, and mess things up, and try again – that is what leads me to work that I’m happy with.
So yes, I’m thrilled to report that I’m not ‘jealous’ in a bad way any more. Will I change the name of the site to reflect this… “The Inspired Curator”, “The Envious Curator”… nope. Let’s face it – it’s a catchy name, plus, I’d have to change my business cards! No, no… in all seriousness, I think that punch to the creative gut really is a bit of jealousy. But it doesn’t have to be something that makes me sad, and angry, and defeated. It can move me forward. I hope you’ll come with me… it looks like the next four years might be even more exciting than the first four, if that’s even possible.
Thanks so much to all of you for showing up here every day – I really do appreciate it oh so very much! xo
{image: detail of a painting by Trey Speegle}
Even though I am a new subscriber I congratulate you on your first 4 years and am looking forward to your next 4 years and some. You have introduced me to a lot of great artists and opened my mind up to new ideas. Thank you.
Oh, Happy Happy Birthday!! Through The Jealous Curator you have helped give me new perspectives on my own creative jealousies and also helped me realized I’m not alone in them. I agree jealousy is something to pay attention to – it’s telling me something about my own creative desires. Thank you, thank you for creating this space and showing up everyday. You are always a huge highlight of my day 🙂 xoxo
Congrats on the four years!
I know what you’re talking about, sometimes I feel like I can’t make anything that will be better than all the beautiful things I see around me. But I’m starting to realize that comparing yourself to others is the thing that kills your creativity. It’s still hard though, to have faith in what you do when you’re surrounded with so many talented people. Offline and online.
Good to know/read that more people have this problem. And that it will fade away (with a little bit of hard work). Have a good day!
x Anne | Inspire Styling
Happy blog birthday! I’m so glad you created this wonderful space. You’ve introduced me to so many fantastic artists, including yourself. I’m very happy that this blog brought me a new friend. xoxo
oh, thanks so much you guys! xo
Thank you for being such a huge part of what helped me get past my own jealousy and onto creating again. Happiest of birthdays! I’m grateful.
Congrats on four years of being bravely jealous! I appreciate this blog so much I thinks it’s been on bookmark toolbar for about 2 1/2 years. There have been so many times when I’ve looked an artist here and then slapped my computer closed and marched right into my art room to make something. Thank you x infinity for that.
Happy Birthday!!!
Congrats Danielle! Lots of love 🙂
Dear Danielle,
You took jealousy and turned it into something positive. This blog is appreciated by many of us. I believe that life is not about avoiding human emotions (jealousy is on the list) life is all about what we do with the emotions that we experience. You did something creative and unique by starting this blog 4 years ago. I love your blog because it comes from a place of honesty in the first place. I also love it because your taste is good. You have an eye for quality, so coming here and seeing wat you discover is enriching. I also love your sense of humor, it always comes out in the way you write. You always make me smile.
Wishing you and your family all the best!
Elsita
Just found your blog recently and it is awesome! I read it every day and am so inspired! Thank you for taking the time and sharing!!!
So well put! I’m glad you’re not changing the name from Jealous to anything else. It makes me smile every time I read it. I spent a few very dry years of “not creating” and when my third kid came along, I just had an art explosion. It was awesome and then……it was over. So, I too, have learned the ebb and flow. I still create, here and there and teach too but nothing like those two years (yes, crazy) of prolific art making.
So now, it’s just doing it, playing and experimenting. We are such a product oriented society, I think a little process is in order too:) Keep showing me such inspiring art. It has made me want to be a better artist. Bravo.
Congratulations, Danielle! I can’t imagine people having trouble with the name, it is perfect (and I’m so glad you aren’t considering renaming the blog). It is so inspiring…tired of that word, but it is true…by not only the amazing art you share here, but also by the trajectory of how everything has come together for you personally with your art and professionally. And, I’m glad to know ya! Much love, Tiffanie xoxoxox
Happy 4th anniversary! Many congrats on everything you have achieved and much more to come!
Happy 4 year anniversary! Your blog is one of my favorite daily reads. There is so much amazing art out there and you are doing such a great job in presenting different kinds of artwork!
Happy 4 year anniversary! This is my absolute favorite blog and maybe the only one I currently visit daily. We all know that punch to the gut why didn’t I think of that feeling, and I love how honest and positive you present your jealousy. I’m right there with you, jealous as well as inspired! I’ve found so many amazing artists whose work I may never have seen if not for you blog! Keep up the great work, Danielle! I can’t wait to meet you in Austin!
Don’t ever change the name! It is a clever way to describe how many of us creatives feel. I’m jealous I didn’t think of it myself!
Happy blogging birthday, and keep up the good work!
Congrats, and thank you for inspiring me – and apparently sooo many others -to unleash our creativity. I’m looking forward to reading about all your future adventures in jealousy.
Congrats on achieving such a big milestone – 4 years is a long time in this crazy and fickle world of the internet. I also learnt a long time ago that everybody has something to contribute and if you keep working at what YOU love, you will find your own voice and make work that is essentially you, and only you.
Keep it going, I look forward to seeing where you are in another four years.
Cheers
Happy anniversary (birthday ?) to your most wonderful site !
I sadly can’t say that I’ve worked past any creative blocks. But I CAN say that your site has exposed me to some phenomenal artists whose work is inspiring, often jaw-dropping and always just plain cool.
Thanks for the work that you do (though a small part of me knows that it isn’t really “work”…..)
you guys are THE BEST! thank you all for your very thoughtful/kind words… you’ve made this day even sweeter for me! xo
Congratulations!! I absolutely love the name/idea of the blog mainly because it puts a voice on what I think pretty much every artist feels at one point or another in different forms!! I’m constantly inspired by the other artists you feature. Not only do they (and you) inspire me to create, they also show me that there are SO many ways to be a creative even within just the art world. Thank you and keep at it!
Happy birthday! Thank you for the continued enthusiasm for the incredible work people are making today. I look forward to your blog each day and am grateful for your refreshing attitude, humor, and delight in discovering art. Thanks for acknowledging the doubt, competition and jealousy that comes with good ideas and creative endeavors. As you said, that punch to the creative gut can move you forward! Your blog has done that for me recently.
I commend you and your commitment. To a well deserved happy birthday, and to many more to come! Keep up the great work!
Congratulations D – what an achievement, both personally and with your blog, and it only just keeps getting better. Oh and Happy Birthday TJC, and here’s to many more. Love, D
Happy Birthday. I still enjoy this blog very much. I think, jealousy is an important part of being creative, it pushes you forward and motivates you to exercise. though it should not paralyse you. there will always be work you’ll be jealous of 🙂 and that’s a good thing.
I’ve been watching this site more or less daily for about a year and love it, congrats on the fourth year!
Leave the jealous curator name, it’s amazing 🙂
the images you find are inspiring as are your words in this post! thank you for the reminder to not feel discouraged and be playful with creating.
congrats on four years and looking to be inspired for many more. 🙂
thank you for blogging! congrats on 4 years!
thank you!! i’m so happy that i have so many amazing people coming to read this site! you guys are THE BEST!
I love this post! And I love this sentence: “I now know that there is room for everyone that wants to create.”
I had exactly the same problem, I still do actually, but much less. I finally understood art is not a competition, at least it does not have to be one. This “I am not good enough to create” thinking is blocking so many people. We compare ourselves with others and get disappointed, while we could use experiencing art as an incredible inspiration.
I was not following the blog before, I discovered it some time ago and just randomly visited, but now I will come here more often :).
I also like your idea of workshops. It is something a bit similar to what I would like to do one day, create a friendly space for people so they could freely create and experience art.
Good luck with all your work! 🙂
thanks kasia! i’m so glad that made sense to you… it’s a ridiculously common experience, yet somehow, so many people feel alone in it… strange. thanks for following along now – see you soon! : )
You’re amazing. So proud and thankful for you and this blog. Keep it going! Happy anniversary!
the jealous curator is… A great name! Please don’t ever change it!
Your blog is such a great journey into arts and feelings about arts! For sure it is an awesome inspiration, keep it going and good luck for the next 4 years! 😉
thank you so much marine! : )
Congratulations on the four years! And please stick with the name!!
Funny, I’ve never seen your use of the word ‘jealous’ as a negative emotion. Maybe because it’s how I feel when I see something beautiful – I do think “Damn, I wish I’d made that” is a healthy reaction and can indicate a really gut level of appreciation. At any rate, you make a fabulous curator, and I always look forward to seeing what you find.
A Much Music VJ used to always ask the bands that she interviewed “What song do you wish you wrote” and that’s how I see your jealousy – as appreciation and a bit of envy.
Thank you for bringing me so much inspiration through art that is not only creative and well made, but also consistently beautiful. It gives me something to work towards.
Danielle, You are an inspiration! I love your blog and so appreciate the work you do – bringing our attention to awesome artists. Thanks. xoxo
thank YOU shannon! xo
I’m a newish reader and had no idea you’d been doing this for 4 years! That’s an amazing feat and I’m excited to be along for the rest of the ride.
oh! i’m glad you’re here now too, chelsea : )
Oh, Jealous Curator, do you know what it sounds like when I read your blog? “Oh wow….GRAAAAAAAAH WHY IS THAT SO COOL? I need to take some notes.” This little ritual of shouting out loud followed by scribbling down the names of the amazing artists you cover to research them further happens every single time I go to your blog. (This is why I can never look at your blog at work, it would unnerve people around me.) So, yeah, I echo what Jessica said at the top of the comments, I really appreciate the way you make me acknowledge my jealousies as I encounter the art you showcase. It’s helpful. Happy Anniversary! Please don’t stop any time soon!
HA! that made me laugh out loud! i kinda want you to make that sound at work… just to see what your coworkers do! ; ) thanks so much for your very sweet words kate! xo
My belated happy anniversary Danielle! Your blog is so inspiring and I’m happy to have stumbled upon it years ago.
I think the name is fitting, and I hope you never change it. It’s nature to be jealous. Every person on this planet is at some point. It’s what you do with that jealousy that can be a good or bad thing. Jealousy in and of itself is not a negative.
happy birthday! wow! 4 years already! I believe I started to follow your blog from the beginning. It’s always such a pleasure. And I live that you take the time to answer to your readers. Popular bloggers don’t do that very often. Thank you for being there and being the way you are!
Happy Belated Birthday! Four years of wonderfulness and here’s to forty more!!!
thanks laura! xo
[…] from The Jealous Curator. Congrats on four years! Read the entire post here. February 22, 2009 was my very first post on The Jealous Curator. That. Is. Crazy. Over 1100 posts […]
wow. that is just amazing I didnt know how you started but I love your website <3