Gallery Owner/Artist Jackie Fuchs Encourages Artists to "Lean Into" Pain

Mixed Media Artist and owner of the Art Love Gallery in Provincetown, Massachusettes, Jackie Fuchs, shares how to “lean into” your pain and heal yourself through the use of stories. She encourages artists to reflect on the story they are telling themselves about their art by asking these questions. Why do I do what I do? How do I do it? And what does success mean to me? 

She reminds the listener to embrace their feelings, even if they’re painful, and seek out tools that heal themselves. Tools include positive self-talk, meditation, choosing emotions, and reflecting on the story you tell others. She asks listeners to avoid using the term struggling artist. “If you’re painting, what is the struggle?” she asks. Words are part of your story.

Jackie reminds artists to invest in their success by participating in art fairs and workshops and surrounding themselves with a support group. As a gallery owner, she also encourages artists to find their unique voice and ensure that their portfolio displays that voice consistently. 

Conversation references “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman and “True Love” by Thich Nhat Hanh.

Jackie Fuchs is a mixed media artist and gallery owner and currently resides between the Hamptons and Provincetown, Massachusetts. She’s owned six different hair salons while teaching art and clay classes to children and adults. Jackie has also served as a motivational speaker at art fairs and shows. For more information, visit www.GalleryArtLove.com or follow her on Instagram at @ArtLoveGallery_studiojackie

For more information on the importance of language, listen to Season 1, Episode 9: Writer and Wordsmith Wilene Dunn Demonstrates the Power Behind Words.