Is it Viable to Be Actively Pursuing Two Artistic Disciplines?

The pursuit of artistic mastery in more than one discipline can be a challenging yet fulfilling endeavor. A common dilemma faced by many artists is whether it is feasible to excel in multiple fields, especially when one passion may outweigh the other. In my case, I am currently studying Fine Arts with a focus in Painting. With a lot of dedication and effort, I believe I can achieve a full-time income through my artistic work. However, I have an intense passion for Literature, which sometimes surpasses my love for painting. This duality creates an internal conflict that warrants exploration.

Comparisons Across History

Historically, there are a few notable figures who have managed to excel in both Fine Arts and Literature. For instance, William Blake is known for his significant contributions to both visual art and poetry. Another example is Kurt Vonnegut, who incorporated illustrations into his literary works. These examples illustrate that while it is less common, crossover talent is possible. However, it seems that most artists or writers are primarily recognized and celebrated for one field.

Strategies for Balancing Two Disciplines

One strategy suggested is to switch between disciplines on a daily basis. This approach ensures that you maintain momentum in both areas. When I implemented this plan, I found that it worked well for me. However, another valid suggestion is to designate specific times for each discipline. This seems more beneficial as ideas for both painting and writing often surface spontaneously, regardless of the specific time of day.
In my experience, completely separating the two disciplines has not been productive. Ideas that work well in one form often have parallels in the other. Therefore, it might be helpful to combine them by exploring fields like comics, which naturally integrate both forms. As a visual artist, contributing to the world of fiction could lead to a unique and distinctive voice, allowing me to bridge the gap between the two art forms. My insights, shaped by a visual perspective, could offer a fresh and engaging approach to writing.

Time Management in the Arts

Another challenge is managing time between both disciplines. It's important to recognize that literary geniuses often did not devote themselves to writing for extended periods. A study of their daily schedules revealed that the average writing time was around five hours. This insight suggests that one can still find time to pursue visual art even if they are writing for a limited number of hours each day.

Conclusion

While the decision to pursue two artistic disciplines is fraught with challenges, there is hope for success. By combining rather than separating the two, dedicating specific times for each, and managing time effectively, one can strive for mastery in both fields. The key lies in finding a balance that allows for continuous growth and exploration in both areas, leading to a richer, more versatile artistic career. So, if you are passionate about both painting and literature, consider the possibility of integrating them rather than competing against each other for your attention.