Should I get rid of the art supplies?

Question

I have a storage container full of art supplies and paintings. For ten years I painted, was paid for artist-in-residencies, had shows in New York City, sold several paintings a year.

But about ten years ago I started doing computer art and only do sketchbooks to keep track of ideas.

I think if I had a workspace I might get back to painting.

So how do I know when to just donate all the good supplies to a school and toss all the work except a couple of paintings and a portfolio of work I've traded over the years (Kenny Scharf, Tom Otterness, etc.)?

How do you get inspired?

Answer 1

I've seen internationally recognized painters go through phases when they just tire of the painting process for a while. These phases can last for months or even years. Many, like yourself, will turn to another medium, such as sculpture or photography. And then one day, and for unknown reason, they get that urge once again to put paint to canvas. The very fact that you asked this question would suggest to me that you are not ready to discard your supplies. And I don't think you should discard your earlier works. If anything it might suggest that the thought of painting is back in your system/soul/conscienceness/whatever.

Answer 2

Don't give away your supplies, they still can have value to you in many ways. I understand wanting to get rid of them because that phase in your art is not active right now. But sometime you may feel the need to get something across in your art that can't be done by sketches or computer. I would suggest sometime trying to sketch your ideas on the canvas by dividing up the space of it similar size to you sketchbook. Then it will feel more intimate the way the sketches are and you can get comfortable with the paint again, maybe then you will get the urge to use them more often.

Answer 3

Art is something that comes in many ways. Everything out there is a inspiration if you want it to be. Why get rid of something that makes you who you are, and something that you have worked so long for. My favorite saying to any one is ...Life is not about how many breaths you take but about the moments that take those breaths away. And being a person that can bring those moments to others just by a picture on a canvas is something wonderful and a special gift for all to see it.
so I don't think you should give them away just wait and in time you will get inspired again.

Answer 4

Oh My !
Mmmm mmmm mmm how I would love to have THIS problem
By all means -donate the art supplies AND PROMPTLY buy some wonderful new , fresh stuff and dive right in .
Put up a blank canvas -paper- or whatever and throw on some color. Draw a curve, get messy !

Answer 5

If you have to ask the question, then you are not ready to throw out those supplies. We often go back to old media years later, sometimes in the middle of the night when that inspirational urge hits. And, keep your old work. You will enjoy looking at it in future years, to remind you of what you have accomplished... especially in times of doubt.

Answer 6

you shouldn't give your art supplies away. if your sure you want to do it, give the art supplies to a school that is poor. if ur not sure u wanna make art again than save the supplies.