James Wilentz

I think the “stop being anxious” goal is kind of vague…situations are going to make you feel anxious that’s just life. The most important thing to have I suppose is strong self esteem, and charachter to remind yourself of what you’ve done so far as something to help you push through such feelings. Most anxiety for me comes through my attachment to success…I think of my establishing myself career as something that will solve all of my problems. So when something big is at stake—a new client, possible sale, etc…I tend to get worked up and feel the pressure. At the end of the day, remembering that you are a good person with a lot to offer, and that you do something for whoever your’e dealing with..that helps.

I think the “stop being anxious” goal is kind of vague…situations are going to make you feel anxious that’s just life. The most important thing to have I suppose is strong self esteem, and charachter to remind yourself of what you’ve done so far as something to help you push through such feelings. In terms of looking at my previous entry from over three years ago: wow, I’m still going through the same issues as I was then and that’s something that I don’t want to do anymore, seriously. I am literally going around in circles when it comes to art world work, hoping that something is going to change or that I will catch some lucky break and finally find my niche. Since April of 2008, I started a blog, spent a lot of time on that, made some progress as a dealer (in terms of getting consignments, meeting some curators, contacting collectors, and learning how the dealing process is done) Nothing ventured, nothing gained,..in retrospect, I would have focused completely on getting a job but hindsight is 20/20…I’m probably forgetting cool things that have happened along the way.

In any case NOW, reading that last entry further soldifies what I like about the art world and what I don’t and how it’s honoring myself to look for other things, just on a basic level of finding a job that you’re good at for others and where you don’t get fired. That’s contributing, and you can work on your dealing ventures on the side.

look i know that practicing basic virtues are a way to solve this…work hard, be disciplined, get your rest, and enjoy some good time with friends afterwards. keep it simple.