Do Something Different
- sharmondavidson
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
30 April, 2026
The Definition of Insanity
Don't worry, I'm not going to start spouting symptomology from the DSM5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). I'm referring to that old adage about the definition of insanity consisting of doing things the same way every time while expecting a different result. Though this seems blatantly obvious, many of us, including me, don't put it into practice in our daily lives.
Why? Because we are creatures of habit, and habits are extremely hard to break. I'm not talking about addictions here, merely any action or behavior we repeat often enough that it becomes ingrained in our neural pathways. We don't really think about it any more, we just do it that way because that's how we've always done it. We may be stuck in a rut that has become so deep we can't even see that we're in it, because we can't see out of it.
Creature of Habit
Case in point: I got into the habit, years ago, of only applying for or entering exhibitions that were within one day's round-trip driving distance. The reason for that was that I didn't have the money to ship my work - the cost was prohibitive.
But, as a result, my work wasn't getting much exposure, and sales were flat.
It finally dawned on me that I needed to break into bigger markets, to enter shows in less conservative areas, and to get my work in front of larger audiences by entering national and international exhibitions rather than just local ones. In short, I needed to do something different.
“If you want something you’ve never had, do something you’ve never done.”
— Thomas Jefferson
Doing Something Different
Well, I may have occasionally been called crazy, but apparently I can now prove I'm not, since I decided to try getting different results by doing things differently. (Boy, that sounds really dumb when you type it right there in front of yourself!) So, what have I done that's different? Quite a few things, actually.
“Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.” — John F. Kennedy
Venturing Further Afield
I've started entering exhibitions that are further away, and in bigger cities. I live in a pretty conservative area, and I haven't seen too many galleries around here exhibiting surrealism, fantasy, or visionary art.
I've had pieces in some shows in Chicago recently, and last Fall I participated in the West Loop Fine Art Expo in that city. In November, I'll be doing the North Shore Fine Art Expo in the North Shore area of Chicago. I've also entered a juried show in New York, and am applying for a solo show in North Carolina.
And yes, it's still very expensive to ship artwork. But it's only money, right (hahah)?
Still looking for galleries that fit with my work, too. I'll let you know how it all goes.
Interacting with the Artistic Community
In the past, I've kept myself pretty isolated. It's easy for artists to fall into this habit, because studio work is so solitary to begin with, and many of us are introverts. I decided it would be good for me to interact with the artistic community both online and in the area where I live. It seemed like a good idea to meet more people, do some networking, and keep up more closely with the artistic events in the city.
I'm a member of several artist groups, including the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen and the National Collage Society. More recently I have joined Women United Art Movement, Cincinnati Artist Network, and most notably, the Cincinnati Art Club.
I'm especially enjoying the Cincinnati Art Club, because they have so many events and activities. I've met so many great people there, and am enjoying the monthly member brunch meetings, exhibitions, and participating in the Critique group.
Art for Causes
I've also been thinking about how I can use my art to do good in the world more directly. I donated a painting to the Cincinnati Art Club's Crazy 8's sale, where the proceeds benefit the club, and I hope to do two paintings for the next one.
This year I've also entered Art in Action, which allows each artist to choose the non-profit that the sale of their works will benefit. I chose the Cincinnati Nature Center, an 1,800-acre nature preserve near where I grew up, and a place where I spent a lot of time as a child. Hopefully I will find other similar ways to contribute to causes I feel strongly about.
After all, the only constant is change, isn't it? So why not use it to our advantage, rather than fight it?
Peace, love, and art!
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