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Career advice: should I exhibit or not, please advise?: Hexagram 1.6 > 43

sputnik72

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Background to question:
For some years now I've been uninspired in my work as a commercially exhibiting visual artist. And while people always mention the 'creative' freedoms that art can offer, in truth, as a profession, to me at least, it is little different to other jobs where deadlines must be met and business collaborations with dealers, museums and curators can all sap one's energy. Indeed, over time I found it questionable how ‘free’ one actually is. Naively, when I started out, this of course was not what I expected. And as the years have rolled on I have questioned whether or not I want to continue making work under such pressures with it's constant demands, competitiveness and conflicting art-world egos. Whilst i love art and creativity, i'm just not sure anymore I'm cut out for the demands of the fast-paced commercial art world.

The nub of the question:
Recently, I was offered a prestigious opportunity to exhibit, which I've not done for a few years. Initially I thought the opportunity to be a turning point that would not only reignite my waning passion, but, as an important show, would also be an opportunity to redefine things. Truth is, as I’ve reconsidered things in more depth, I really don’t know if I have the energy or enthusiasm to commit and feel, in many ways, like not only opting out altogether, but more importantly making a total career change as well. The nub of my question to the I Ching was for advice on whether or not I should pursue the opportunity to exhibit. But, I suppose, the question might also be seen through the prism of asking for ‘career advice'.

I’m quite confused and, as the administrators are seeking my confirmation (or otherwise) in the coming days, I need to make a decision as to whether I proceed or not.

All advice welcome, thanks in advance,

All the best,

Susan 'Sputnik'
 

pocossin

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Should I exhibit?
1.6 > 43


Reading 1.6 as loss of creative energy and 43 as display, the casting suggests that you should. Could an agent shield you from sapping interactions? And could you possibly have a health problem that has lowered your energy level?
 

Tohpol

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Background to question:
For some years now I've been uninspired in my work as a commercially exhibiting visual artist. And while people always mention the 'creative' freedoms that art can offer, in truth, as a profession, to me at least, it is little different to other jobs where deadlines must be met and business collaborations with dealers, museums and curators can all sap one's energy. Indeed, over time I found it questionable how ‘free’ one actually is. Naively, when I started out, this of course was not what I expected. And as the years have rolled on I have questioned whether or not I want to continue making work under such pressures with it's constant demands, competitiveness and conflicting art-world egos. Whilst i love art and creativity, i'm just not sure anymore I'm cut out for the demands of the fast-paced commercial art world.

I can't tell you how much I resonate to that! I worked in exactly the same fields as you for about 20 years and in the end I changed my life completely for the reasons you gave. I had some success but it was at a great cost. Unfortunately, art like so many other domains at this time is shackled by the god of the market, thus stock options, shares, marketing, advertising, PR have commodified art, artists and our very definition of what art means and its function in society. It is very difficult not to align with that old adage of "prostituting yourself for your art" in order to make a living and thus have the luxury of producing your own work. It made me quite depressed in the end as I felt like a hamster in the wheel never quite having enough time to produce a consistent body of work which touched people emotionally. And when I did have the quality time I was utterly exhausted.

So, I completely agree, the artist and his work is heavily romanticised.Being self-employed in a highly competitive market means you have the freedom of being your own boss but often without the freedom of mind. You must be extremely tenacious, have good business acumen and people skills and most importantly of all, have a deep and enduring passion to create in the face of constant "pollution." Talent, surprisingly is way down the scale.

There are a lot of talented genuine people out there who gradually become disaffected and disillusioned with the system as it stands. Yet, I think artistic creativity and its correct channelling is absolutely vital for a healthy civillisation. Maybe you have what it takes?

The nub of the question:
Recently, I was offered a prestigious opportunity to exhibit, which I've not done for a few years. Initially I thought the opportunity to be a turning point that would not only reignite my waning passion, but, as an important show, would also be an opportunity to redefine things. Truth is, as I’ve reconsidered things in more depth, I really don’t know if I have the energy or enthusiasm to commit and feel, in many ways, like not only opting out altogether, but more importantly making a total career change as well. The nub of my question to the I Ching was for advice on whether or not I should pursue the opportunity to exhibit. But, I suppose, the question might also be seen through the prism of asking for ‘career advice'.

I’m quite confused and, as the administrators are seeking my confirmation (or otherwise) in the coming days, I need to make a decision as to whether I proceed or not. All advice welcome, thanks in advance,
'

1.6>43

Well, on the face of it you don't seem too keen about moving forward which I can well understand. It seems the Yi is advising that yes, there is a decision to be made which is an important one. Line 6 indicates that there is something too much for the situation. Since it is concerned with creativity and how it is channelled I think there is a cautioning here not to go beyond the limits of what is safe and constructive.

Your above comments seem to affirm that doubt. If you view the exhibition decision and career advice as rolled into one then line 6 is saying don't go too far. It doesn't mean that a career change is on the cards. Yet, you are clearly in a state where you seem demoralised. Is this a deep feeling based on dissatisfaction and a need to move on or are you just at a low ebb? In what way can you better liberate this creative energy so that it achieves a more balanced expression?

I'd make a few follow up questions to have some answers to play with, but on the face of it, I'd see this as keeping things manageable and not becoming too ambitious, especially if your heart isn't in it.

Others may have more perspectives to offer.
 
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hsin

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Susan 'Sputnik' ~

My impression of Hex 1 is that it depicts the spirit of the seed, which contains all of creation within its secret heart. It is The Creative not just in the sense of explosive creativity, but in the sense of incipient potential. For that reason, I don't think it necessarily refers specifically to the exhibit but more to the overall question of career: To me, it implies that whatever you choose to do, you will bring this creative spirit to bear on your activities—it is a matter of keeping what is alive and shedding what is dead.

Line Change at the Top: I think this refers to a time when the imaginative power wanes in relationship to a particular activity. At such a time, it seems best to stop producing new work and instead return to the origins of your vision and rework them in light of what you know now. Specifically, it may be most appropriate to ignore others appealing to your vanity for their own self-interest.

Hex 43 arrives as 'display' or 'revelation', signifying an attitude of remaining alert to the ever-present potential for new discoveries—remaining aware of the unseen forces at work on the transformation of the visible. I find its advice speaking to the need to keep looking closely at ordinary events and finding the eternal meaning concealed within them. Summed up, it seems to me to say: Follow your sense of wonder.

All the Best
 

jzy369

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I agree with most of the comments on 1-6. Hex 1 is the most well documented and interpreted hex. Here is a literal interpretation from original Chinese text for your reference.

1-6: The highly capable subject had seen its best days, and surrounding environment had changed. Subject is remorseful on some of the actions he/she had taken so far, as certain long-term effect is not what he/she anticipated.

43: Title is "Expelling Strong, Non-Righteous Influences". Removing incumbent, powerful non-righteous forces requires subject’s strong conviction and can generate undesirable side-effect if not carried out wisely. Subject shall publicize his/her righteous justifications in royal court without any hidden personal agenda, warning public about ample dangers ahead. Subject should not restrain from the struggle against non-righteous force, envisioning a better future to march toward. (Yeah, original text for this hex is relatively long)

Some augury also reference to 2-6 as a side consideration: Subject had endured an extensive period of being a supporting cast. Subject now has garnered sufficient resources to challenge the leader, resulting in a open fight of two titans in plain view of others. This is depicted as two dragons fighting in the open field. Heavy casualties incurs , depicted as blood spilling over sky and earth.

I felt it is hard for an outsider to express opinions on such major decision. My best wish to you for getting righteously inspired and make a wise, rational next move.
 

ginnie

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1.6 says that dragons that fly too high have regrets. This certainly suggests that there is something 'too much' about this exhibition.
 

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