Martin Prchal is a multimedia artist creating primarily through still and moving images. He made the sudden transition into art at the onset of the pandemic after listlessly pursuing a finance degree for two and a half years. He has never been happier.
So many of the fictional scenarios we all have in our heads, the worries, never come to life, or worse, are manifested by our obsession with them. Starting my career felt like stepping out of my head and into my body. Everything felt alive, exciting, in place.
The disappearance of these worries, or in other words, a feeling of presence, is how I understood that photography was what I was meant to be pursuing. Of course, I still sway from time to time, questioning my skill and authenticity as an artist, looking at the work of people who have been practising their craft for decades and wondering why my results aren’t as good. On the other hand, I am reminded of how many people will never discover let alone pursue their real passions, how fortunate I am to be able to spend so much of my time learning instead of surviving. It is this argument that wins every time I debate giving up because it’s tough. This is the argument that feeds a deep-seeded satisfaction which felt alien to me just a few years ago.
I don’t feel qualified to advise on much, but I’m telling you that even though it may take years, and might not make you a millionaire, finding whatever gives you that satisfaction is worth it. Pursuing your passion is worth it. There’s no time to waste.
