The High Cost Of Playing It Safe

Playing it safe is actually the riskiest move an artist in Northern Ontario can make.

We’ve been conditioned to think that artistic risk means throwing our entire lives into a chaotic fire for a viral moment, but that’s just loud noise. Up here, where the landscape is vast and the population is sparse, the real risk is choosing to be seen exactly as you are without the safety of a trend. It’s scary to put out work that doesn’t look like the polished, hyper-processed stuff coming out of Toronto or New York. But when you lean into that discomfort, you’re practicing a form of mindfulness that anchors you to your own reality. You aren't just making stuff; you're building a relationship with the unknown.

Exposure therapy isn’t just for phobias; it’s a blueprint for creative growth. If the idea of trying a new medium or sharing a raw, unfinished poem makes your stomach flip, that’s your nervous system flagging an opportunity. Small risks are the move. You don't have to quit your job to be a risk-taker. Instead, try one weird technique you think is "cringe" or reach out to a local arts collective in Thunder Bay or Kenora for a collab that feels slightly out of your league. These tiny acts of bravery retrain your brain to see failure as data rather than a verdict on your soul.

Most of us are stuck in a loop of completion anxiety, where we only value the end result. We think if the painting doesn't hit or the grant doesn't land, the time was wasted. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy reminds us that our values matter more than the outcome. If you value courage and curiosity, then making a bad piece of art is actually a massive win because you showed up for your values. In the North, where resources can feel thin, this mindset is your greatest asset. It turns the struggle into a playground.

Resilience isn't about being bulletproof; it's about being flexible. When you embrace artistic risk, you’re essentially doing yoga for your ego. You learn that you can survive a flop and that the world doesn't end when a project goes sideways. This is how we build a healthy arts sector in rural spots. We need people who aren't afraid to be messy. We need organizations that value the attempt as much as the gala. It’s about creating a vibe where not knowing what happens next is the whole point of the process.

So, let yourself be a bit of a disaster this week. Turn off the notifications, stop doomscrolling other people’s highlights, and make something that feels a little too honest or a little too strange. The goal isn't to be perfect; the goal is to be present. When you stop protecting your reputation, you finally start finding your voice. That’s the real tea. It’s quiet, it’s grounded, and it’s where the actual magic happens in the middle of nowhere.

Northwestern Ontario Arts, Culture and Recreation

Rooted in Melgund Township, Northwestern Ontario we're exploring arts, culture, and recreation programming that brings our communitiess together. From creative workshops and local exhibitions to youth activities and cultural events, we support rural artists, strengthen community connection, and celebrate the creative spirit of Northwestern Ontario.

Through community-based arts initiatives, recreation programming, and cultural gatherings, Melgund Recreation, Arts and Culture fosters creative expression, collaboration, and long-term sustainability in the northern arts sector. Our work connects residents, empowers youth, and builds pride in local talent across rural Northwestern Ontario.

Learn more about our programs, events, and opportunities at Melgund Recreation, Arts and Culture.