Becoming an artist is a risky venture all on its own, let alone all the barriers we put in front of ourselves. Just establishing ourselves with a following and developing a market for our work is an admirable task. As Artists, we then to produce a want, not a need. So once this reality sets in, why add an element of risk?
Individuality comes from years of development. Your subject, content, style and interpretation of what you respond to becomes you. Now you have to have followers and buyers to keep interested in your art. Separating yourself from producing work your buyers and galleries want you to produce and doing the work you want to make can be a tough decision. Many times the art is so different it could destroy your loyal following anticipating a certain look.
Risk taking can be employed in your overall plan to make your art life more fulfilled, unique and even make a difference depending on your direction.
I employed a bit of risk in my work more head-on. I create work for exhibition and use a variety of art in installations, so not for the mainstream commercial galleries or art shows. I also mix paintings with sculpture that relates to my concerns for the environment; with water, oil, plastics and human interaction impacting wildlife.
More on my website: https://paulconstable.com
For more on 'An Element of Risk', check out this Panel Discussion.