More about Creating Art

An article by Louise Fletche inspires this piece.  Several years ago I was mired in compare-itis.  I mean, I was looking at everything and everyone else and finding myself lacking in some way.  I knew I had “talent”, I knew I had “interest” but I didn’t nurture it at all. However, I couldn’t keep myself from drawing and painting, although I didn’t like much of anything I made, and wasn’t making much.  Then I turned 50 and promised myself I would stop denying myself the one thing I truly cared about. Looking back I could see that art-making had been a part of me since I was about 3, so it was time to make changes, time to follow my passion and find my joy.  

What I learned is that, if art-making is not joyful for you, then you may not be aligned with your true self. To help you step out of our own way, I offer five points to consider that may be sucking the joy from your work and your life. 

1. Comparing and naming paintings as failures. Comparing and finding your art lacking in some way. Criticizing yourself that you don’t paint like them. But of course you can’t . . . because you are not them and they are not you!  Recognize that you are unique and the universe has different plans for you . . . You are supposed to paint like YOU.
2. Compare and mimic: Judging yourself as less than and trying to imitate the artist you admire. This takes you further and further from your self.  Learn from those who know the tools, then allow yourself to show through in what you create.  Just as your handwriting is your own, so is your drawing, painting, sculpting, etc.  Embrace it as it shins through.
3. Voices in your head:  “Who do you think you are?” “What makes you think you can paint, draw?”  “You’re not a real artist!” Even voices to the other extreme;  “ This is going to be a show stopper!” “Wow, I am so much better than “Susie” or “Johnny!” Kick these voices to the curb. Both extremes do you no good whatsoever.  Self-acceptance, is knowing that you have a unique voice, and embracing that voice as different and valuable. Without criticism and without smirk. 
4. Looking for ideas somewhere else (magazines, calendars, FB, etc.): akin to mimicking, but far more damaging because you continually reinforce that you and your ideas are not enough.  Create what interests you! Create from where you are and where you have been. You are enough!
5. Excuses: “Not enough time. Not enough money. My spouse. My kids. My job.”  We can create all sorts of reasons, but they are all false and self-limiting.  Americans are very poor at self-nurturing. However, just as you need vacations, weekends and spa days, you need art days.  Give yourself a little time and invest in yourself.  You are worth it. 

These blocks take on many forms and they keep us from ourselves. They represent a lack of confidence. Some call is a fear of failure. Others call it a fear of success. But the truth is that you were born to create! You wouldn’t be here if that were not true. You are the only you that exists or will ever exist. No one else can make the art you are called to make. Approach each piece of your artwork as an opportunity to be yourself.  Not every piece will be a masterpiece but it will reveal more of who you are. Each piece is an opportunity to learn and grow. Look at it as a journey to your real self, a self that many of us in this world want to know more about.  

It is the muse’s wish that in the process you become ridiculously successful.