I create because I like to lose my sense of time and space. I don’t do it to impress anyone, I do it for myself. It has taken me a long time to push aside the concerns in my head about whether anyone will like it or be impressed. The best thing I ever learned was to let go of perfection and not worry about the outcome of an art piece.
The first year I started to make mosaics everyone I cared about received a pot, but since then I’ve stopped making gifts. The pressure to try to please someone else took all the fun out of it. Now while preparing pieces for an art show I don’t think about whether the pieces will sell or not. I just let the energy kick in and go with my instincts selecting colors and tessarae (mosaic shards) that appeal to me.
While writing a first draft in my journal I don’t worry about punctuation or spelling or whether it’s even any good. I just focus on getting the words on the page. Later, if I choose, I might type and edit those words.
Developing the skill of creating intuitively hasn’t been easy. It has taken guidance and practice. Gone is that little voice in my head, “It’s not good enough”. Ever since then doing art has been not a struggle but a joy.
A course that immensely helped me was based on the book by Julia Cameron, The Artist’s Way, A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity. Through readings, exercises and discussions the thrill of creating just for the fun of it became a major part of my arts practice. If you wish to be more fulfilled though art-making or become more balanced in your life, then I invite you join an Artist’s Way group. No previous arts experience is necessary. I will be facilitating an introductory workshop on November 13 prior to starting a new group in January at Bravo School of Art. For more information and to register go to www.bravoschoolofart.com.
Standing Ovation:
Pamela Underwood also runs Artist’s Way groups in SD North County.
These are some ways I create.
- Produce collages & mosaics
- Write stories, poems and now blog posts
- Plant flowers in my garden
HOW DO YOU CREATE?
I create by making most things I give to those that are close to me such as cards and small gifts. I also like to do mosaics, collage, mixed media projects and whatever ideas come to my mind that I can play out with what I have already in my craft treasure chest.
Jill, I love that you have turned the corner and are creating for you! Not to please anyone else but you!
I create because it is an innate part of who I am and I get off center when I don’t take the time for my own creativity.
Hi Jill, So glad you’re doing this blog and sharing with all of us your journey. Me: I have no clue where these ideas come from that pull me out of bed, interrupt my meals, come clanging through small talk and list-making, saying “me! Me! ME!” I love “artist’s dates” where I get inspired by the creativity of others. Being in community with other writers and art-makers is my favorite thing. The world is sweet when I’m holding hands with creativity.
Aunt Jill!
I’m so excited to see this wonderful website 🙂 I’m sure it will take you far in sharing your art and your passion for it. I wish you and Uncle Jerry the best.
-Monica*