We are forty-two days into the Art 101 Challenge and I’ve completed 19 pieces. That’s 23 short of goal. Now, I’m not beating myself up about it (most days) but it’s safe to say I’m challenged. And, well, I guess that’s the point.
What I’ve learned since we started is that the kind of things I most enjoy creating require more time than I can normally allot in one day. So finishing something every day, a goal I initially thought would propel me past persistent bouts of paralyzing perfectionism, turns out to be inhibiting. Instead of starting something that inspires me and might take a day or two, I do nothing OR I rush through something just to finish it and it lacks depth. My new action plan is to do something creative every day without any attachments to the end result. Simple enough, right? We’ll see where that gets me by the end of the 101 days.
One of the artists from the challenge, Kim Puckett, has virtually tagged me in a Blog Hop (Something developed in the blogging world to string people with common interests together -it’s virtual networking) and invited me to answer these questions about my work and the process of creating. You can view her artwork and her answers to these questions on her blog – Expressatory.
How does my creating process work?
Something ignites a spark – a dream, a book, a quote, a song, something I see on Pinterest, Etsy, Instagram or one of the many art communities I belong to on Facebook.
I follow the urge where it leads. For instance, I love Zentangle and meditative doodling. One day I was perusing the hashtags on Instagram and came across this piece that I just loved by @indigomadness (she’s awesome!) and was inspired to try my hand at something similar.
Here’s my version.
Then I follow the next urge and the next. It’s quite fun that way.
I work best in the early mornings after meditation, before my mind is ramped up and racing.
How does my work differ from others in it’s genre?
I can’t answer this question because I don’t know what genre I’m in just yet. I’m a newbie to this art thing and I’m dabbling in several different arenas – acrylics, drawings, watercolor, jewelry making and of course, photography. I haven’t settled into any one thing yet and perhaps I never will. My intention is to continue pursuing the things that excite me and trust that wherever it takes me is perfect.
What am I working on?
I’m putting together these lovely little necklaces. I’ve taken one of my mixed media paintings, scanned it, resized it, printed it and mounted it into this bevel setting. Right now I’m experimenting with the process and working out the kinks but I plan to open a new Etsy shop (separate from our travel photos which are here) with my artwork and other offerings (ones I’m super excited about but will just wait to mention) in the very near future.
Why do I create what I do?
It makes me happy.
And, I’d like to think that what I’m doing is somehow making a difference. If one of my creations can bring about the slightest bit of love, compassion, joy or peace in another, then I am fulfilling my soul’s intention and that is deeply satisfying.
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It wouldn’t be a Blog Hop if I didn’t give you somewhere to hop to so allow me to introduce you to these fantastic artists:
Joan Jakel is on a path to live the life that truly moves her, not the one that has defined her in the past. She is an aspiring artist and writer and an avid yoga practitioner. She is busy carving out a new chapter in her life, one of purpose, power, balance, creativity, connection and adventure. You can view her art and read more about her story on her blog, La Vida Trutina.
Dee Jones is a woman of many talents – A photographer, a writer, a sketch artist and a healer in her own right. She’s a creative, gentle and loving truth-seeker and her work radiates with these brilliant qualities. You can find her blog here.
Shirley Hudson is the queen of patterns. She’s been a designer for over 15 years and is widely published in magazines throughout the art and craft industry. She recently posted photos of her huge and colorful studio, don’t miss it. You can find her blog here.
