The Angst of Creation

I thought maybe I was the only one. But the more I read about the creative process, the more I realize all artists go through it. So now I don't feel so alone. My inspirations are the spark. Then I make a sketch, or draw off of a photo (I never project- I like the challenge of actually drawing- keeps my brain in good shape). Then I choose the medium, and start the process. I'm excited at first, then I begin to wonder what I was thinking. Half way through, I think it looks like you know what and I stop. Then I go back, wrestle mentally with the color, and start again. Once in a rare while, I move right through like I'm on auto pilot. That's probably the best case scenario. It's like running into the ocean and then minutes later, realizing how truly cold it is, but it's too late. You're already in. So you take the swim. It's best that way. If my art sits for too long, it's almost intimidating to go back to it. It becomes a dare. Especially if I'm working in a medium I'm trying to conquer. But the more you do something, the better you get... right? So right now, the acrylic painting of my friend Sean stares out across the room at me, daring me to finish him. His pale green, piercing eyes are done and they are boring through my mind. I envision the rest of him every which way I can, and what colors will best compliment him in the painting. I know for a brief moment in time, I will love the painting. And then it will fall from grace the minute the next one is started. I'm just glad I'm not the only tortured soul.

Create, No Matter What!

Be free to create. Enjoy the process without expectation and you will be surprised as to what comes forth!

A lot of times people who feel they are not artists express themselves when they feel brave enough, in a medium of choice. And then the outcome is complete frustration and the desire to never create again. When I taught art, I think the thing I tried to steer clear of, with the students, was their expectation that they would not produce a 'work of art.'  My message was always the same to them:  "You are unique, and everything you draw is from you. So each creation is special because it's you."

I remember some of the looks I got when I said it; like I was speaking a foreign language, but now I realize it was the look of my words sinking in. Nothing is worse than seeing one of your students in tears over an art project. Art class should be an enjoyable class, not one of depression and torture! So while we all don't possess the natural ability to draw technically correct, the field of art allows for a wide variety of the definition as to what is art. If you have a vision to create, then create. Pick your medium and go for it. And the more you experiment with it, the better you get. With that new found confidence comes more incredible creations until you truly become that artist that you never thought you could be!