As we create we engage more fully in life.  Whether it's crafting a dessert, writing, dancing, woodworking, designing or painting, we are opening ourselves to giving and receiving a gift. What is it that you love to do?  What do you want to try?  What do you want to try but keep putting off because of the voice in your head saying it's too risky?

Whether you're a serial-maker or new to creating, I encourage you to just do it.  Put your hand to the pencil, brush, spoon, hammer...whatever it is that you feel drawn to.  Start simple with a mindset of exploration.  There aren't "mistakes." It's about learning what works, letting go of expectation, using what you have, and experimenting with tools and materials.  Close your eyes - if that's what it takes - and jump in.   

​That makes it sound so simple, right? It sure doesn't FEEL that way though! Let's get our toes wet together...

A Creative Mindset

We are ALL creative and have the ability to create.  That means YOU have the ability to create!

Name and deconstruct your barriers to creating.  There are multitudes of reasons why we feel like we can’t “do” art or make something.  Fear is an overwhelming factor – fear of failure, embarrassment, vulnerability, judgement – just to name a few.  Lack of knowledge, resources and opportunity may also be real or perceived obstacles. Give yourself space to explore what might or might not work and allow freedom for the unplanned and unexpected.  Identify YOUR barriers. How can you work toward reducing those barriers?

Base choices on curiosity and interest rather than fear.  Success is in discovery and experimentation – not in a final “perfect” piece.  It’s more beneficial to have tried something new and taken a risk than to aim for a “safe” outcome.  Remind yourself to choose materials, colors, compositions, lines and shapes that bring joy, excitement and intrigue.

​Practice grace!  We all tend to judge ourselves and our work with a narrowly defined sense of “rightness.” For most of us self-judgement comes naturally and is a hard habit to break. Intentionally focus on discovery, joy, manipulation and experimentation rather than the end product. 
You won’t love ALL the things you make - and that’s ok.  The artwork may not speak to you.  BUT, if you took risks, tried something new, learned something and enjoyed the process – then you succeeded in the most important part of creating. 

Intentionally practice observation instead of judgement.  Focus on OBSERVATION rather than JUDGEMENT.  Observe and make note of textures, colors, lines, composition & consider your reaction to those specific elements. 

Expect that things will not go according to carefully laid plans. Flexibility is like grace – it’s the lubricant that enables us to keep the flow and can be the difference between a DIFFICULT project and a project that was unexpectedly DIFFERENT and enjoyable.

Be prepared to laugh at yourself.  Take to heart that the product is NOT the most important part.  Be prepared, expect to learn, and be ready for things to go “wrong.”  Some days everything drips, falls, and gets misplaced…and frequently it’s the same day that you also drank too much caffeine and have shaky hands.
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Let go of expectations.  Hold loosely to expectations of a specific result.  Intentionally say “OK” to the twists and turns that projects may take. 

Create Now!

  • Brush in Hand YouTube Channel - My channel is a mixed bag.  It started with companion videos for Journeys Thrive and has expanded to include others as well.  I continue to add to it and have a number of series that I'm currently developing.  All are geared toward beginner creatives.
  • Salvage & Refresh Series - This is an 8 part video series that gets you creating with what you have in your home.  Take a used book and transform it into something new.  Focused on play, exploration and just getting to it!  Salvage & Refresh resource PDF
  • Youtube.com - Of course there's a mixed bag here - both fabulous and not so fabulous videos.  I encourage using this platform as a way to search tools, materials and techniques that you're interested in.  However: be wary!  It's easy to watch videos and then feel MORE defeated than when you began.  Let your motivation be exploration and learning, NOT comparison or judging yourself based on what you see. If you feel yourself falling into that trap - step away!
  • Skillshare.com - This site offers an incredible number and variety of fine art teaching videos.  Although there is a monthly fee, sometimes free trials are available.  Two classes I highly recommend are: Emma Gannon's "Unlocking Your Potential: 5 Exercises to Build Creative Confidence", and Rich Armstrong's "The Perfect 100 Day Project: Your Guide to Explosive Creative Growth.

Creative Encouragement

Art Education 

  • Museum of Modern Art - MoMA has an extensive and exciting variety of information and learning opportunities.
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art - The Met also offers a marvelous array of online art and learning opportunities for all ages.
  • ​Artsy Editorials - Artsy.net is a platform for selling art, BUT they also have editorials that explore art and artists. ​
​Contact me!