Overthink"ed" = Under-inspired

I wonder how many times I have heard someone say...I am not artistic, I can't even draw a stick person. I wonder how the person feels about themselves who is saying that in that moment. Just the same, I wonder if the person that is labeled "artistic" likes that too? I think we think too much sometimes about who we label ourselves as, with our gifts, with our talents. They are not magical powers but tendencies. I have always had artistic tendencies. My hearts desire has leaned towards markers and paint and glue and blank white paper. I have not always know what marks I would make on that paper but I have always known that it thrilled me to be around art.

I was talking with Milo the other day and he is just so frustrated with soccer. There are some super duper players on his team and it's his first time playing. He is frustrated because he plays and plays and never seems to get the ball, just a lot of running. We were riding bikes on the greenway yesterday and we watched the golfers. He almost was in tears about wanting to play golf at that moment. I told him about golf lessons. I explained that we have to finish soccer first and then we will get him a lesson. Milo has always talked about golf. I have always thought him too young. But as I put it out there, thinking about it I met a teacher willing to teach young young golfers. Milo's hearts desire is to learn, my hearts desire is to give him those opportunities. So, we will get him lessons.

I think my point is that the expressive part of ourselves is not a thinker, she's a feeler. The part of us that wants to run, paint, scream, sing, or do a cartwheel is not thinking about how she looks. The part that looks in the mirror with doubt is the critical part of ourselves. Stop listening to her, she is really getting in the way of your new ideas. Go out and learn something new today. Take a risk creatively, you know you have it in you-just don't think about it too much.

Painting outside, soaking up the sun

We wrapped up a long week of cloudy days with some outside painting...we never noticed the dreary days inside the studio, but when the sun came out we sure noticed that!
The pottery wheel was probably the most favorite thing learned the kids learned this week. I think we all got messy enough and learned that the wheel is something to keep trying and trying on...We are all beginning....again and again. The kids were great, and spending 5 consecutive days together is something that doesn't happen all the time at Art Life, so doing it was special and everyone seemed to settle in like "home" in the studio. I especially loved eating lunch together, telling stories about past art projects at school and how many times the kids reassured themselves "it's ok to get messy in art class" as I told them...I WANT you to get messy here. Thanks to all the students and parents who trusted their spring break with me here at the studio.

The Earth has Tilted

The earth is tilting just a little bit more in the sunshine. We are experiencing warmer temperatures, better moods, and an outdoor sense of wonder. I talked with my kids the other day about bugs, swimming, and the buttercups that we should be seeing soon. It seems like a million years ago. I posted my summer camp schedule, which makes me feel warm just thinking about it. We will Paint Big, have lunch under the sycamore, and create a community through creating together. It is amazing how the sun shining on your face will make you feel like your whole world has tilted a little bit, to the brighter side. Check out my summer camp page - your kids will love to attend!

It seems to be getting a little old (I mean cold)

It's the doldrums...it's the "I don't want to get out of this warm bed" cold type of cold. It's the I don't know why I don't feel like doing anything type of cold. It's the, let's face it, we are uninspired part of winter. We are challenged when we are not inspired. Inspiration is not always there for ALL of us, artists, mothers, and professionals alike. I think we do each other and ourselves a disservice to believe that some people are inspired and some are not. Some people are artists and some are not. Every one who makes things must find inspiration. Everyone who makes things lacks inspiration at times. Just ask a teacher or a mom who has to write the next lesson plan or cook the next week's worth of meals. It's hard to be inspired all the time. It's not natural.


But when inspiration strikes...It's Murphy's law that I don't have a pen, or a sketch book, or I just can't describe it either way. Then the feeling is gone. BUT, the feeling was there. Even if I didn't get an art piece out of it, I got the confirmation once again, that I am an artist. Those feelings and artistic thoughts-the sheer fact that I had them-makes me an artist. Makes me want to continue on the creative path. Even if the well is dry today...tomorrow is a new day


It's going to be a good one.

Making a mess at a birthday party today

Birthday party today at Art Life, we made clay shoeprint bowls. The kids loved stepping in clay and painting the wet clay to make a bowl. I noticed that they hestitated at first to step on the clay, then once they did they loved it...making footprints, even dancing on it! It's good to get kids to do projects that let them cut loose a little. We painted outside together on a mural - making messes, painting hands, and writing messages to the birthday kid. I couldn't have asked for a nicer group of kids or a nicer day at the studio today.

believe where your wings take you.

There are things that only can be explained as a nudge, a push, a call to move a little closer to what you are to create. I am getting better at noticing them and being grateful for what they are; close encounters with something that believes in ME completely. Even when I don't believe. I know that my action breeds more action and reaction from the world. If I give then I receive. I am sure that even the smallest steps will make a difference in my dream. I recently made a platter which says "believe where your wings take you" and it has a bird in the center. I think that sometimes even we don't know where we are going, but our wings; our most essential parts, do.

This is a new year, a good year to make something happen. No need to feel the wave you might feel as canned or in some way insincere. You are the only one that you have to answer to (that and a higher power if you are so inclined). You make the decisions for yourself as to what you can handle. I am pushed everyday by the voice that tells me to make things....anything. Sometimes that is just clearing my studio table so I can see the bottom to start again. Clearing to create. But make sure you create, you were created. I am positive that this is going to be a creative year for us all. 2010, a great place to start. Check out a new film, art show, or maybe an art class to do something different for your muse today.