Ups and Downs and Ups Again

Hi Everybody,

I am in a plane. I paid for the inflight wifi and figured I should make the best of it. Here are my thoughts for today:

I like to offer these words of wisdom to my students, “Art is a process, not an event.” Then I give then a handout with the “creative process” printed on it.

The Creative Process

1. This is awesome

2. This is tricky

3. This is shit

4. I am shit

5. This might be ok

6. This is awesome

I never let them spend much time dwelling in #3 and #4 but, I do think they are necessary to make it through the rest of the process.

Even now, after a lifetime (with plenty of lifetime to go) I go throught this process with every piece I paint. Every. Single. Piece. I have spent plenty of time in #3 and even more in #4. I think the secret is to build the wherewithal to get to the other side of it. Afterall, the goal is #6.

It is funny…. People think because you are an artist that you must be in this zen-like state on the daily. “Oh, you must be so relaxed, as you paint all the time.” Or, “Wow, you paint? You must be stress free with a job like that.” Um…Not really, but thanks. At the very least, every time your pencil or brush touches the paper it is a decision. The equates to 1000's of decisions every painting. Fun fact: I am the poster child for a Libra and live all that goes with that, on high volume, every day. WE HATE MAKING DECISIONS. Stressful! Then there is the “how do I make this one better than the last? And so on.

I have realized lately, with the help of my Hallow app, that we have to walk thru the valley to get to the mountain top. In Art it is the very same.

I figure, We are either winning or we are learning. And there is winning in the learning. So, press on! Even if you don't love the way your painting turned out, you learned from it. At the very least you can cut it up and give bookmarkers to all your bffs!! Win-Win!!

Life is the same. It IS the original creative process! We have lots of valleys to walk thru. Times of sadness, tragedy and disappointment. If we just keep going we will get thru it all and learn and grow. And, the majority of times it opens a door with “better” on the other side. “Every cloud has a silver lining” and all that. It is true.

These past few months have been more difficult than I could have imagined. Even the blessings came with challenges. Finding my creativity has been impossible on most days. I have resorted to being happy with doodling. And on the days I am feelin’ it, I paint like a mad woman and soak in all the soul joy it brings me. I am thankful for those days… moments…

What I am saying is, go thru the steps. Keep going. Keep walking or creating. You are realizing how strong you are by doing so. And, what is waiting for you will be better than ever. I promise.

I love you all.

Xoxo,

Julie

Ps. Our Fall Art Retreat in Palisade, Colorado registration has been EXTENDED! Come create with us in September!!