I wish I read this essay 6 yrs ago when I retired and wanted to begin creating my art again after many years of not having done so. I didn't trust myself to jump in and do art. I made hundreds of necklaces, then one day started making small assemblages which I've mentioned here before. When I finally felt brave enough to work bigger it was like jumping full bodied into icy waters. But I had to trust the process, myself, to just do, make, create. It was scary for sure but I had to do it. The need to create was stronger than the fear. And no one was around to criticize, give me permission, tell me how to do it. Only me and that was all I needed.
That makes me emotional Annette. Isn't that the way in for all of us? That hesitation against the pressure of taking the plunge. The fear of starting from a clumsy nothing and no trail to give comfort and assurance. That's why we all need each other for encouragement. But in the end it is up to ourselves giving us permission to do it.
I have been reading Rebecca Borrelli's page @rebeccaborrelli and she has some very interesting articles about working with kids and adults and art. Kids are not held back by the baggage that we adults drag around with us. They just jump in. They 'don't know any better.' We all have to do it the same way. Jump in wholeheartedly with no retreat plan. And wow, we are all glad we did.
I hope the article catches someone closer to the threshold of that plunge. Catching the message: "Come back home to yourself." There is no time better than now. "Jump in before the water freezes over!"
You're so right about how kids approach the art they do. I love watching them intuitively choose colors and where they put those colors, how they use a paintbrush or a crayon and just wholeheartedly just do it! I do love feedback but haven't anyone for that so I just have to trust my own.
PERMISSION BEFORE MASTERY 🥰🙏🏼
Such a powerful post
I wish I read this essay 6 yrs ago when I retired and wanted to begin creating my art again after many years of not having done so. I didn't trust myself to jump in and do art. I made hundreds of necklaces, then one day started making small assemblages which I've mentioned here before. When I finally felt brave enough to work bigger it was like jumping full bodied into icy waters. But I had to trust the process, myself, to just do, make, create. It was scary for sure but I had to do it. The need to create was stronger than the fear. And no one was around to criticize, give me permission, tell me how to do it. Only me and that was all I needed.
That makes me emotional Annette. Isn't that the way in for all of us? That hesitation against the pressure of taking the plunge. The fear of starting from a clumsy nothing and no trail to give comfort and assurance. That's why we all need each other for encouragement. But in the end it is up to ourselves giving us permission to do it.
I have been reading Rebecca Borrelli's page @rebeccaborrelli and she has some very interesting articles about working with kids and adults and art. Kids are not held back by the baggage that we adults drag around with us. They just jump in. They 'don't know any better.' We all have to do it the same way. Jump in wholeheartedly with no retreat plan. And wow, we are all glad we did.
I hope the article catches someone closer to the threshold of that plunge. Catching the message: "Come back home to yourself." There is no time better than now. "Jump in before the water freezes over!"
You're so right about how kids approach the art they do. I love watching them intuitively choose colors and where they put those colors, how they use a paintbrush or a crayon and just wholeheartedly just do it! I do love feedback but haven't anyone for that so I just have to trust my own.