Casting back

Mixed media of scraps from the 1970’s

Last week I did a final sort of my envelopes of childhood art, report cards and stories, and pulled out pieces that I would use in future mixed media pieces, or that had a sentimental pull to them. It was a fun stroll down memory lane before letting go of these bits. I started drawing and “writing” at age 3 according to the dates my mother put on each piece. She would write down what my string of letters (or scribbles) meant and what the picture was about to clarify it. After all these years it was time to let go of all this, to lighten the load so to speak. As I am winnowing down belongings over the course of the year I am finding that there are a lot of duplicate items I didn’t realize I had, stuff I won’t need again, and things I should have let go of sooner. It is a journey of discovery on many fronts.

Goal

Mixed media on rolodex card

Trying to stay on track to reach goal is tough, life intervening makes it even harder. Do what is within your control to keep moving forward, and breathe through what arises unexpectedly that slows you down.

Ready?

When it comes to being ready we often become professional obstacle tossers to slow down making that next step. It might be additional, unneeded research, changing focus to things that don’t really need our attention, or deciding the time isn’t right. It takes a laser-like focus on your goal to keep moving towards. It also takes some self compassion for those times you don’t. Be productive, be kind to yourself, and keep showing up.

Reimagined

Mixed media journal page with “reimagined” on it

I am at the one year mark or reimagining where I wanted my art to take me. A casual conversation with a fellow artist gave me a whole new take on things. Sometimes that is what it takes, just a fresh perspective from someone on the outside to show new possibilities. It allows the chance to stop doing the same things over and over, and to try something different. Of course, changing courses always means leaving the known and stepping out in faith that any bumps in the road will be minor. It has been quite a year, full of creativity, growth and new experiences. Two authors I read early on that helped spur me on are Jen Sincero and Marie Forleo, if you are looking for some motivation, check them out.

The key to decisions

Artist trading card with key on top layer

Research and choose, then adjust course as needed. I have found that is the best way to go. It is too easy to get caught in an endless research loop and never get beyond it to actually making a decision. Letting time pass with no course of action being put in motion. Many decisions are based on things that are finite, like vacation lodgings or restaurants, such decisions are not as weighty as buying a house or moving across the world. And even those can be undone given opportunity or the right set of circumstances. Missing the window of opportunity by dithering over the research can delay or add a layer of difficulty to your plans. I have been guilty of getting too deeply into the weeds of research, trying to find the perfect option to pursue to insure the perfect outcome. Which we all know is an impossible outcome to chase. Once I catch myself checking one more source or review, I stop and weigh what I have, the time being spent, and the actual importance of the plan. The I take a breath and make the decision, whether it is a yes or no.

Spend life happy

Artist trading card of junk mail

I decided to create my 37th card using nothing but junk mail, of which I get a regular supply. The variety of patterns, colors and text gave me an ample selection to work with. In my art I like the challenge of working with what I have or unusual items. I have done several You Tube videos on stamping and printing background papers using everyday things. Check out one of the videos here! In doing the 100 day project I have let myself try new techniques and see how things work together. Sometimes it is a cool result, sometimes rather blah and in need of more work. Either way it is forcing me to think differently. By the end of May I will have 100 mini projects that I can use as reference for future projects and courses. It’s all part of the growth I said I would undertake this year.