A Turning Point

Creativity itself doesn't care at all about results - the only thing it craves is the process. Learn to love the process and let whatever happens next happen, without fussing too much about it. Work like a monk, or a mule, or some other representative metaphor for diligence. Love the work. Destiny will do what it wants with you, regardless. 

Elizabeth Gilbert

It all started when I signed up for an online class. The syllabus was The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown.

   

I did not understand that the application part of the class would happen through art journaling. I liked buying a little empty journal book and my first set of gouache paints but I didn't get it. Brené didn't get it either, she was not comfortable with art. But she surrounded herself with artist and writer friends who helped her see how to use creativity to integrate emotions. Yes, as a vulnerability and shame researcher, her work indicated that "The Wholehearted" people she studied had creative outlets, all of them. So, how does writing down your story, painting a representation of your inner life, or making up a song integrate the most beautiful and the most difficult parts of your life?

  Recently, I listened to a podcast with Elizabeth Gilbert, who was interviewing a young woman song writer. She was grieving the loss of her sister to cancer. She told about her fear of writing music again because the loss was so fresh and making music brought up images that were very disturbing. Elizabeth suggested she let the music guide her to what was bubbling up into her heart. Later, in another call, Elizabeth asked how her creative juices were doing. A joyful song had emerged, quite to her surprise. The music had bridged the gap from pain to joy. 

What is the fear when we pick up a brush?

The fear is that we won't be good enough. Good enough for what? Good enough to have others applaud at our greatness? Then that is true in my experience. But, if we embark on the path of creativity to integrate our inner life with our outer life then it is much more likely that we are good enough. My love of art is sustainable. I can do it the rest of my life, as long as my hands work. It brings me joy and satisfaction. God inspires me and my island life supports my pursuit. You can view my art here.

Click here to go back to the 21 Days In My Art world page.