Beginning a new project, especially a daunting one, is hard. Turning vague ideas and boundless possibilities into concrete steps can seem like an impossible leap. I have been struggling to start this big new project. I finally realized I am scared to death. I don’t like to fail, and maybe this might fail. On the […]
Are you familiar with the typical type of planning process for projects — the quantifiable goals, the schedule, the step by step checks on progress? The cut and dried picture, the success: fail scenario, the rigidity of mindset this kind of planning inspires? How does that work for you? Me neither. Makes me want to run away. On the […]
It’s Monday and time for the “secret color challenge with a twist” BIG REVEAL! Three pieces, ten days, required elements. WITH GRAFFITI! Just for fun, I’ll let you study the photos and guess the 3 colors and figure out the twist. Yes, there is a quiz! After that, we can ruminate on the value of doing […]
There is something magical that happens when artists get together in a friendly group and make art, but I am not exactly sure what it is. It might be synergy; it might be the proverbial mutual admiration society at work; it might be the fun of seeing what everyone is doing; it might be the relief of feeling […]
Today Jordan Hill and I reveal the results of the secret art challenge! Last week we set up a private color challenge: we independently selected two colors each and then combined our choices. We were to make 5 pieces with these colors. By today. And we did! The secret challenge colors: lime green soft yellow red silvery lilac […]
It took me a long time to realize that while artists may seem to have an inborn talent, they actually develop their art making skills by practicing. Doodles? Practice. Sketching? Practice. Staring into space? Practice. They work it out over many attempts. Just like a toddler toddles and then walks, artists scribble and then draw. […]
I’ve mentioned how I “pace” by walking in a pattern to trace out the shape of a figure 8. I do it to relax and settle my mind when puzzling through a knotty problem or when I begin to panic am scrambling for last-minute inspiration on a deadline. Turn it on its side and this […]
Twyla Tharp’s new Sinatra music show is coming to town. This reminded me about The Creative Habit: Learn it and use it for Life, her richly practical and inspiring book. Among many valuable insights, she describes “the spine” and its essential role in creative projects. Can you guess what this week’s creativity tip touches on? […]
When a creative project seems to fail, what do you do? Many times we take an initial failure as a sign that the project is not meant to be, or that we are not the person who is meant to carry it out. This is self sabotage at its sneakiest. Do you let frustration and […]