I've been enjoying slowly reading and working through a book called, "True Vision: Authentic Art Journaling." It's by a woman named L.K. Ludwig. Today, I read something so genius in it.
"There is a certain excitement that is generated when we acquire a found-object treasure. When we look at the found object, we think, 'Oh, wow! That would be great in….' 'That would work perfectly for….' 'I could use this in a piece on….' Excitedly, we snap up our find and carry it back to our studio, where we admire it, perhaps turning it over in our hands, and then we place it carefully onto a shelf or a tabletop or into a drawer. Unfortunately, the creative energy generated by the found object, all the possibilities for its use, and the excitement surrounding the found object go onto the shelf or into the drawer with the object. We give up the creativity to preserve the object, even though we obtained the object with the intent of using it.
This sort of self-defeating behavior has its roots in fear — fear of running out of good stuff, fear of never finding another one, fear of ruining the object. And, while some of these fears are legitimate, a certain amount of art making involves risk taking. There will always be good stuff to be found, and the next treasure is always waiting. Missing the opportunity to capture that creative energy is a true waste. In other words, use your good stuff. There is always more good stuff to be had."
I love the second paragraph. Every word of it speaks to me.
"Art making involves risk taking." That line in particular sticks out to me. It is usually when I feel out of control and unclear as to whether the result will be brilliant or horrible that I end up loving the result. When I'm super careful, the process is boring and the result often is too.
And, as I've mentioned before, I'm a hoarder. The notion that I'm going to ruin something I love by using it is one I clearly identify with. It needs to become my 2009 mantra, "There is always more good stuff to be had." On a purely personal level, it's a good mantra for life, not just crafting. I've had a few disappointments and setbacks recently and rather than dwelling on them, I think it's good to keep moving forward. Tomorrow is a new day and offers the opportunity for something fabulous to happen! Right?
Before I go today, how about two more Label Tulip sneaks? Here you go…
Thanks for stopping by!
you rock! need I say more? 😀
you rock! need I say more? 😀
you rock! need I say more? 😀
you rock! need I say more? 😀
mhhh- Ok- I need to buy this. I was undecided but you make me want it.
mhhh- Ok- I need to buy this. I was undecided but you make me want it.
mhhh- Ok- I need to buy this. I was undecided but you make me want it.
mhhh- Ok- I need to buy this. I was undecided but you make me want it.
i now need this book – that second paragraph is also aimed right at me. do you have that coolio brush that Tim used on his 12 days tags? i love that look!
i now need this book – that second paragraph is also aimed right at me. do you have that coolio brush that Tim used on his 12 days tags? i love that look!
i now need this book – that second paragraph is also aimed right at me. do you have that coolio brush that Tim used on his 12 days tags? i love that look!
i now need this book – that second paragraph is also aimed right at me. do you have that coolio brush that Tim used on his 12 days tags? i love that look!
I think a lot of people could find appreciation in what you shared from that book…good food for thought.
Hope you have a great weekend!
I think a lot of people could find appreciation in what you shared from that book…good food for thought.
Hope you have a great weekend!
I think a lot of people could find appreciation in what you shared from that book…good food for thought.
Hope you have a great weekend!
I think a lot of people could find appreciation in what you shared from that book…good food for thought.
Hope you have a great weekend!
I think a lot of people could relate to what you shared from the book…good food for thought, thanks for sharing and have a great weekend!
I think a lot of people could relate to what you shared from the book…good food for thought, thanks for sharing and have a great weekend!
I think a lot of people could relate to what you shared from the book…good food for thought, thanks for sharing and have a great weekend!
I think a lot of people could relate to what you shared from the book…good food for thought, thanks for sharing and have a great weekend!
intriguing sneaks 🙂
intriguing sneaks 🙂
intriguing sneaks 🙂
intriguing sneaks 🙂
I’m having this exact problem with my dollhouse. I’m scared to do ANYTHING to it. I’m so afraid I wont’ like what I do or I’ll think up something better later on. eh.. I need to take on your philosophy. Or that books….you know what I mean.
I’m having this exact problem with my dollhouse. I’m scared to do ANYTHING to it. I’m so afraid I wont’ like what I do or I’ll think up something better later on. eh.. I need to take on your philosophy. Or that books….you know what I mean.
I’m having this exact problem with my dollhouse. I’m scared to do ANYTHING to it. I’m so afraid I wont’ like what I do or I’ll think up something better later on. eh.. I need to take on your philosophy. Or that books….you know what I mean.
I’m having this exact problem with my dollhouse. I’m scared to do ANYTHING to it. I’m so afraid I wont’ like what I do or I’ll think up something better later on. eh.. I need to take on your philosophy. Or that books….you know what I mean.