Take a moment to click over to the New York Magazine website and read this short but brilliant article by Melissa Dahl.
Here's a small excerpt:
"Asking 'What could I do?' instead of 'What should I do?' can lead you to better, more creative answers, according to a recent working paper by a team of Harvard Business School professors.
Asking yourself, for example, 'What should I do with my life?' tacitly implies that there’s a right and a wrong answer to that question. It seems that the word should can cause us to think in black and white, while could reveals the in-between shades of gray."
Obviously this concept offers myriad implications for life. I also think there are some very important implications for art making.
It's easy to forget that there is no "right" or "wrong" in art making. I know that I get stuck in the, "Oh no, I ruined it!" rut, or the, "Oh no, I might ruin it!" fear.
Silly girl.
Creativity is about exploring the possibilities. Some choices are better, or more interesting, or more provocative, than others, but always it's about trying things — experimenting.
It occurs to me that creating in a series is all about the could. In one of my early podcasts, Jenn Mason mentioned that she always works on multiple canvases at the same time. I'm not quoting exactly, but she said something about how it allows her to make all the choices she's thinking of. If she's trying to decide whether the next layer should be blue or red, she can simply do one of each and see where the road leads.
I love that idea.
When I heard her say that, it changed the way I make art. I no longer wanted to be limited to one choice. I wanted the possibility of exploring many paths at the same time.
It's something I do all the time now, and it has really freed me.
Here is a recent series of four mixed media collages:
These all started the same way, and I worked on all four at the same time, with the same limited palette of supplies. Yet, they're all so different! Lots of coulds and absolutely zero shoulds!
I think it's important — even when not working in a series — to let go of should and allow your mind (and your paintbrush) to explore the could.
What do you think? Are you a should or a could art maker?
Thanks for stopping by!
Beutiful art collages! But thank you for a great blog this morning. I am going to work on the “could” as opposed to the “should” in my life.
Thank you! Have a fabulous day!
Deb
Beutiful art collages! But thank you for a great blog this morning. I am going to work on the “could” as opposed to the “should” in my life.
Thank you! Have a fabulous day!
Deb
Beutiful art collages! But thank you for a great blog this morning. I am going to work on the “could” as opposed to the “should” in my life.
Thank you! Have a fabulous day!
Deb
Beutiful art collages! But thank you for a great blog this morning. I am going to work on the “could” as opposed to the “should” in my life.
Thank you! Have a fabulous day!
Deb
Beutiful art collages! But thank you for a great blog this morning. I am going to work on the “could” as opposed to the “should” in my life.
Thank you! Have a fabulous day!
Deb
This is really helpful! I get caught in the “should” zone far too often.
This is really helpful! I get caught in the “should” zone far too often.
This is really helpful! I get caught in the “should” zone far too often.
This is really helpful! I get caught in the “should” zone far too often.
This is really helpful! I get caught in the “should” zone far too often.
That’s very good advice. I can do that!
That’s very good advice. I can do that!
That’s very good advice. I can do that!
That’s very good advice. I can do that!
That’s very good advice. I can do that!
Super cool article, thanks. Love the idea of “could” instead of “should”. A great share.
Super cool article, thanks. Love the idea of “could” instead of “should”. A great share.
Super cool article, thanks. Love the idea of “could” instead of “should”. A great share.
Super cool article, thanks. Love the idea of “could” instead of “should”. A great share.
Super cool article, thanks. Love the idea of “could” instead of “should”. A great share.
Excellent idea for approaching art making. I love your collages. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and beautiful art. Your words of wisdom are gentle reminders. Your beautiful collages are inspiring. SO helpful in the way I will approach my art making in a series. Thank you ….thank you! Have a beautiful day.
Excellent idea for approaching art making. I love your collages. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and beautiful art. Your words of wisdom are gentle reminders. Your beautiful collages are inspiring. SO helpful in the way I will approach my art making in a series. Thank you ….thank you! Have a beautiful day.
Excellent idea for approaching art making. I love your collages. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and beautiful art. Your words of wisdom are gentle reminders. Your beautiful collages are inspiring. SO helpful in the way I will approach my art making in a series. Thank you ….thank you! Have a beautiful day.
Excellent idea for approaching art making. I love your collages. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and beautiful art. Your words of wisdom are gentle reminders. Your beautiful collages are inspiring. SO helpful in the way I will approach my art making in a series. Thank you ….thank you! Have a beautiful day.
Excellent idea for approaching art making. I love your collages. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and beautiful art. Your words of wisdom are gentle reminders. Your beautiful collages are inspiring. SO helpful in the way I will approach my art making in a series. Thank you ….thank you! Have a beautiful day.
I love this idea. Could instead of should is always a good way to go. I like the idea of working on multiple pages at the same time. I have worked in multiple journals but that is because I am waiting for something to dry. I like this idea and will try it. Thanks Julie for continually giving us inspiration and options. You rock.
I love this idea. Could instead of should is always a good way to go. I like the idea of working on multiple pages at the same time. I have worked in multiple journals but that is because I am waiting for something to dry. I like this idea and will try it. Thanks Julie for continually giving us inspiration and options. You rock.
I love this idea. Could instead of should is always a good way to go. I like the idea of working on multiple pages at the same time. I have worked in multiple journals but that is because I am waiting for something to dry. I like this idea and will try it. Thanks Julie for continually giving us inspiration and options. You rock.
I love this idea. Could instead of should is always a good way to go. I like the idea of working on multiple pages at the same time. I have worked in multiple journals but that is because I am waiting for something to dry. I like this idea and will try it. Thanks Julie for continually giving us inspiration and options. You rock.
I love this idea. Could instead of should is always a good way to go. I like the idea of working on multiple pages at the same time. I have worked in multiple journals but that is because I am waiting for something to dry. I like this idea and will try it. Thanks Julie for continually giving us inspiration and options. You rock.
Julie,
Thanks for making such a great blog. You have a mix of topics that is not only thought provoking but also art provoking. Your blog helps me grow as an artist and as a person.
Julie,
Thanks for making such a great blog. You have a mix of topics that is not only thought provoking but also art provoking. Your blog helps me grow as an artist and as a person.
Julie,
Thanks for making such a great blog. You have a mix of topics that is not only thought provoking but also art provoking. Your blog helps me grow as an artist and as a person.
Julie,
Thanks for making such a great blog. You have a mix of topics that is not only thought provoking but also art provoking. Your blog helps me grow as an artist and as a person.
Julie,
Thanks for making such a great blog. You have a mix of topics that is not only thought provoking but also art provoking. Your blog helps me grow as an artist and as a person.
Thank you so much for this post. The should zone shuts me down. The could zone is closer to my happy place. When I ask “what could I do…” my thoughts seem to expand and evaluate the options. This is a light bulb moment thing. Thanks again.
Thank you so much for this post. The should zone shuts me down. The could zone is closer to my happy place. When I ask “what could I do…” my thoughts seem to expand and evaluate the options. This is a light bulb moment thing. Thanks again.
Thank you so much for this post. The should zone shuts me down. The could zone is closer to my happy place. When I ask “what could I do…” my thoughts seem to expand and evaluate the options. This is a light bulb moment thing. Thanks again.
Thank you so much for this post. The should zone shuts me down. The could zone is closer to my happy place. When I ask “what could I do…” my thoughts seem to expand and evaluate the options. This is a light bulb moment thing. Thanks again.
Thank you so much for this post. The should zone shuts me down. The could zone is closer to my happy place. When I ask “what could I do…” my thoughts seem to expand and evaluate the options. This is a light bulb moment thing. Thanks again.
Hmmm… Interesting! In every day life I think I think ‘should’ a lot. In art I like to explore more than one option, so I think that qualifies as ‘could’. I’m getting better and better at thinking there is always another piece of paper or another canvas if I ‘ruin’ it. It will be interesting to try and apply ‘could’ to things outside art/craft!
Hmmm… Interesting! In every day life I think I think ‘should’ a lot. In art I like to explore more than one option, so I think that qualifies as ‘could’. I’m getting better and better at thinking there is always another piece of paper or another canvas if I ‘ruin’ it. It will be interesting to try and apply ‘could’ to things outside art/craft!
Hmmm… Interesting! In every day life I think I think ‘should’ a lot. In art I like to explore more than one option, so I think that qualifies as ‘could’. I’m getting better and better at thinking there is always another piece of paper or another canvas if I ‘ruin’ it. It will be interesting to try and apply ‘could’ to things outside art/craft!
Hmmm… Interesting! In every day life I think I think ‘should’ a lot. In art I like to explore more than one option, so I think that qualifies as ‘could’. I’m getting better and better at thinking there is always another piece of paper or another canvas if I ‘ruin’ it. It will be interesting to try and apply ‘could’ to things outside art/craft!
Hmmm… Interesting! In every day life I think I think ‘should’ a lot. In art I like to explore more than one option, so I think that qualifies as ‘could’. I’m getting better and better at thinking there is always another piece of paper or another canvas if I ‘ruin’ it. It will be interesting to try and apply ‘could’ to things outside art/craft!
I’m definitely a should person in life and art but I now see how that would limit me and my thinking. I really love the could approach as it feels more positive and open and will definitely be how I’m going to approach more things and not just my art.
Your canvases are just lovely and so different…awesome! Thank you for sharing and helping me to grow.
I’m definitely a should person in life and art but I now see how that would limit me and my thinking. I really love the could approach as it feels more positive and open and will definitely be how I’m going to approach more things and not just my art.
Your canvases are just lovely and so different…awesome! Thank you for sharing and helping me to grow.
I’m definitely a should person in life and art but I now see how that would limit me and my thinking. I really love the could approach as it feels more positive and open and will definitely be how I’m going to approach more things and not just my art.
Your canvases are just lovely and so different…awesome! Thank you for sharing and helping me to grow.
I’m definitely a should person in life and art but I now see how that would limit me and my thinking. I really love the could approach as it feels more positive and open and will definitely be how I’m going to approach more things and not just my art.
Your canvases are just lovely and so different…awesome! Thank you for sharing and helping me to grow.
I’m definitely a should person in life and art but I now see how that would limit me and my thinking. I really love the could approach as it feels more positive and open and will definitely be how I’m going to approach more things and not just my art.
Your canvases are just lovely and so different…awesome! Thank you for sharing and helping me to grow.
2 great ideas – could and working in a series – in 1 blog post. Thanks Julie
2 great ideas – could and working in a series – in 1 blog post. Thanks Julie
2 great ideas – could and working in a series – in 1 blog post. Thanks Julie
2 great ideas – could and working in a series – in 1 blog post. Thanks Julie
2 great ideas – could and working in a series – in 1 blog post. Thanks Julie
I was sitting here today, not accomplishing much, with a long list of things needing doing, shoulds!’ when I read your post. Talk about coming at the right time. I am going to put away the list and focus on some art. Love those gorgeous collages!
I was sitting here today, not accomplishing much, with a long list of things needing doing, shoulds!’ when I read your post. Talk about coming at the right time. I am going to put away the list and focus on some art. Love those gorgeous collages!
I was sitting here today, not accomplishing much, with a long list of things needing doing, shoulds!’ when I read your post. Talk about coming at the right time. I am going to put away the list and focus on some art. Love those gorgeous collages!
I was sitting here today, not accomplishing much, with a long list of things needing doing, shoulds!’ when I read your post. Talk about coming at the right time. I am going to put away the list and focus on some art. Love those gorgeous collages!
I was sitting here today, not accomplishing much, with a long list of things needing doing, shoulds!’ when I read your post. Talk about coming at the right time. I am going to put away the list and focus on some art. Love those gorgeous collages!
Thank you! I needed to hear that today. Gonna let go of the ‘should’ and embrace the ‘could’ 🙂 Love your four pieces, and loved seeing how you got such different results from same supplies.
Thank you! I needed to hear that today. Gonna let go of the ‘should’ and embrace the ‘could’ 🙂 Love your four pieces, and loved seeing how you got such different results from same supplies.
Thank you! I needed to hear that today. Gonna let go of the ‘should’ and embrace the ‘could’ 🙂 Love your four pieces, and loved seeing how you got such different results from same supplies.
Thank you! I needed to hear that today. Gonna let go of the ‘should’ and embrace the ‘could’ 🙂 Love your four pieces, and loved seeing how you got such different results from same supplies.
Thank you! I needed to hear that today. Gonna let go of the ‘should’ and embrace the ‘could’ 🙂 Love your four pieces, and loved seeing how you got such different results from same supplies.
This is inspiring, Julie! I love the idea of trying stuff a la Jenn’s comment, and what inspires me most is the fearless use of color in your work!
This is inspiring, Julie! I love the idea of trying stuff a la Jenn’s comment, and what inspires me most is the fearless use of color in your work!
This is inspiring, Julie! I love the idea of trying stuff a la Jenn’s comment, and what inspires me most is the fearless use of color in your work!
This is inspiring, Julie! I love the idea of trying stuff a la Jenn’s comment, and what inspires me most is the fearless use of color in your work!
This is inspiring, Julie! I love the idea of trying stuff a la Jenn’s comment, and what inspires me most is the fearless use of color in your work!
For years I had a little placque that said “I will not “should” on myself.”
For years I had a little placque that said “I will not “should” on myself.”
For years I had a little placque that said “I will not “should” on myself.”
For years I had a little placque that said “I will not “should” on myself.”
For years I had a little placque that said “I will not “should” on myself.”
These pieces are fantastic!! I’ve been trying out working on more than one project at a time and doing more “could” than “should.” Very inspiring work and words.
These pieces are fantastic!! I’ve been trying out working on more than one project at a time and doing more “could” than “should.” Very inspiring work and words.
These pieces are fantastic!! I’ve been trying out working on more than one project at a time and doing more “could” than “should.” Very inspiring work and words.
These pieces are fantastic!! I’ve been trying out working on more than one project at a time and doing more “could” than “should.” Very inspiring work and words.
These pieces are fantastic!! I’ve been trying out working on more than one project at a time and doing more “could” than “should.” Very inspiring work and words.
I have an art journal page that is painted black and at the top I stamped in large letters, “Stuck”, then at the bottom I stamped, “Unstuck”. It’s blank in the middle and I had no idea what to put there. I did it about a year ago. And now I know how to finish it!!! This is SO enlightening to me and just what I needed to hear at this point in my life. I’ve been thinking of all the things I should do but rarely think about what I could do! Thanks for your post and sharing that article. It’s just what I needed to hear.
I have an art journal page that is painted black and at the top I stamped in large letters, “Stuck”, then at the bottom I stamped, “Unstuck”. It’s blank in the middle and I had no idea what to put there. I did it about a year ago. And now I know how to finish it!!! This is SO enlightening to me and just what I needed to hear at this point in my life. I’ve been thinking of all the things I should do but rarely think about what I could do! Thanks for your post and sharing that article. It’s just what I needed to hear.
I have an art journal page that is painted black and at the top I stamped in large letters, “Stuck”, then at the bottom I stamped, “Unstuck”. It’s blank in the middle and I had no idea what to put there. I did it about a year ago. And now I know how to finish it!!! This is SO enlightening to me and just what I needed to hear at this point in my life. I’ve been thinking of all the things I should do but rarely think about what I could do! Thanks for your post and sharing that article. It’s just what I needed to hear.
I have an art journal page that is painted black and at the top I stamped in large letters, “Stuck”, then at the bottom I stamped, “Unstuck”. It’s blank in the middle and I had no idea what to put there. I did it about a year ago. And now I know how to finish it!!! This is SO enlightening to me and just what I needed to hear at this point in my life. I’ve been thinking of all the things I should do but rarely think about what I could do! Thanks for your post and sharing that article. It’s just what I needed to hear.
I have an art journal page that is painted black and at the top I stamped in large letters, “Stuck”, then at the bottom I stamped, “Unstuck”. It’s blank in the middle and I had no idea what to put there. I did it about a year ago. And now I know how to finish it!!! This is SO enlightening to me and just what I needed to hear at this point in my life. I’ve been thinking of all the things I should do but rarely think about what I could do! Thanks for your post and sharing that article. It’s just what I needed to hear.
I am definitely a should art maker and I am starting to push myself to be a could art maker (especially in my art journal). For some reason I feel it’s “okay” to experiment there as opposed to when I’m scrapping LO’s. Love those canvases BTW and interesting how different they all are.
I am definitely a should art maker and I am starting to push myself to be a could art maker (especially in my art journal). For some reason I feel it’s “okay” to experiment there as opposed to when I’m scrapping LO’s. Love those canvases BTW and interesting how different they all are.
I am definitely a should art maker and I am starting to push myself to be a could art maker (especially in my art journal). For some reason I feel it’s “okay” to experiment there as opposed to when I’m scrapping LO’s. Love those canvases BTW and interesting how different they all are.
I am definitely a should art maker and I am starting to push myself to be a could art maker (especially in my art journal). For some reason I feel it’s “okay” to experiment there as opposed to when I’m scrapping LO’s. Love those canvases BTW and interesting how different they all are.
I am definitely a should art maker and I am starting to push myself to be a could art maker (especially in my art journal). For some reason I feel it’s “okay” to experiment there as opposed to when I’m scrapping LO’s. Love those canvases BTW and interesting how different they all are.
Mwah!!!! Thank you!!
Mwah!!!! Thank you!!
Mwah!!!! Thank you!!
Mwah!!!! Thank you!!
Mwah!!!! Thank you!!
I appreciate art journaling and drawing, I always have. This thought of things being able to take multiple paths is what initially lead me to doing design on the computer! With photoshop you can try so many different paths and then “edit UNDO” or “Save as” and see more options to select from.
It is an interesting concept to be able to start with four paintings the same way and being able to explore alternate choices! Now I move back and forth from the computer to traditional art. Great blog thanks for sharing!
http://blockblockgoose.com/go-fish/
I appreciate art journaling and drawing, I always have. This thought of things being able to take multiple paths is what initially lead me to doing design on the computer! With photoshop you can try so many different paths and then “edit UNDO” or “Save as” and see more options to select from.
It is an interesting concept to be able to start with four paintings the same way and being able to explore alternate choices! Now I move back and forth from the computer to traditional art. Great blog thanks for sharing!
http://blockblockgoose.com/go-fish/
I appreciate art journaling and drawing, I always have. This thought of things being able to take multiple paths is what initially lead me to doing design on the computer! With photoshop you can try so many different paths and then “edit UNDO” or “Save as” and see more options to select from.
It is an interesting concept to be able to start with four paintings the same way and being able to explore alternate choices! Now I move back and forth from the computer to traditional art. Great blog thanks for sharing!
http://blockblockgoose.com/go-fish/
I appreciate art journaling and drawing, I always have. This thought of things being able to take multiple paths is what initially lead me to doing design on the computer! With photoshop you can try so many different paths and then “edit UNDO” or “Save as” and see more options to select from.
It is an interesting concept to be able to start with four paintings the same way and being able to explore alternate choices! Now I move back and forth from the computer to traditional art. Great blog thanks for sharing!
http://blockblockgoose.com/go-fish/
I appreciate art journaling and drawing, I always have. This thought of things being able to take multiple paths is what initially lead me to doing design on the computer! With photoshop you can try so many different paths and then “edit UNDO” or “Save as” and see more options to select from.
It is an interesting concept to be able to start with four paintings the same way and being able to explore alternate choices! Now I move back and forth from the computer to traditional art. Great blog thanks for sharing!
http://blockblockgoose.com/go-fish/
I am trying to move from the should to could realm in many aspects of my life…..Thanks for the article!
I am trying to move from the should to could realm in many aspects of my life…..Thanks for the article!
I am trying to move from the should to could realm in many aspects of my life…..Thanks for the article!
I am trying to move from the should to could realm in many aspects of my life…..Thanks for the article!
I am trying to move from the should to could realm in many aspects of my life…..Thanks for the article!
So right on many different levels.
Thanks for sharing.
So right on many different levels.
Thanks for sharing.
So right on many different levels.
Thanks for sharing.
So right on many different levels.
Thanks for sharing.
So right on many different levels.
Thanks for sharing.
Also, I have recently learned that in addition to having judgement and guild assigned to it should usually comes from outside myself. I should clean the bathroom. I should go to a friend’s party. They are rooted in what other people think or expect. Could comes from within. And the possibilities are endless. And yes, I most likely should clean the bathroom but after that I could do absolutely anything.
Also, I have recently learned that in addition to having judgement and guild assigned to it should usually comes from outside myself. I should clean the bathroom. I should go to a friend’s party. They are rooted in what other people think or expect. Could comes from within. And the possibilities are endless. And yes, I most likely should clean the bathroom but after that I could do absolutely anything.
Also, I have recently learned that in addition to having judgement and guild assigned to it should usually comes from outside myself. I should clean the bathroom. I should go to a friend’s party. They are rooted in what other people think or expect. Could comes from within. And the possibilities are endless. And yes, I most likely should clean the bathroom but after that I could do absolutely anything.
Also, I have recently learned that in addition to having judgement and guild assigned to it should usually comes from outside myself. I should clean the bathroom. I should go to a friend’s party. They are rooted in what other people think or expect. Could comes from within. And the possibilities are endless. And yes, I most likely should clean the bathroom but after that I could do absolutely anything.
Also, I have recently learned that in addition to having judgement and guild assigned to it should usually comes from outside myself. I should clean the bathroom. I should go to a friend’s party. They are rooted in what other people think or expect. Could comes from within. And the possibilities are endless. And yes, I most likely should clean the bathroom but after that I could do absolutely anything.