2/25/2018 9:16:10 PM
Inspiration comes to those who expect it. "Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right." —Henry Ford
Do you hate your art? Do you actually say " I hate that"? because if you are, that is definitely hurting your creative flow. These creations you create are out of your soul, or you trying to get to your soul, and it is a journey that is part of you. If you have children or a pet, hate to compare the two, but follow me....these are creations. They do not perform perfectly all of the time, or behave, but hopefully, you still LOVE THEM. They are or become an extension of you. We learn to forgive. They grow, and get better. Sometimes A LOT better. ( Hopefully).
Think of your art as a child or puppy. This week I want you to practice LOVING your art, as if this love will make it grow. Each piece you paint or create is the birth of another piece. It is sitting there waiting for you to acknowledge it. Do not throw it in a closet or turn it around. The muse will do the same to you. Tell it thank you! Be grateful it showed up. Look into it for the lessons for your next piece, your next work, or masterpiece. Get out the PRIZE piece you like and put it prominently on the wall, and it becomes a measuring tool for all the other pieces that show up. But give them all gratitude. These are your creations!! Just do your best every time you sit to create, and welcome the process.
So this week take an older piece of art, maybe you do not like it and find 5 things you can say good things about, like color, texture, the drawing etc. and write them down. Then take out another piece and do it again. Get a list of 20 things you LIKE or love about some of your work you think you do NOT like. Even if it is one square inch it.
This is a process of finding yourself. What you like about yourself. Read this list before you go to bed and when you wake up. Say to yourself...This is what I LOVE about my work. Put them all together and expect inspiration to come to you. You are changing the negative force of hatred for your work to the positive force of love, and the muse is happy again and will show up.
Simple things that make all the difference in the world. Be patient with yourself.
2/8/2018 9:16:29 AM
So, How did last week's exercise go? I hope you found some love for color or your favorite color. I love color, and it doesn't matter what color it seems. I find joy in all colors.
Something that will help train your brain for creativity, is to have a place set up somewhere where you ONLY CREATE. I don't care if it is in the corner of a room, it must be the same place EVERY time. Our brain will start associating this space for creation, just like it does when you go to the kitchen for food, or the bed for sleep. It is really that simple. It is like Pavlov's dog (if you do not know this story, I suggest you look it up)
Are you Journalling? If not, find something now to sketch or journal in. You must be able to put all your ideas in your "idea journal" or call it "Increase your creative flow" journal. What you are searching for is "FLOW".
This week's exercise will include some physical exercise, and mental exercise. but here are the rules:
1. Do not try too hard
2. Have fun
3. Do not judge yourself.
First you must let all other thoughts go, I do this sometimes by just jumping on my trampoline in my studio (small one) or push ups. Just a little exercise to get my blood flowing and my mind off of "things". Jumping Jacks, Yoga or a walk.
Now, grab your sketch pad or journal. Sit down and close your eyes. Breath in 3 deep breaths and tell yourself "I am creative" after each inhalation and upon exhalation let go any limiting beliefs or words that pop up. These do not serve your highest good. REMEMBER no judgement.
You can time yourself, this shouldn't last more than 10 minutes.
1. Start anywhere on the page and put your pen or pencil on it and start making squiggly lines without picking up your pen or pencil if you can help it. Do this until the page is filled up or about 2 minutes.
2. Then lift your pencil or pen and look to see if you can "make something" out of your squiggles, kind of like looking at clouds, Or add some interesting little pictures that just pop into your head. Like I added a fish and a sailboat. Let this string of creative thoughts just keep flowing for the next 5-8 minutes and draw it, no need to get too complicated, but if your thoughts take you there, Go for it.
3. Do not overthink it. It is best to just let it happen. You can color or shade things in if you want. Don't expect too much.
4. Remember, this is an exercise, not a masterpiece.
Sometimes it is just being able to sit down in your creative space and "do something" that can start the flow. I do not know how many times I am in my "space" and I do not pick up a brush. Guess what....I can not create without a brush in my hand. Ha. So this is an outlet from your creative baby (deep inside) through your mind, into your hand and out on the paper.
So have fun! Send me your squiggles!
Be Creative,
Jennifer
