One of my art goals for this year is to work more freely and loosely. I know that being so detail oriented in my art is more about me trying to exercise control in all the aspects of my life. I think this need for control and perfectionism is the cause of my creative blocks (although I did manage to eek out a little creativity at times). This affected my output; which meant creating less!
I took steps this year to push myself completely out of the perfectionism zone, by creating smaller works, at a faster pace and I joined the 100 Artwork Challenge, so that I can create more, experiment and challenge myself.
This does not mean I will be sacrificing quality for quantity; but what it does mean is that I will add more joy, plan and fun to my time by letting go of the minutia! My need for control and perfectionism was so bad that I was spending days obsessing over getting every little thing, just right, so that I could move forward! It was a vicious cycle of anxiety-producing out-of-control mayhem in my head!
I often write about positive outlooks and ways to overcome the challenges of art and life. I don’t write about these things, because I think I’m so together, but rather from a place of knowing that I need this as much as anyone else.
I want all the dreams I have for this stage of my life to be limitless and to become a reality, but I know and believe that this has to be completed from the inside first and then it will filter to my outside life and hopefully help others.
So each epiphany that I encounter on my creative journey is worth celebrating! Always!
From my wildly passionate creative soul to yours in peace.
jennifer barrile said
Your creativity and the energy in your work always inspires me.
Indigene Art Forms said
Hey Jen, thanks so much, I think our inspiration is mutual!
" class="comment-author-link" rel="external nofollow" itemprop="url">Vanessa Eulette said
I’m still learning as you know. With each technique/method I learn I realize that it is not perfection but joy! Watercolors actually taught me to relinquish control and accept the happy accidents. Control now means less in my everyday life than it did. Still not easy but easier to let go. Palette knife is now teaching me volumes regarding texture and coloring outside the lines… You my friend will also embrace art’s lessons to create even more beauty in the loose style you desire! Happy painting! Live to make art
Indigene said
Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment, Vanessa! You know it means a lot. We both will continue to support one another.