As I participate in Art Everyday Month, I find myself very impressed with the work of other participants. Their ideas are inspired, and it sparks a desire to do something similar, only… anxiety clutches at me. I don’t want to be a copycat, to infringe on someone else’s work. I know there is nothing truly original in the world, but still, can I not be creative enough (or brave enough) to see what emerges on my own? I’m also struggling with the Critic. So far my efforts have been pretty satisfying to me, yet there is a fear I made a big splash and it will all be crap from now on. Ugh.
A Mindful Life / Kathryn Harper
express : discover : renew : create
But the pieces you’ve made so far have been SO creative! Truthfully, one of the reasons I decided to do it this year was just to show that you can have NO artistic skill…I mean, really, NONE…ha!…and still somehow come up with SOMETHING. It might be CRAP, but at least it’s something. š
And I’m glad you’re participating! I’m glad that I am too; it gives me a chance to experience and work through stuff like anxiety and self-judgment. I’ve made more art and craft in the past month than I’ve done, ever, and this is after a year of NOT doing it–resisting, avoiding, denying myself. It feels good.
oh, your words are so familiar. i’ve felt all of those things before. the critic is an annoying little bugger, but let aem help you carry on, let yourself play, see what comes. xoxoxox