The tricky part in life is making the right decisions. Everyone struggles with this. Lately I feel like I have been not doing so well at making decisions. It is hard to know because what might, at first, feel like a mistake, maybe down the road, will feel right. I hope so.
Of course a huge amount of what makes something right is what we create around the decision. “The grass is greener where we water it” is what my daughter just told me. I think that is true.
Making art is a practice of being ourselves. The more time we spend in this place, the better we get at making creative decisions. They generally get more refined and sensitive. Our improving art is a testament to this idea.
In times when things are uncertain or difficult it is a pretty safe bet to go back into your art. Let it remind you that you have been here before. I can hear myself so much easier standing in front of something I am making. Your art is like a mirror. It is you but in a different form. It stands beside you, like a friend, encouraging your best self to speak up and to know clearly when to say No, but much, more importantly when to say Yes to what you truly desire.
31 Comments
Hi! I’m
Nicholas Wilton
the founder of Art2Life.
With over 20 years experience as a working artist and educator, I’ve developed a systematic approach that brings authenticity, spontaneity and joy back into the creative process.
Join me and artists from all over the world in our Free Art2Life Artists Facebook Group or learn more here about Art2Life.
Along these lines, a good read: The War of Art – Break Through The Blocks And Win Your Creative Battles. An instructor in Santa Fe suggested it to me and it will make you think about your roadblocks, and the things that can get in between you and your creative spirit.
Yeh, my stockpile of inspirational books are always close by. I use them almost daily.
thank you for this. I especially love the reminder “Making art is a practice of being ourselves.”
Yes, the best…the best idea to remember
Timely advice to think about. Thank you, Nicholas.
Very supportive statements, THX! I always need to hear about how important it is not to be hard on my work while its still developing – like I wouldn’t be hard on a friend in this way. I also love it when a canvas just starts “talking” and making decisions for me! I’m really enjoying following your blog.
Thank you for your supportive words. Timely for me.
Decisions. I always find that if i have a decision to make I’m just in the wrong place to begin with. The best stuff just happens and the painting tells you what it wants. That mark or that colour or that shape cannot be any other way. When I put something down that’s come from a decision, it’s arbitrary and shallow.
To borrow a phrase from James Joyce… mistakes are portals of discovery
Oh I love this one
I have heard it said that there are no right or wrong deicions, and there are no mistakes. Everything works out as it should. Everything is an opportunity for growth and learning. I also take refuge in my art when things get challenging. It grounds and comforts me.
I always told my children, “The universe is unfolding exactly as it should”. Then they repeat it back to me….argh. Sometimes, in the middle of the whatever, we don’t want to hear that, but it is usually true. Eventually
Lovely note Nick, I always enjoy your emails. I’m not an artist, though I used to love drawing and was adept at it, I let it slip. You inspire me to pick it up again. Best wishes, I’m glad you are doing well
Meditation is my unfailing connection to Source. Otherwise i think myself into trouble. Sit quietly in the studio. Pay attention to your breathing for at least 20 minutes with your eyes closed. Every time you become aware that you are thinking say to yourself. I am aware that i am thinking. Then go back to your breathing. Repeat until your vision reappears.
Barry
Thanks for you comment. I’m going to,try it.
truth:)
I appreciate the connection you make between art and life. I was surprised recently when my art instructor advised me to start journaling, as she saw something in my work that needed to be expressed- but was not.
I didn’t exactly take her advice. I wrote thoughts on tissue paper that I tore up (to maybe incorporate in future artwork).
Anyway, as I continue this process my art seems to have become looser and more spontaneous.
The decision I was wrestling with also presented itself – not so much the decision, but the resolution and peaceful rightness of it inside me.
Thank you for your insights into art and life – I always look forward to your missives.
Once again, thank you! Such encouraging blogs, always look forward to them! Helps in life and in art.
Love to hear you insights always!
Well I have learned by experience that I am the worst to see the whole picture of myself and what I am doing. Let time pass and I can try to be outside of myself and make better decisions.
I’m curious…..Does one ever “See” the “whole picture of ones self and what one is doing”?
Perhaps it is relaxing through breath and ease…fun and play…..taking risks….all within the creative journey by offering gentleness and patience with oneself……while enjoying various developmental stages of the personal relationship between the artists/ creator, ones canvas, and the media…. it’s like riding the waves….as a surfer with the ebbs and flows of the tides…traveling through trial and error…..(bringing lessons & happy accidents)…..and then a coming to the satisfaction within the elements of “Surprise”…..then…….as in any relationship which continues to grow….a sense of familiarity and ease beings to emerge. While “change” is always in the winds…….. a journey……a process…..as one courageously steps through to the other side of fear….enjoy the ride….. On the wings of creative winds~ Susan Stanton
So true. My point is that ones insecurity is part of the journey!
I like your reminder. I’m reminded of a line an old friend used to say: “It ain’t over til the fat lady sings.” (Referencing Opera) Yes, we are ever changing and growing, so the whole picture is constantly emerging. It is helpful to remind ourselves of that when we are stuck in one picture or the illusion of one picture. That’s why I love quantum physics perspective…:-)
Your text was my morning meditation, Nick. You are so compassionate for those who are struggling in the process of becoming free. Happy to be in the Art2Life Community! Beyond words.
Ditto for sure
You’re so cool – thank you!! That is all. 🙂
I also am happy to be in this community.
I will never be renowned as an artist. But I still feel an obligation to be creative.
It is reassuring you have the same trials as we do. And that you uplift us by sharing your journey.
I am always struggling between artist and all my other “hats”. Life calls on me, I respond. Then I feel paralyzed to go back to the studio.
And you daughter is wise. Such a good thing to remember. Thank her for me!
I live in area where we have four seasons. Winter is my favorite because I have not as many responsibilities and I enjoy my studio time much more.
As you said, Nicholas, a place to see yourself. A place to breath and immerse into a quiet dimension with only your creativity to comfort.
To me, a meditation of sorts.
Thanks so much!
Yes I LOVE Nick’s daughter’s reminder: the grass is greener where it is watered. Wow. A keeper
It is your last sentence that really spoke to me. ‘It (one’s art )stands beside us like a friend….’ I still feel a bit as if I was in the first week of a new school. Awkward about chatting to those around me, but longing to make a lasting connection.Caught between shyness and boldness and afraid to spoil a new beginning .I really want my art to eventually become a fun and reliable friend. Thank you Nicolas for this.
I share your insight; thank you
Boy does this speak to me right now. I am upside down with decisions….selling a home, finding a new home, packing up, relocating a (clinical) office, assisting an adult son in relocating (he’s an actor), supporting a daughter with a challenging relationship…and right after a break thru in my art work. It seems like the universe ups its game every time I take a step forward. I am so thankful for first, YOU Nicholas Wilton, and secondly my art community (all you out there and more). When I remember that, the other gratitudes come tumbling into awareness. Wow. Needed this one TODAY xo all, Phyllis Anne