Although the creative process can follow a similar trail each time you work, it still can leave you wanting a better outcome. Why is this so? When inspiration fails, when it seems a little dark outside, know that change is coming. I have often wondered why the creative flow can seem so inaccessible at times. I recall being told to find a word or phrase to fall back on when things are not going well. The right word or statement can have amazing powers to lift the spirits.
Without confidence we do nothing. We flounder like a fish out of water. I am told that in the recent floods there have been a few fish washing up in unexpected places. It doesn’t take a crisis however to lack confidence. Creativity is like the ebb and flow of the sea. The main thing is to never give up during these dark nights of the soul. The tide turns and confidence returns. Just think if you had given up and just around the corner was an amazing opening. Of course without confidence we may turn away from opportunity.
While making mistakes is a normal part of creativity, watching children painting and drawing is a real treat. They never hold back or doubt their abilities. Plenty of confidence leaps about as they jump in. I have the fruits of my grandchildren’s labour hanging up in my studio. I find the little art works on the wall after they visit. I enjoy the different moods and forms of expression in the work.
This, of course, is the secret, to be just like the children when we create, forget the end result and enjoy the journey. Confidence just has a way of coming back to lift the spirits. For those who would like to work through, amongst many other topics, the Twelve Qualities of Creativity, I plan a weekend workshop in my studio at Tallegalla in early April. You can contact me on lyne @artclique.com.au to access more information. [The e-mail link has a deliberate break to avoid spam] The workshop dates and prices will be online very soon on http://www.artclique.com.au
Below is a more recent painting from November that was inspired by the early release of water from the Wivenhoe Dam after considerable rainfall…Can you see the bird in Bird’s Eye View ? The amount of water spilling over in this painting wasminiscule compared to what was to follow in real life in the coming months.
Bird’s Eye View 122 x 122 cm acrylic on canvas
