I will tell you the best thing that happens in my art workshops. It is something like magic and makes me feel so good !
This magical thing is the product of presence and appreciation, you see, where my students are concerned, I allow myself to see value in every mark, so as the facilitator and despite the artists personal feelings, when showcasing my students work I then inadvertently present excellence.
In my eyes the mark making journey is excellence, the mark itself then reflects that back to my subjective view.
And so it's actually next to impossible for someone who is attuned to their inner being to see anything other than excellence too. Even if the subject matter, colour and compassion may not be to a persons taste, the excellence of the mark making process is highlighted.
This magical thing is the product of presence and appreciation, you see, where my students are concerned, I allow myself to see value in every mark, so as the facilitator and despite the artists personal feelings, when showcasing my students work I then inadvertently present excellence.
In my eyes the mark making journey is excellence, the mark itself then reflects that back to my subjective view.
And so it's actually next to impossible for someone who is attuned to their inner being to see anything other than excellence too. Even if the subject matter, colour and compassion may not be to a persons taste, the excellence of the mark making process is highlighted.
Art is a strange place for us to focus judgement, but it is here we are so harsh with ourselves.
The story regarding creative self-worth and art is so common, I hear it from almost everyone who comes to my classes
I actually wrote The Creative Warrior to address it.
It is just such a mis-take to punish our creative child with unsubstantiated criticism where mark making is concerned. If we were to view all marks as part of a journey to develop our self-expression, our freedom and even our drawing and painting skill instead of slapping our own hand each time we made a drawing, we would develop so much faster! This is the true irony, softness and relaxation coupled with passion makes for the sweetest spots in art.
The story regarding creative self-worth and art is so common, I hear it from almost everyone who comes to my classes
I actually wrote The Creative Warrior to address it.
It is just such a mis-take to punish our creative child with unsubstantiated criticism where mark making is concerned. If we were to view all marks as part of a journey to develop our self-expression, our freedom and even our drawing and painting skill instead of slapping our own hand each time we made a drawing, we would develop so much faster! This is the true irony, softness and relaxation coupled with passion makes for the sweetest spots in art.
But really it's zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance. The issues we find in one area of life permeate all and the healing we induce through one activity affects the whole!
And this is why I am intent on bringing our tension and release up as part of each creative workshop I offer. Because through uncovering our resistance in our creative life we will naturally begin to recognise it in all other areas and life will become so much more satisfying!
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