Monday, May 18, 2009

Bliss


I'm so much happier since I've been blogging and doing more arts and crafts these last few months. I didn't allow myself to create for many years, often without realizing it, because I thought one of the requisites for making art was you had to be good at it. (Don't ask me how you ever get good at something without doing it badly in the beginning.) I never questioned that belief until recently.

Now I understand that creative expression is essential for me, and any judgement, self or otherwise, about the result is inconsequential.

Creating has nothing to do with who I think I should be or what kind of image I have for myself; it is the authentic expression of who I am.

I'm reading the book Life, Paint, and Passion , and it really drives this point home. The authors emphasize process over product, encouraging you to paint the way you might journal, " ... done not for the sake of being seen or published, but purely for the telling itself. You may show your work or not show it-- you leave that decision to the future. Now, when you are painting, it is completely private-- just for yourself."

I tried painting in this manner a couple nights ago, but after painting the background, I overwhelmingly wanted to collage the canvas. Here is the result.



The image of the woman in the collage was created by DJ Pettitt.




The city scene is a piece of a postcard from the early 1900's.




I also made a handmade book in the same spirit, which I'll post in a day or two.

Hope you have a great week.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your collage is so nice. Eek...I am not sitting next to you in class. Just kidding. I will re-read Bliss and remember what creative expression is and not judge myself. Dooogwoood

Anonymous said...

I cannot think what I would be if I didn't create every day, It's just something I want to do..always!

Thimbleanna said...

Your collage is so pretty! I'm finally getting a chance to catch up with you. You've been so busy! I LOVED your funny story about a dose of reality and the big sigh from your kitty -- too, too cute!

Rachel said...

I really like your collage. I think it is a great method of expression, just as much as painting. I'm terrible at painting, so I've had to find other ways to express myself. But, like you said, how do you become good at something if you never do it? Maybe I'll give painting another try... nah, I like sewing too much. And I don't have enough room to start another hobby haha.
I'm glad you've found more time for arts and crafts. It really is quite fulfilling, isn't it?

Anonymous said...

Hi Stacy, I have gave you an award, you can collect it from my site, I do hope you like it. xxxx

Anonymous said...

Oh good I thought you'd like it, that book helped me a lot. Freeing yourself from judgement and creating for the sake of expression leads you further into the process. ---Felty

Anonymous said...

Well said Stacy
and WOW that collage is Stunning!!!
Can't wait to see the book
x
sumea

Pam said...

I'm sure you're right. My creativity goes into my garden, but that's a bit impermanent. But it's something.