WHAT MAKES YOU AN ARTIST?

I don't think it's something you achieve anymore, not the way I used to. There is no "end result". It's the doing that makes the difference.

Lauren has been trying to get me to read The War of Art by Steven Pressfield for some time now, and I almost stole it from her house the last time I was there.. I really should order it, along with his new one: Do the Work.

Because therein lies my problem. The actual doing of the work. Creating and making art, it's something I have always enjoyed when I make the time. But, I get shy, and the hardest part of putting your work out there for the world to see is feeling like you're putting yourself on display. Opening yourself up to the possibility.. nay, the probability.. of criticism.

The other side of that coin is that (for me, at least), in order to create one good piece of art.. you have to create a lot of terrible art. You just do. And those lows are so discouraging. I can't just sit down and decide to make something I love, and voila, there it appears.. though wouldn't that be nice? I just have to keep making. And maybe something great will come out if it, and maybe it won't. Obviously, it's those moments of discovering something beautiful in your work that make the rest of it worth it. But, remembering that when everything your putting on paper/canvas makes you cringe is really hard to do.

I just have to remember that what I'm longing for is the satisfaction of doing something I really truly do enjoy, and gifting that to the world with an open heart.. Instead of fearing the inevitable lulls, criticism and disappointment that accompany the daily "work" of sitting down to try, or worse, let them stop me from creating at all. Easier said than done.. but, I might be finally getting it. Maybe? xo

// new in the shop this week (with FREE SHIPPING on most items through August 12th!) :

// Also... our interview yesterday? It was a crazy experience. But we were APPROVED! Now it's time to celebrate! And plan trips! And move forward. There are so many other great wonderful things to focus our energies on :) yeaaahooo!