Seeing What I Can Do
What could be more interesting, or in the end, more ecstatic, than in those rare moments when you see another person look at something you’ve made, and realize that they got it exactly, that your heart jumped to their heart with nothing in between.
Robert Motherwell, Artist
Seeing What I Can Do
I am in the middle of creating some new pieces that are really challenging me to push my art-making skills to another level. I made the choice to do this - to challenge myself - and I am willing to see what I can create.
These new pieces are challenging me both technically and conceptually, and I am extremely curious about where they will take me. Which is one of the main things that gets me into the studio right now.
But, I will not lie. I'm also very frightened of these pieces and this challenge I have set myself up with.
I have labeled these pieces “risky” because of the fear that I feel of the unknown that comes with taking risks.
I say that I have labeled these pieces as “risky”, but I could just as easily label them “different”, “unusual”, or “challenging”. But I chose “risky” because that's what it feels like to me right now.
By the way, I am not only experiencing fear, but also doubt, timidity and uncertainty. All of it!!
But, like I said, I am willing and curious to see what I can do in my attempt to create these new pieces. I want to know what more I am capable of as an artist and creator.
I also want to know what scares me, what I can’t do, what I need to learn, and what I may need help with.
So… I am willing to challenge myself and create these pieces with fear right by my side. I am going to keep working despite my fear of the unknown outcomes. I have to because, although I can quiet fear by actively creating and being involved in the process, fear is not going to magically disappear by itself.
I have so much challenging and difficult work ahead of me, but I am excited to attempt it, and I really want to see what I can do.
Best,
David
I am eternally grateful to you two for creating a Create Anyway Collective; a safe container for art and exploration. You two hit it out of the park! I feel more confident, more directed, less fearful and much less judgmental of all things art and non-art. Thank you thank you!
~ CAC Artist
Thank you again for an amazing 3 months in the CAC this spring. I am so glad that I “re-upped” for round 2, and really feel that I am finally in the place I have wanted to be in my art-making.
~ CAC Artist