After a battle with myself that seems to have lasted weeks, I felt I needed reminding that I could actually make art. So I dug into the storage room in search of my oldest portfolio – the one from before design college. It was so deep in the back of the room, it was a bit of a struggle to get it out. I was hardly phased by this because it seems the last few weeks have been nothing but….. What I found surprised me and the coincidence that followed, delighted me.
Harrison Ford as “Indiana Jones”, pencil, circa 1989
I do not consider myself a portraitist – in any way – so it was a pleasant surprise to find an old sketch I made from some long lost photo of one of my favourite movie heroes – Indiana Jones. What was even more surprising was what I discovered when trying to figure out when I was likely to have drawn it. I did a quick search on the internet to discover that the fourth installment of Indiana Jones in due in theatres this May!
I believe in coincidences and that the Universe sends us messages from time to time when we are in some way off track and synchronicity when we are onto something….. The last several weeks have been a series of minor setbacks on what seems like every front. To think that these might not have had an impact on my art was, of course, delusional. I have lost my ‘art’ so to speak. It’s not from lack of trying…. I seem to have forgotten everything I knew about painting. Nothing is working.
The profound and well timed lessons that have come (and no less the influence of joining Oprah’s and Eckhart Tolle’s “New Earth”) have reminded me that I need to be led by my spirit rather than my head. This is hardly a revelation, however, what you resist, persists; says one of my closest friends. And resisting I am. I think I have spent too much time rationalizing and thinking about what my art should be, where I should be living (a second rejected offer on a house), what I should have produced by now and I am drowning in ‘should’. It’s hard to get a message through when the line is always busy.
I can’t say I have figured out what the message is yet… but at least, now, I am listening……
Well done – both for the work & finding it….. it’s like digging up an old treasure.
Ciao, Elena 🙂
GREAT post and I so agree. I have no idea where my muse is leading me or why, but what a journey. It has been frustrating, wonderful, funny, and serious. The most important thing to me is that it is authentic to who I am so yes putting aside the “should” is essential.
sending my best
corrine
I think you are trying too hard. We can’t always do excellent work. Sometimes we must study. Seems like you are putting too much pressure on yourself to produce a a high level. Spend some time playing in the studio and it will come back to you. Love the portrait. He is one of my favorite characters too.
Love,
Linda
http://www.lindablondheimartnotes.blogspot.com
I know where you are as I feel like I am in the same spot. I have decided to try to not worry about the end product, but enjoy the process. I have given myself permission to play in the studio. It can be so darn frustrating, but it seems to be a common theme right now for many artists. Hang in there, it will come back. Have some fun just throwing paint!
Great sketch!
Boy, do I know just how you feel. Some days I think everything I shoot is drek and I get very surly. I agree with another commenter who said you might be trying too hard. What I have come to find out is, life happens when you are not trying.
I’ll share a little secret with you to demonstrate. One day I came in from shooting and started going through the days shoot. Everything looked like drek. So, I had a tantrum and with my mouse made the equivalent of a paint slash accros my canvas. The result was “Coastal Gloaming”
http://kotybear.smugmug.com/gallery/3620987_zVois#231932769
It’s become one of my most popular!
You are a FINE artist and don’t ever forget it.
Thanks, Elena! 🙂
Jafabrit – Authentic is getting the mind out of the way – something you do brilliantly! I admire your courage, Corrine!
Linda – Isn’t he great?? 🙂 Yes – I am definitely trying too hard….
Sara – I think if I didn’t have this show looming it might be easier to let go – but then that is the test, isn’t it? Here’s to both of us rediscovering our muse through play…. 🙂
Kinsey – That is a gorgeous piece! Thank you for the encouragement… I’ll get there – I just need to be willing to make some mistakes…..LOL! A little more emphasis on art and less on fine! 😀
Very nice drawing!!
Messages from the Universe are way cool!!
~ Diane Clancy
http://www.DianeClancy.com/blog
http://www.YourArtMarketing.com
Hi Diane! Translation is the challenge! 🙂
Congratulations on having your senses alert to whatever messages are heading your way.
I’ve sometimes found that I just need to take a break from art, personally. On coming back from these breaks, I find my work better…better design concepts, better technical effects, etc. I don’t know why that should be, considering the old adage “practice makes perfect.” Perhaps merely disengaging from something so familiar now & then allows me to look at it in a different way.
Best of luck to you, in any event!
Hi Lana – I hope a change in tack will do it!
It is unfortunate life leads us through these dark valleys. Sometimes when we are scrambling to get out of the dark valley our efforts sink us ever deeper into the pit. Then, we need to stop and let the way out find us. In time, your awesome talents will shine through once again and you will receive the accolades and awards you so richly deserve.
Thank you martin – I think to stop struggling is the answer as well. As for accolades – I think the best one I could get would be from myself! 🙂