TRUTHS ABOUT CREATIVITY
Truths About Creativity [t-h-i-n-k]
Nothing may be universally true of creativity for all people, but in all the things I've made and in all the years I've been making things, the following has always applied:
My abstract work is trial and error. There are no “knowns” (eg. when is a painting finished, will anyone like it, will it sell, etc.), and that’s ok.
Comparison kills creativity.
You must accept AND develop your own style.
Imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and creative blocks happen to everyone. It’s not just you.
Practice is more important than inspiration. You have to do the work in order to get inspired, not the other way around.
Don’t stop exploring. Don’t tell yourself you have nothing left to say. The well is deep as long as you have the courage to try.
There’s a gap between what you can imagine and what you can create. However, your skills will improve over time. Keep learning new skills by taking workshops. Life is a classroom.
Making things should be fun. We agonize over all the things we want out of our work, which removes the fun, which then in turn makes it harder to get all the things we want out of our work. Focus on play.
Make the things you wish existed. Make the things that give you a literal, physical sensation of joy. Make what you wish existed, not "what works" or "what the market will bear." Being authentic in your work is the best way to attract an audience.
You do you. You don’t need to fit in, follow trends, or be like other artists. In fact, it’s waaaaaay more interesting when you’re different:)
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The Best is in the Mess [k-n-o-w]Creating stuff is a mess for everyone. Lots of people want a process (or now,an AI tool) to help them skip (or produce) the messy parts (just tell me what color to paint so it will sell). This is a mistake. The mess isn't a problem. It's the process. It's the work. It's where all the good stuff is found. In the mess, you find your best. In the mess, you find YOURSELF. Don't skip it. Your work will be far worse and your breakthroughs nonexistent.
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Will YOU Improve Your Art in 2025? [g-r-o-w]If you’re interested in honoring your vision, learning new skills and becoming more YOU, join me in 2025 at my studio, located 35 minutes south of Sarasota.
Each workshop is limited to 6 artists
You’ll have a giant painting wall (80”x90”) to let loose on
You’ll be in the company of like-minded creatives who are also ready to up their game
You’ll be fed delicious, healthy homemade lunches, plenty of snacks and drinks, in an intimate setting where the focus is on YOU and your art practice
Pushing Boundaries — April 8-12, 2025: As an artist in this workshop you’ll examine boundary-pushing artists combined with daily challenges to push you into new territory. Many have launched a brand new series from the daily challenges in this workshop - could you be next? Plan for many “aha” moments and discoveries, as well as losing the fear and hesitation. You’ll be leaving with 8-12 BRAND NEW, exciting paintings. For intermediate-advanced artists.
Advanced Approaches to Abstract Expressionism — May 6-10, 2025: As an artist in this workshop you’ll focus on breaking through obstacles, self discovery and deepening your painting practice. Because developing your personal abstract vocabulary is crucial to your success, you will learn the techniques to master it. Plan to leave with a NEW way forward plus 8-12 paintings. Advanced artists who’ve attended this workshop have discovered their most authentic selves and seen increased sales! For intermediate-advanced artists.