I struggle with this more from an anxiety perspective - the paralyzing fear of the unknown. I had a discussion with a friend once where we were talking about my move to LA. I was nervous (understandably) but any excitement was drowned out by nerves. While I was nervous about not knowing what was going to happen next, she pointed out that this was instead exciting and that anything could happen. I try to remember and put that reframe into practice.
A blank canvas? Luxury! (A reference to a comic sketch from the 70s called ‘The Four Yorkshiremen’
Anyway ☺️ what I mean is I can’t even get out of my sketchbook onto the canvas. As soon as I try a canvas everything goes awry! Scrap pieces of paper?Masterpieces! (Ok I exaggerate a little 🤭) but a canvas? Well it’s like I’m live on TV!
No idea why as I’m not a fearful person but I think the pressure to make something nice of good must sit heavily on my shoulders. I know I can repaint over them but it makes no difference. I’ve graduated recently to good quality mixed media paper. And an artist friend even asked for one of those which I framed for her and it looks lovely on her wall.
I hear you! I guess it’s something similar to the pressure of feeling “worthy” of a canvas, perhaps, or of using the “good” art supplies. Would a smaller canvas feel less pressure-inducing, I wonder?
My inner critic gets to work on me before I even start writing. And once I do start, they're joined by the inner editor who points out all my mistakes as i go. It's very frustrating. Maybe I need to start by writing to them to tell them they can stand down for the moment, and I'll call them as soon as I need them!
I need to print this out and put it on my fridge 😁 ! thank you
You’re welcome! So glad that you found this reframe helpful!
I struggle with this more from an anxiety perspective - the paralyzing fear of the unknown. I had a discussion with a friend once where we were talking about my move to LA. I was nervous (understandably) but any excitement was drowned out by nerves. While I was nervous about not knowing what was going to happen next, she pointed out that this was instead exciting and that anything could happen. I try to remember and put that reframe into practice.
That is an excellent reframe — both for art and life!
A blank canvas? Luxury! (A reference to a comic sketch from the 70s called ‘The Four Yorkshiremen’
Anyway ☺️ what I mean is I can’t even get out of my sketchbook onto the canvas. As soon as I try a canvas everything goes awry! Scrap pieces of paper?Masterpieces! (Ok I exaggerate a little 🤭) but a canvas? Well it’s like I’m live on TV!
No idea why as I’m not a fearful person but I think the pressure to make something nice of good must sit heavily on my shoulders. I know I can repaint over them but it makes no difference. I’ve graduated recently to good quality mixed media paper. And an artist friend even asked for one of those which I framed for her and it looks lovely on her wall.
It’s a journey and I’ll keep going ☺️
Thank you
I hear you! I guess it’s something similar to the pressure of feeling “worthy” of a canvas, perhaps, or of using the “good” art supplies. Would a smaller canvas feel less pressure-inducing, I wonder?
Good idea!
I am there lately blank page,blank canvas and full boxes
Oh no! I hope you can find your creative mojo soon!
I like the idea of seeing a blank page as an exciting new opportunity. Reading this reminded me of a poem I wrote last winter.
Snow - The Great Eraser
It’s a blank canvas inviting you to make your mark.
The pleasure of being the first to stamp across it.
But not for long, not forever,
For words in the snow are impermanent
Melted in the sun or covered by the next storm.
What if we lived like the snow?
Making our way fearlessly,
Spilling onto the page for the simple pleasure of creating
Acting for the moment.
Knowing nothing lasts.
That is a beautiful poem, Leona. Thank you for sharing it! xx
Thank you
My inner critic gets to work on me before I even start writing. And once I do start, they're joined by the inner editor who points out all my mistakes as i go. It's very frustrating. Maybe I need to start by writing to them to tell them they can stand down for the moment, and I'll call them as soon as I need them!
You know, Esther, that may be an excellent idea. I have a podcast on this very topic, which you may find helpful. You can find that here: https://moderngypsy.in/2020/11/15/how-to-silence-inner-critic-and-create-fearlessly/
xx