I step into my studio each day not expecting to bring out any masterpieces. That is not my purpose. Instead I hope to find places to start, ideas to continue and the inspiration to strike out with confidence on a creative path. A great day is finding a new way of working that gives a fresh perspective, or to discover how a slight twist of a line can bring unforseen, impactful results
I’m looking for ways to sink into my work. Ways to keep moving. Ways to make meaning.Ways to forgive.
I’ve always been a creative person, full of ideas. But sometimes I need to warm up and get ready to create. Other times, I have the inspiration, ideas are floating around but too transparent to grab and get started. I have discovered doors for myself to get through that ‘blank canvas’, openings into creativity for when I have that need to create but not the starting point.
For me, the process has always been more important then the finished artwork. I love to work – draw, paint, make marks. But I don’t like to work in vain or without reason. So I want to either learn something or to like where I end up. A stepping stone on the way to somewhere…maybe a ‘masterpiece’, maybe a story that needs to be told just for me or one I can share.
I’ve accepted the stages my artwork goes through and I have learned to trust them. Something always happens. I don’t rush. I find windows of opportunity, new paths, but seldom will take a shortcut. I like the journey. I like to travel through my art with my intuition in charge, an open mind and eye, and no judgement. Accepting challenges and what-would-happen-ifs. Not trying to do anything specific except enjoying the movement.
Trust the mess.
In art, nothing is wrong in art, so I can’t fail.
xoxox
Jane
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6 Responses to In art, nothing is wrong, so I can’t fail.
Jane Davenport
Jane Davenport is an internationally awarded artist, author and workshop leader. Her artwork is fervently collected by gentle souls around the world.
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I adore this. So powerful. Thank you.
This is why I love you and your work so much…because we can see you through your art ♥
You are inspiration
I appreciate everything you say in this blog post. It reminds me to stop and breathe a bit, because I am always in a rush, and my work shows it.
Your words of wisdom are so encouraging and to the point. I do enjoy the journey of painting and I love the feeling of being in the moment. The hardest part for me is that I don’t want my efforts to be in vain, so often it is hard to just get started. To just sit without a plan and start. That ‘s often the most difficult part. Thank you for reminding me to just enjoy the process.
What a beautiful post, Jane!
thanks i needed to hear that today!