Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go T. S. Eliot
Out is my One Little Word for this year. i selected this word for its many possibilities. One idea i envisioned was out of my comfort zone. so many times we can get caught up in what is comfortable. we wear "comfortable" clothes because we don't like our body image. we want "comfort" food in times of stress. we travel the same routes because we find comfort in the ease of navigation and familiarity. Sometimes i think what we are really saying is "i'm afraid." we let fear take over and prevent us from making changes.
in art, i think being uncomfortable can promote growth. it's scary to step out of my comfort zone. i know what things i am good at in drawing, in paint, in art. it's easy. it's comfortable. take one step out and suddenly you feel as if you are on a precipice. what if i fail?
these are the thoughts that consume most of us. but what if we see so called "failure" as opportunities? so what if it didn't work? at least i learned from it! and who says you have to show anyone? art can be just for you too. so last week, i stepped out of my own comfort zone. i did have those moments of uncertainty, and there were times i didn't like the look of "feeling blue." but i kept going - gesso & paint can cover anything. those butterflies in my stomach turned into excitement. I love the way this painting turned out. To me she conveys all the emotion i put into her. and more and more i have come to the conclusion that being uncomfortable means i am pushing myself in whole new exciting ways. that i am stepping out of my comfort zone and growing & learning more about my art and myself. can i say i want more of those little butterflies?
