Creating the Right Moment

Lately my art practice has felt like a lot of leaping. I’ve been finding myself in the middle of a painting, with the knowledge there is still work to be done but having no idea what to do next. So I am either letting it sit for a while or I just have to start acting. At the times where I am acting, there is a lot of anxiety of ruining or overworking a piece but also a knowledge that I just have to keep at it. Either it won’t work and I will have to paint it over, or something will emerge. It is difficult in the moment but sometimes you have to just act, take risks and see what comes of them. That painting isn’t going to paint itself. Although I do believe there is a time and place for everything, sometimes it is not fruitful to keep waiting for that “right moment”. Instead, the “right moment” is revealed when you begin to take actions to create it.

When you create, you give your ideas validity enough to exist in physical form. It can feel like leaping into the unknown because you don't know how it will turn out, be successful or have any value to anyone else. But something inside of you won't let it go and you have to try. Or maybe you have an idea but talk yourself out of it? If you start to pay attention to all the voices in your own internal monologue, you might be surprised by who dominates the conversation. Is it the self sabotaging negative voice or the inspired and expansive one? Are your decisions (or indecisions) based on fear or love? For me, the daily art practice helps me to get out of my own way, and just create with no expectations. Like a lot of yoga teachers (and creatives) say, you just have to show up and practice. That’s life as well. It’s not about how good or bad you are, but that you’re giving yourself the opportunity to be your best and most authentic self.