I know I have gone over this before, but I feel it is worth repeating...lucky you!
Personally, I cannot create something that doesn't have a specific "purpose" nor something that is not "me" nor something that I would not welcome into my own home. I have to be authentic when I am creating something because if I am not, it is evident, at least me. I did the opposite for many many years (creating what others wanted to see) and in the process, lost sight of myself completely. I hate admitting this because I brought this on myself (be careful what you wish for) and at one point, I thought I had lost that loving feeling for creating. When I (finally) realized that I was upset, anxious and even crying over it...
I had had enough and had to stop in my tracks.
COMPLETELY STOP
Happily, like any other lesson/journey in life (after the creative pit I had gotten myself into) I learned so much from it and praise the Lord, I am still standing. Now, do not get me wrong, those creative crash tests (mistakes) still happen but the way I handle them is much different. For instance, it happened yesterday with the little Christmas teaser I posted. I should have taken down the post because just moments after posting...I tore apart the entire project.
Welcome to my creative process. Because I consider that I have a creative soul and am a brave girl, it is okay (it is for you, too.)
You might cringe but (man, there are alot of butts in this post!) it is just paper...just ink, maybe a canvas, a few embellishments, a HUGE mess well, and yes, a little time, but ultimately, like anything else, if you don't feel something is "you" is "your best" or is something that reflects you...you can feel it, and it is not a happy feeling and can be unsettling.
Remember this from "The Seed"
The bright side of this is ( and most situations) is you can do it over.
I believe it is called a Mulligan in the golfing world and I have a post somewhere about it...and hey, please don't look at it as "wasted time" because it isn't. Look at it as a lesson, maybe a reminder and then make the change. Incidentally, after my big creative crash yesterday, I created one of my most favorite mixed media projects ever and I am now writing a class on it, for both in-store and on-line.
Keep the faith and keep going..
A quote that I received via email today. Thought it fit with what you are saying.
“We lose ourselves in the things we love. We find ourselves there, too.”
Kristin Martz
Posted by: Christina | June 05, 2012 at 01:58 PM
Love this Stephanie. And something I need to keep reminding myself of....thank you.
Posted by: Christi Braun | June 05, 2012 at 02:04 PM
Thank you, Stephanie! I look forward to each of your posts...and the new on-line classes that are coming!!!!
Posted by: Shawn | June 05, 2012 at 07:15 PM
Oh Stephanie, it's so good to know I am not alone. I do that all the time - I'll get so far with a project, go back to it in a day and know that it is just not right - pull it apart and start again. Thanks for the creativity mentoring - now to get back on track with the Life Journal - I know, sometimes you just have to power thru.
Posted by: Sandy | June 06, 2012 at 01:00 AM
Oh my...Stephanie, I could not have said this better. I have thought about doing a post on the creative business on my blog. I have crashed and I am coming out of the wreckage, but it is taking some time. Artist have to create what is in their soul. Thanks you for sharing your thoughts. ~Carmen b.
Posted by: Carmen Brunson | June 06, 2012 at 05:33 AM