There is something incredibly special and fresh to me about the moment I pull out a blank canvas or a clean sheet of art paper and place it on my easel.
But, the best part is making that first mark and getting into the process.
One mark leads to the next then that particular stroke informs what comes next and so on. Even though I often begin with a plan and vision, this happens everytime.
I definitely had that experience while engaging with this piece that began with covering the paper in vine charcoal and beginning to erase. I've discovered erasing, editing, and subtraction is one of the most satisfying ways to begin a piece of art.
The removal of what's not needed before the addition of what's required to achieve what I want to say through the art creates that beautiful balance and shift and that tension during the process .
Yes, tension. It's a bit of a beautiful battle between the ugly stages and a thoughtful laying down of paint that makes the magic in that part of the piece. I go back and forth until that moment where I find a peace with the result.
I can't help but find parallels to life while painting. That's just the way my mind works and I'm sharing because I can't believe that I'm the only one out here experiencing this.
1. When we struggle to begin, do we pull out the old, stained, worn out past? or do we look to the future and pull out a fresh clean untouched sheet of paper and make a new mark? I find the choice is mine really. After all God's mercies are new every morning.
Lamentations 3:22-23 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning' great is your faithfulness.
2. Editing (Erasing) what doesn't belong. Getting rid of or releasing what obstacle would block me from getting where I want to go or achieve in a painting speaks the same truth in life. It may be something as strong as a relationship or something as task oriented as just getting that office organized. Edit lovingly and carefully with thought.
3. Be Battle Ready. There is an enemy that doesn't want to see your vision and dream come to life. Be ready for that tension. Have that end goal in mind. That vision doesn't belong to anyone else. It's yours alone and just expect that tension will come for it's a necessary part of the process. Moments of doubt, self doubt, fear. An attitude of overcoming with our vision ahead makes all the difference.
and finally
4. Trust and rejoice in the process. The tug and pull is amazing. Aha moments and discovery never happen unless we are engaged in the process. Creatives know this all too well, but this is also life. Endeavor to show up, awake and aware and engaged.
This is a day that has never been touched....Enjoy the process.
Artfully Yours, Tina