Seek What is Seeking You



Black and White collage by  Beata Kruszynski 
http://beata-kski.tumblr.com

Creativity & Motivation: Part 2

 



Staying in your creative flow requires discipline. Even when you don't feel motivated to create, when inspiration feels miles away, you need to plant the seed of 'get it done' and do what you love. Here are some of my thoughts on living the creative process:

1.) Mistakes, we have all made them and when they happen it can feel like the end of the world. Yet if we choose to embrace mistakes and see them more like speed bumps, or detours on our journey we are less likely to get hung up therefore distracted by them. Keep moving forward and creating, even if it's shitty work, move through it until you get 'with it'!

Segway into 2.) Practice. This past summer I made a decision that I would not go a day without creating. I did it, it has been over 8 months now and I am l still pushing through the good, the bad, and the ugly days. I have learned a couple of tricks, like when I need to get back into the flow of things, or if I need a peaceful break I go to a greenhouse and draw. Whether it is a real greenhouse, my moms living room, or someone's Pinterest account, it doesn't matter, I get it done in order to get back into that euphoric creative mental space.

Ironically 3.) Breaks, is the exact opposite of my practice advice. These two go hand in hand. Any artist I have ever know, requires detachment in order to fully engage in the creative process. Get away from your work if it's driving you mad. Get back to work if it's driving you mad. It's just the way it goes.

4.) Coffee. Now, this is my instant motivator, that boost, like nuts for a squirrel. It doesn't necessarily have to be coffee for you, but you should have a go to beverage that aids in your process, nothing in excess though! If I have more than 2 coffees it inhibits my creative process because my hands shake. Be thoughtful about what your beverage is and it's repercussions!

Creation and Motivation: Part 1

In order to succeed in this creative life you must learn to accept yourself,
all of your weird and wacky ways, the ups and downs that come with
being the authentic you that you were meant to be.
Acceptance, take a deep breathe as you read that word, get used to the thought of it,
the action of acceptance, and try to paint yourself in its reflection.

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”
Dr. Seuss

 
 



Today's Painting in the Park: Wear Black!

Hi painting peeps,

We are on our 3rd session today :)
Our materials for today are watercolour and black India ink,
so wear dark coloured clothing!

See you soon, 7pm by the Greenhouse at Chinguacousy Park.

Conversations with Fear

Dear Fear,

What is your purpose?

Why do you knock so loud?

What are you trying to tell me?

Why the hell do you choose to stick around?

(fear answers, somehow instilling more fear in me)

What!?

That's preposterous I don't like you! I don't want you around!I so do not have a crush on you.

hmm...

(reflecting on fears' accusations that I keep it around, love it, follow it always, am it's # 1 fan, subscribe to it not only in my nightmares but also in my thoughts, and dreams.)

So you're saying that by using you, fear, as a justification for not doing something, I sabotage myself and keep myself away from all of the lovely experiences I could have?

Fear smiles it's ugly smile.

 _____________________________________________________________________

I just finished reading Jen Sincero's 20th chapter entitled, Fear is For Suckers, from her book, You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life. I laughed out loud in the streets because her perspective on life just kills me! She describes a moment in her life where her and her friend decided to go on a road trip and hike into a cave. When she gets down on all fours, deep into the cave and is on the cusp of freaking out from being in a closed off, scary, dark place, where a "monster" could get her at any given moment, she stops.

By the way, I did not include the laugh out loud part, you have to read it for yourself.

In the darkness she decides that she will calmly exit the cave, instead of the alternative of going bat shit crazy, because as she reflected, "The choice was mine." 

It is you who decides what you want to do with the fear that arises within you.

Do you continue to stay closed because opening up to something new and awesome is too scary or do you take a chance and experience a newness that you would have never imagined?

Today's Painting in the Park: Greenhouse Solo

Hi All,

Last week's Painting in the Park was a great success, thank you for those who came out!
It was a peaceful and inspiring event. Below is a drawing collage created from the session.

For today's class the weather is on the stormy side, and unfortunately
I have an eye infection so I won't be able to attend, but I urge
participants who are interested to continue the session, solo style.
If it rains try sketching in the greenhouse, it's full of beautiful plants.

Here are some tips from last week to guide you on your journey:

• Focus on one object, flower, weed, or leaf and draw a full page of the same thing
• Experiment drawing your object from different angles, and sizes
• Take your time or rush, press hard or soft, depending on your desired outcome
• When you feel like you have practiced enough put together some of your favourite images and play with different compositions
• Remember be easy on yourself, and try not to be attached to the eraser, mistakes are welcome! 

 

Painting in the Park Series Begins Tomorrow!



I am excited to share some work from a recent trip to the Pine Farm Orchard north of Vaughan.
http://www.pinefarmsorchard.com/

http://beata-kski.tumblr.com/

At tomorrow's Painting in the Park class we will start with an introduction class with sketching and pattern creation. Meeting spot is in front of the greenhouse, but we will move into the open field behind the benches. Please email to confirm and reserve your art bag with supplies.
Chinguacousy Park is in full bloom so come and get inspired!