Month 2: Embrace Imperfection
Creative mistakes can be debilitating to both beginning artists and more practiced artists. It is imperative that we learn to release the desire for perfection and make way for the happy accidents. When I was a new artist, I allowed my creative mistakes to frustrate me to the point of giving up on many occasions. As I have matured in my practice, I have learned to embrace them. Some of my favorite works of art began as complete accidents! These “mistakes” or “imperfections” breathe life in to my art.
Intuitive Art
Creating intuitively can help you connect more fully with yourself. It can help you process your own thoughts and feelings, not to mention it is a very relaxing way to create. Creating intuitive art is a great way to embrace imperfection.
How do you create intuitively?
Give yourself permission to explore and play with your art supplies, regardless of the outcome. Release all judgement and expectation. Follow your curiosity and let your imagination lead you
Process Art
The process of creating is where the magic happens. If you can learn to release expectations and just allow yourself to be present in the moment of creating, then you have discovered the secret. Practice releasing the idea of a finished piece of art. Let go of the idea that your art should look a certain way. Release perfectionism.
Process art is for everyone!
Process art focuses on the “doing” aspect of creating. This type of art is for everyone. You do not need any predetermined skill or ability. All you need is an openness to explore, the ability to play, and a curiosity to guide you. The process of creating is a gift that all humans possess. It is our birthright!
Month 2 Prompts
Art-Break
On a blank piece of paper, purposefully spill some paint. If you don’t have paint, spill some coffee, tea, or wine on your page. Allow it to dry. Once dry, observe the shapes that your spill created. Does anything stand out to you? Play with the shapes by outlining them, adding doodles to them, etc. Let your intuition lead you. focus on the process of creating, practice releasing expectations and allowing the process to simply unfold. If judgements start to creep in, remind yourself that beauty can be found in imperfections. The photo below was a coffee spill that looked a lot like a butterfly to me!
Reflection
Reflect on how perfectionism plays out in your creative practice? Does it inhibit you at all or are you able to release it? Are you able to find the beauty in imperfection. Where have you noticed it before? What are some of your imperfections that make you beautifully and uniquely YOU?
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“Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties.”
Erich Fromm
