Last month, I gave notice at the community studio I’ve been part of for the better part of a year.
There are a couple of reasons: I’ve moved into a larger apartment with more room to create; I’ve primarily been making art at home anyway; and I’d rather save the money for other things.
Regardless, it’s been strange to give up something I thought I wanted — even though I’ve changed my mind, and now this is what I want.
Trying new things and big dreams, and realizing when those things are no longer right, takes courage.
When it comes to the art community, I fiercely defend everyone’s right to create, explore, make mistakes, and share their journey.
Creativity belongs to every single one of us. It’s a human birthright. From ancient handprints in the caves of France to weird contemporary art, the title of artist is not something you are only allowed to claim when you have graduated art school, launched a professional career, and are pulling in five-plus figures and are internationally recognized.
You are allowed to make good art, shitty art, weird art. You get to try new things and new combinations of materials. You are allowed to draw and paint even if you don’t think you’re “good” at it. You get to explore and share and connect with other artists, and to celebrate successes and growth. You also get to make artwork that doesn’t turn out the way you expected without that meaning you need to give up your creative practice.
No one — no one — has the right to tell you that you aren’t using the right supplies or the right technique or that you’re not “good” and that you should give it up. No one has a right to tell you what “real artists” do.
If I open a door, I will lead others into the room. And then I will cheer them on, watch with excitement what they make, be inspired by them, and make more art.
Join me this August for an pattern-based art journaling workshop with Get Messy!
My lesson, Pattern Play: Security Envelopes dives into one of the most ubiquitous art supplies around. Together, we’ll get inspiration, create our own collage materials, and create two different art journal spreads. I’ll also walk through all the art supplies I use.
Check out the pages I made as part of the workshop:
The workshop is part of Get Messy membership. The Messian community gets to take part in brand new artist workshops each month and access a huge library of older courses. In total, there are over 100 classes and 1000 lessons to fuel your creativity.
Membership starts at $39/month. Learn more about the membership here* — and if you sign up before Saturday, August 3, you can join me live for this month’s opening celebration!
I’m really excited to be a featured artist with Get Messy this year and join the ranks of some seriously fantastic art journalers. Thanks to Caylee Grey and the Get Messy team for inviting me to take part. Hope to see you there!
* This is an affiliate link. If you go on to purchase membership, I’ll get a small commission. Win win!
The Index Card a Day (ICAD) project challenges participants to create 61 collaged or painted index cards from June 1–July 31 annually. Learn more about ICAD here.
The Index Card a Day (ICAD) project challenges participants to create 61 collaged or painted index cards from June 1–July 31 annually. Learn more about ICAD here.
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