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Weekly Blog on creativity and what it takes to be an artist by David Limrite (artist, teacher, mentor & coach)

CREATE WHAT YOU MUST

David Limrite-Artist, Coach, Mentor, Teacher

The latest large sketchbook page, 30"x 22", mixed media on paper. Copyright 2014 David Limrite. Only three more pages to go. Stay tuned for the video tour.


"Things are not difficult to make. What is difficult is putting ourselves in the state of mind to make them."

~ Constantin Brancusi


In the above piece from my large sketchbook, why did I paint the arm blue? A blue arm doesn't mean anything. So, why blue?

Because I was compelled to. Because I felt like it. Because I wanted to see what it would look like. Just for fun. I like blue…

The truth is, I am not really sure why. I had been working on this piece, off and on, for about a week. I wasn't sure what to do with it. Something was missing. I woke up this morning and something told me to paint the arm blue.

The important point here is that I listened to whatever was telling me to paint that arm blue. (I like to think it was my muse) I listened. I did not immediately reject the idea. Or blow it off. Or think it was silly and ridiculous.

Something was telling me that I must paint the arm blue. And I listened. Once I got it in my head that I was going to paint the arm blue, I became excited to do it. To try it. I couldn't wait. I really wanted to see what this blue arm would look like. (I am learning not to fight my impulses)

I could have talked myself out of it. But if I had, I would have missed out on a very exciting and fun experience. Why do that to myself? And… I love the way it turned out. It doesn't mean anything. It's just a blue arm. But it is meaningful to me. And I think it looks great. And it was fun to do. And it felt kind of risky and dangerous. It could have just as easily turned out awful. Either way, this process can be an empowering and confidence building experience.

Create what you must, do what you feel compelled to do and listen to your muse.

Best,

David