Last month, my husband and I welcomed our fifth grandniece into the family. I’m not a big baby person, but I have to admit that Eliana (Elie) Gray Dyer is pretty darn cute!
She’s also pretty darn fragile. Everything about her is delicate, from her itty-bitty fingers to her tiny rosebud mouth. And, like all newborns, she’s totally helpless, leaving her 7 lb 1 oz body susceptible to pretty much everything. Thank goodness her parents and older sister are ready for battle!
Although few Purple Crayon members knew Elie’s birth was imminent, it seemed serendipitous that our new Mixed Media Circle selected “fragile beginnings” for its theme this month. I wasn’t in on the decision, so I can only guess why it was chosen.
Of course, there are a couple of obvious reasons: it’s spring, and everything is sprouting; and our country is slowly, but surely, emerging from the pandemic.
Seasonal and world events aside, “fragile beginnings” could also apply to mixed media projects—or, really, any art project—when one is first getting started. The heart is a fragile muscle, and, because all art springs from it, new ideas share its frailty. I imagine that that’s why so many artists hesitate to show their work before it’s finished.
It’s also why, at the studio, members are encouraged to ask permission before offering feedback on another member’s work. Even if one means well, critiquing someone’s art while it’s still emerging is like leaving tender plants out in a hard freeze: it's easy to squelch inspiration.
To protect yourself from "frost," I encourage you to keep these weapons on hand:
Courage. Courage will help you keep creating regardless of what other’s think. Your art is personal, and only you have the right to critique it.
Faith. Faith will help you listen to your gut and trust that your piece will lead you exactly where it needs to go. Hold on and enjoy the ride.
Curiosity. If you remain curious about where your artistic adventures take you, the outcome really doesn’t matter; it’s all about the process.
Kindness. Inevitably, some of your art won’t turn out the way you envisioned. Kindness helps you embrace your learnings and celebrate your efforts.
Much to her mom’s chagrin, Elie decided to wait an extra week before making her appearance—and she would have waited longer had she had the choice. And who can blame her? Everything is scary in the beginning, whether it’s starting a new life or beginning a new project.
It’s also really exciting! Elie has her whole life ahead of her, and who knows where it will lead? The same goes for your art. A blank canvas (or lump of clay, or piece of fabric, or...) holds all kinds of possibilities if you can just summon your courage, faith, and curiosity to birth it!
And, speaking of birthing, I've been busy scheduling lots of new IN-PERSON workshops starting this summer—including the return of Sharpie Silk Scarves! Note that this workshop sold out the last two times it was offered, so you may want to register sooner rather than later if you're interested.
And don't forget about Terrilynn Dubreuil's online Drawing for Absolute Beginners course in June. As I'm sure you've learned, not all events work well via Zoom delivery. This one, however, is an exception. Since I'm not sure when it will be offered again, I encourage you to take it now if learning to draw has been on your bucket list. As with all of our online workshops, this class will be recorded, so, even if you can't attend one (or any) of the sessions live, you can watch them at your convenience!
I look forward to creating with you!
—Pam Robbins, Owner
