I very rarely bare my soul in public but I seem to be going through period of self doubt at the moment with my creative endeavours and feel that nothing seems to be coming from within. When I see other fantastic work I am starting to compare it, which is not good. My mojo has temporarily danced off into the wind. To rectify this I am just doing what my soul dictates and playing with my paints, fabric and paper with no predetermined plan or particular end in sight. I do feel though that there is something new around the corner, I just have to remind myself that my instincts are usually right and to nuture them.
Just to keep in the spirit of the co-op I am showing a clay picture I did awhile ago, which for me is perfect for this challenge. I know I am outside the rules Michael with it not being done specifically for the prompt.
As you may have guessed from my ramblings above, you may or may not see me at the next challenge.
Just in case, this is not goodbye Michael, just a little vacation, as you know I really missed those weeks when CT was disbanded for a while. This is a fabulous co-op with such lovely people and that is all your doing, so thank you Michael.
Linda, I understand just how you feel )-: It is very easy to become self-doubtful, and to compare one's self not always happily to others.
ReplyDeleteI think a break can be good, or even if not a full break, a move into other mediums-- anything that's different and fun, and can take the pressure off. For what it is worth, I love your work, be it in drawn form, sewn, or clay, like this! This is a fabulous piece, and your trademark details and swirls translate perfectly into this medium :-D I hope you feel happy with art-making soon enough to be back posting at a rate that's comfortable for you.
Love and hugs, hope you feel better soon and I love your work as always!
Donna
P.S. Not to be silly, but, there's a thing called Mercury in Retrograde coming up which is an Astrological thing. Some believe it, some don't, but those who do say things can go weird communication wise, there can be life changes, but on a positive note, it's a time to re-charge, catch up on things you want to do but haven't been able to do, and so on. Anyway, I hope you can use this time for yourself and that all gets well for you <3
Donna, thank you so much for your kind and lovely words, they really touched me. This is why I do love this group as everyone is so talented, as well as being lovely and supportive individuals, just like yourself.
DeleteHi Linda, I am sorry to hear you're experiencing self-doubt. I believe this is a huge lie from the evil one who doesn't want you to share your beautiful gift. We all need breaks from time-to-time, but don't stay away too long as it's difficult to get back your "mojo". And, by the way, your clay tree is FANTASTIC, SUPERB, AWESOME. You have so much talent and never forget that Linda. Blessings and hugs, Tracy.
ReplyDeleteThank you Tracy for your kind words. I probably won't be able to stay away for too long, although I am still creating.
DeleteI love your clay tree, you are so talented. We will miss you for a bit, but you will get your mojo back, I hope very soon!
ReplyDeleteThank you Christine, I do hope to be back soon.
Deletethe first I think of is - chocolate tree! I suppose the colors and the shine make me think of it. it's a good piece of art and not bad for the CT theme.
ReplyDeleteas for your self doubt, we all have those. I feel the same way when I see gorgeous works and wonder why I'm not as good or why didn't I do something like that? it's very easy to fall into this trap but I think a break from creating would do you good. sometimes when you stop doing something, you might just realize you are wrong to stop, so I wish you luck on whatever you decide to do.
hope you have a lovely day.
Thank you Lissa. It's funny, since I have given myself permission to not do any planned art, I seem to have done more playing with different mediums, with interesting results. It is quite uplifiting.
DeleteLinda, first off, this totally works for the theme. Love it. I'm always amazed how you manage to incorporate your style into all sorts of media, even something so 3d like this. It's perfectly whimsical. I really like how you've even added rain drops or something coming down off the leaves in the background.
ReplyDeleteA fabulous entry for what might be your last for a while, right? Boohoo. Not that I'm saying I don't support you in your decision and everyone needs breaks now and then, as you well know I too did but please do come back when refreshed or whatever! :) You will be sorely missed not only for your consistency, lovely comments but your wonderful artwork. It's really funny how we get self doubt when in fact I always consider yours of such a high caliber with its own very distinctive mark, setting your art apart from others in a great way.
If you feel even the slightest nudge to do a piece but need an appropriate theme, do feel free to send me your ideas or whatever. You can email me (listed on my profile).
Wishing you, dear Linda, all the very best and thank you for being such a brilliant co-op contributor etc!
Michael, thank you so much for your lovely words. I have been truly touched by everyone's comments, which shows just how wonderful this group is. It's funny since I gave myself permission to do whatever I wanted to creatively I have surprised myself and my creative side has been quite dominant with lots of playing being done. I might even put some of that on my blog.
DeleteI do have a feeling that I won't be gone for long and will be keeping an eye on each fortnights challenge.
Linda,
ReplyDeleteThis might not have been done for this theme day but you certainly captured a fairy tale tree. I love it. I too didn't have time to paint specifically for this prompt - I didn't know I had to do that. But I knew my painting from my new book was exactly that - a fairy tale. I hope you come back soon - we will miss you.
Blessings,
Janis
Thank you Janis, I will miss everyone as well.
DeleteLinda, this is wonderful - your talents never cease to amaze me! I've always LOVED your work and I hope you don't stay gone for too long. Your illos always make my heart smile. Big hugs! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Alexandra. I appreciate your lovely comment and wish you well with all your book illustrations and projects you have going on. You are truly an amazing woman!
DeleteLove your tree.
ReplyDeleteAnd don't worry, your mojo will come back stronger. :)