Perfection in Imperfection

 Over the weekend, I went to a basket weaving workshop. It’s my new favorite thing to do. I love writing, and making jewelry, but there’s something so primal about weaving.

 I’d actually forgotten about the workshop because when I first signed up in January, I was put on the waitlist. Consequently, it never went on my calendar. So, when I got a call on Monday that I could go, well, I almost didn’t. I’d filled my week with other things! Did I really want to reschedule my appointments and drive to Portland, get a hotel room, blah, blah, blah?

Yes, I really did.

The night before I left, I checked the website again. There was a supplies cost of $5 but what tools? Then I saw a tiny hyperlink that said, SUPPLY LIST. Not only were there tools but a long list of other things to bring! It was 10pm!

I scrambled around throwing embroidery floss, waxed linen, beads, stones, plastic bags, wire, and tools into a big bag. But I needed cloth... I went out to the garage and raided the giveaway pile. Then I remembered I had to get something for my daughter (who lives in Portland.) Might she have something in her closet? There I discovered her dark blue graduation gown. Into the bag it went.

That first morning, we learned an ancient technique of coiling but it was new to me. I’d coiled clay baskets but this involved lashing the coils (made of fabric) to each other with a cord. I’d decided to use my daughter’s graduation gown. Why not? Only I couldn’t rip it because it simply disintegrated in my hands. And it was slippery making it somewhat unwieldy. Nevertheless, I persevered.

 On day 2, I added wire, wrapping the fabric around it, to firm it up and, inspired by my table mate, I also incorporated a plastic bag – molding the fabric around it and the wire, to puff it up.

Then our teacher asked all of us to share what other art we made. Groan.

Well… I had nothing. I mean, I’ve only recently begun this artistic exploration. And I was daunted as one textile artist after the next displayed their beautiful creations - from quilts and dresses, to baskets, wall hangings, hats and felted objects. 

When it was my turn, I shared the realization that I’d had in 2014, when I took a printmaking class with my talented friend Ginny Piechstreet, that I was never allowed or had permission to be an artist.

As the words came out of my mouth, I welled up. Throat catching, I kept talking. I hadn’t brought any of my experiments with me except the necklace I had on.

Here’s what I shared.

On day 3, our teacher invited us to share what we’d made so far in the class. I looked down at my pathetic attempt at a coil basket and cringed. Then I listened to what my mind had to say:

• By far my basket is THE worst.

• Everyone has totally got this technique except me.

• And because of that, I feel embarrassed, slightly ashamed and self-conscious.

• My piece isn’t just not good enough, it sucks.

• Clearly somewhere I am lacking or not smart enough or creative enough or talented enough.

 And yet, here’s why it was all perfect. 

I didn’t back down. I walked into that room to do show ‘n tell with all the other artists. I’m not going to tell you that I was proud but I was undeterred.

Here’s my table mate’s basket

I heard all that naysaying, that chatter in my head, I allowed it to speak and then put it all to the side. In other words, I heard what was coming up for me, all the places of discomfort and I bore witness to them.

I recognized those feelings but I didn’t allow myself to fall into them or give them a lot of energy or drama. I honored them by allowing them space and not negating them or pushing them away but didn’t give them power.

I also allowed myself to recognize that learning takes time, that creativity is messy and that I have to honor that process. After all, I’ve made a total of 3 baskets! I also remembered that the last basket class I took in January, felt overwhelming. This time it didn’t (that’s progress!)

 Right now, my commitment is to focus on the creative process rather than on the product or end result. That’s where the real learning takes place anyway, right?

And, as an added bonus, in those three days, I met some really incredible women, had so much fun, felt energized and creatively awakened.

 See what I mean about perfection?

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Jumpstart Your Creativity

Can you feel it?

That need to be creative?

The planets are shifting and realigning, old patterns are falling away, and we, ALL OF US, are being called to open more to our intuition and inner guidance.

Being called to show up in a new way.

So what is it that is yearning to be birthed within you?

Ever since I decided to follow my joy, I've been exploring creativity in a new way. Really diving into it.

And part of what I've realized is that so many endeavors we undertake- starting a new business, coming up with a social media plan, making dinner - all of these are creative, right?

We're making something out of nothing.

But we often don't see them that way. It's just what we do or have to do.

So first, take a moment and honor yourself and what you have already accomplished. See how creativity already works through you.

And if you're ready to go deeper, I have a terrific tool for you that thousands of people swear by.

No, really.

It's from Julia Cameron's best selling book, The Artist's Way.

She calls it Morning Pages.

Heard of it?

Here's how it works.

Every morning, first thing after you wake up... you write 3 PAGES.

That's it. 3 pages of stream of consciousness or flow.

The idea here is NOT to think about what you're writing or get hung up on sentence structure, spelling, grammar or content.

The goal is to write 3 pages in your journal, every morning for 90 days.

I first read her book in 1998 or so, and the morning pages, made a huge difference.

What do you say?

Do you think you can commit to allowing your creativity even more space to germinate, blossom and then grow?

Locate that journal you have. You know, the one that's been hanging around. Why not pick it up and start today, right now?

See where the journey takes you - and what awakens from within.

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Get Your Groove Back: 3 Easy Steps to Re-Awaken Creativity

Stuck in a rut?

Feel like you’re creative juices have dried up?

Let’s face it. This happens to ALL of us especially if you have a deadline or are starting a fresh, new project.

But here’s the great news. It’s actually pretty easy to fan that flame.

Check out these 3 ways to get going again:

1. Move

This is actually two ideas in one:

The first is to physically move your body.

Get out of that office chair, quit standing behind that easel and go for a walk.

Moving does a few things.

It oxygenates the body. It also frees your mind to begin free-associating. This can help you solve a problem or resolve an issue. Steve Jobs often walked when he wanted to think out a problem and frequently invited other people to go with him and brainstorm!

The second is to change locations.

Go and work somewhere else.

This is like magic for me.

Normally, I work at home but am just as likely as you to get stuck. When I feel this coming on, I go to a café, park bench or someplace where I can work undisturbed. 

Sometimes you just need a change of scenery.

2. Be inspired

Creativity can be jumpstarted by something you see, hear or read.

Exposing yourself to other ideas can act like a springboard and launch you into a new thought or way of seeing something.

Maybe you read a great article and it inspires a blog post or you see a cool sculpture at a gallery and it gets you thinking about how you could draw it. Magazines come in handy, too, for ideas about decorating, new clothing outfits or dinner menu ideas.

Ready to find inspiration?

Check out your local library for magazines, see what visual or performing arts shows are happening in your local area, browse Pinterest or Etsy for ideas. You can even google a topic (like creativity) and see what the search brings.

3. Collaborate

Sometimes if you’re really stuck, it helps to talk it out.

Call up a friend or colleague, explain what’s going on.

It can often be easier for an outside person to provide clarity than it is for you to cut through your own stuck-ness.

We can often be blind to the most obvious thing.

Share where you are and where you want to go. 

Sometimes just saying the words out loud brings the solution.

We are all creative. And we all fall into slumps. 

So the next time you need a little kick start, try these tips and see what happens!

AND be sure to let me know! Leave me a comment below or shoot me an email!

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