sometimes we hate our art
an encouraging zine and a good friday prayer invite
what to do when your art doesn't come out how you want it to
You caught me—this doesn’t just apply to art.
Don’t throw your project immediately into the fire. Sit and stare at it for a while. Is it salvageable? Think, think, think! It usually is, at least in part. You may not be feeling very creative. If that’s the case, do #2 and #3 and then come back to this one.
Resist urgency whenever possible. Have you found yourself thinking “now I’m so far behind on this!”? Quit that! What’s that gonna do?? Besides, it’s not that you’re where you started; you now know lots of things you didn’t know at the beginning (or perhaps did know but didn’t know to pay attention to).
Go get some water. This helps with #2. Also you’re probably dehydrated. Your brain and your body will work better with water. And even if you’re not dehydrated (so you think you’re better than me?), it gives you a reason to get your body out of your current space and into another one for a moment while you regroup. Bonus points if you chug half the glass or bottle at the sink before refilling it.
Make a list of the lessons you want to remember for next time. If you don’t take time to physically write down some reminders, you may forget the reasons why it didn’t work the first time around. And, take my word for it, that will make you even more mad than the first time. You know, the whole “fool me once” thing.
If you do indeed need to scrap the project, get it out of your sight. Like, ew! Put it away. Clean up all of the scraps, mess, etc. Remove the remnants of the project from your workspace. You can do what I do and put it in a box that I keep under a cabinet labeled “back burner.” I almost always forget this box exists, and that’s entirely the point. Don’t throw it in the trash though; you can probably use the raw materials for something else.
Take this opportunity to revisit your dreaming stage. Since you’re already starting over, is there anything you want to add to make it even better or more exciting than before? Is there some part of your design you were horrified to realize that, upon staring at it for the last few hours, looks way too phallic and needs to be adjusted? Anything that needs to look more phallic? (No judgment; it’s art).
Remember that at the end of the day (and the middle and the beginning), creativity is more about the process than the product. I know there’s a very good chance that’s not what you want to hear right now. But buck up, camper, it’s the truth!
becoming a disciple of the process
The pieces we create with our creativity and artistry are indeed lovely, but they are simply the mushroom cap that sprouts above the ground, indicating the invisible yet vastly expansive mycelial network that nourishes it and connects it to its kin.
So here’s an encouraging word (you can do it!), an imaginary kiss on the forehead, and a swift kick in the backside ushering you in the direction of your workspace. Get back to it.
You’re an artist.
This is what you do.
Ok love you bye
Save and print this image at 8.5x11” size for your own zine version of this list! Don’t know how to fold it once it’s printed? Check out this video.
Good Friday Sensory Prayer Stations in FTW
Hey, DFW folks!
You’re invited to swing by Ridglea Christian Church in Fort Worth (6720 W Elizabeth Ln) on Good Friday (April 18) from 8am-8pm for an interactive prayer vigil that will engage all of your five senses.
This vigil is basically a condensed Stations of the Cross with breath prayers and sensory contemplation. I’m having a wonderful time creating and setting this up, and I’d love to share it with you!
This is a drop in event, so come and go as you are able and stay for as short or as long as you’d like.
Mutual Aid & Community Bulletin Board
This is a space for opportunities of interconnection that align with the values, mission, and vision of what we do around here.
Do you have a notice to post on this communal bulletin board space? Would you like to share an offering of yours or pose an ask for my newsletter audience? Reply to this email with a short blurb and any important links, and I’ll include them here in my next emails!
