Great post and love your florals…I felt a bit lost in the New Year and signed up to an online felting course on surface design which has been fantastic. The enrolment date came at just the right time for me and I now feel a lot more enthused with new ideas and possibilities and I’m looking forward to using some new techniques In my work. Compare and despair is such a thing isn’t it, but as you say the images shared on social media by artists, influencers or even your next door neighbour 😁 definitely do not give the full and true picture…we just need to keep reminding ourselves of that fact!! We must keep going, step by step, along our own path 💕💕
Hi Carolyn, I'd say this is a bit of the perversity (and cruelty) of social media... we already have a natural tendency to suffer from « comparisonitis », and with social media it can be exacerbated... And for sure, photos don't always show the truth. But you are sincere and authentic in what you show here or on YT or IG. And this is what makes a difference! Also we are very severe with ourselves sometimes when considering what is to be discarded... I’m sure I’d find beautiful things in your discarded work pile! xxx
Thanks Catherine! Yes, social media has its good and bad points doesn't it!! And if your confidence has already been knocked, it would be so easy to just go down that rabbit hole... Oh, I'm sure there would be pieces that I've discarded - in fact, probably shouldn't admit to this (or should I?) - a lady bought several pieces from that pile. I was very honest with her; she knew what they were, but was still happy to pay what we agreed! Who can tell? Have a great week!! xx
I wouldn’t ever guess from your work that you haven’t settled back into it- it’s such beautiful, expressive work. My sympathies for the loss of your parents, Carolyn.
I know the feeling of doubts! For almost the past year I've been having such struggles with my printmaking efforts- so many 'meh' plates! In 2022 I made s record number of plates that I was pleased with! But then I remind myself, this is a price of experimentation, of pushing boundaries. My lousy plates have either been ones I didn't fully commit to, or else explorations in new techniques. So I need to give myself a break_ even if the results weren't great, I have learned a lot!
Hi Elizabeth...so empathise with you. Since losing Mum & Dad, coming for up two years soon, and moving house, I still don't feel as if I've 'settled' back into it yet. I've produced work, but as you say, they haven't 'lit' me up... Definitely in the exploration stage at the moment! And, yes, we do need to give ourselves a break - we're creatives, not automatons.... Go off & enjoy your weekend!
I'm sorry to hear about your parents, Carolyn. Sending my sympathy.
I'd never have guessed that you weren't settled back in though, not by looking at your art. Your works are so beautiful and expressive— I've enjoyed following your work since I first saw it on instagram a few years back.
Thank you! I think it's more that I put such pressure on myself - I think I should be creating masterpieces all the time, although, logically, I know that's not realistic!! I ought to just enjoy where I'm at, the rest will follow xx
Great post and love your florals…I felt a bit lost in the New Year and signed up to an online felting course on surface design which has been fantastic. The enrolment date came at just the right time for me and I now feel a lot more enthused with new ideas and possibilities and I’m looking forward to using some new techniques In my work. Compare and despair is such a thing isn’t it, but as you say the images shared on social media by artists, influencers or even your next door neighbour 😁 definitely do not give the full and true picture…we just need to keep reminding ourselves of that fact!! We must keep going, step by step, along our own path 💕💕
Good to hear that you're finding your mojo again Tanya! And yes, we just have to keep going on what we feel is right for us!!
Hi Carolyn, I'd say this is a bit of the perversity (and cruelty) of social media... we already have a natural tendency to suffer from « comparisonitis », and with social media it can be exacerbated... And for sure, photos don't always show the truth. But you are sincere and authentic in what you show here or on YT or IG. And this is what makes a difference! Also we are very severe with ourselves sometimes when considering what is to be discarded... I’m sure I’d find beautiful things in your discarded work pile! xxx
Thanks Catherine! Yes, social media has its good and bad points doesn't it!! And if your confidence has already been knocked, it would be so easy to just go down that rabbit hole... Oh, I'm sure there would be pieces that I've discarded - in fact, probably shouldn't admit to this (or should I?) - a lady bought several pieces from that pile. I was very honest with her; she knew what they were, but was still happy to pay what we agreed! Who can tell? Have a great week!! xx
Have a great week, too!
I wouldn’t ever guess from your work that you haven’t settled back into it- it’s such beautiful, expressive work. My sympathies for the loss of your parents, Carolyn.
Really appreciate your kind words Elizabeth, thank you xx
I know the feeling of doubts! For almost the past year I've been having such struggles with my printmaking efforts- so many 'meh' plates! In 2022 I made s record number of plates that I was pleased with! But then I remind myself, this is a price of experimentation, of pushing boundaries. My lousy plates have either been ones I didn't fully commit to, or else explorations in new techniques. So I need to give myself a break_ even if the results weren't great, I have learned a lot!
Hi Elizabeth...so empathise with you. Since losing Mum & Dad, coming for up two years soon, and moving house, I still don't feel as if I've 'settled' back into it yet. I've produced work, but as you say, they haven't 'lit' me up... Definitely in the exploration stage at the moment! And, yes, we do need to give ourselves a break - we're creatives, not automatons.... Go off & enjoy your weekend!
I'm sorry to hear about your parents, Carolyn. Sending my sympathy.
I'd never have guessed that you weren't settled back in though, not by looking at your art. Your works are so beautiful and expressive— I've enjoyed following your work since I first saw it on instagram a few years back.
Thank you! I think it's more that I put such pressure on myself - I think I should be creating masterpieces all the time, although, logically, I know that's not realistic!! I ought to just enjoy where I'm at, the rest will follow xx
Even your "mountains of discarded work" look amazing! Keep up the good work 😊
Thank you Rich - appreciated! Enjoy the weekend! Carolyn
you too! :)