A weekly note to inspire conversation about creativity and art.
Every year for the past decade, there is always a period of time from about February through the end of April that feels like the “in-between” for me professionally. It’s a time when work is light (thanks to the ever-changing Colorado Spring weather!) and at the same time my yearning to create is abundant. There is something about the Spring that always re-ignites my desire to make something. This year I feel it even stronger after completing my photography course and putting it out into the world. It felt so exciting to finally share it with all of you and continues to feel like an accomplishment I am proud of. At the same time (and I know I might sound crazy here) I have a little voice in my head says, “Ok Sara, now what?”
I can compare this feeling to how I felt when I graduated from high school. All my life I had played competitive soccer. It was my LIFE. It’s where I built my strongest friendships. It’s where I learned to work hard for something I really loved doing and where I learned that both winning and losing are all part of life’s ebbs and flows. After graduating I didn’t continue to play soccer and for years I spent a lot of time trying to figure out who I was without it. It was painful to lose my identity as an athlete. Who was I without it? Now what?!
From that moment on I have discovered so many parts of me. I can thank experience and the willingness to try and fail at so many things. My point in sharing all of this is to remind anyone reading this, that this life is never really about what finish lines you cross. Or the rewards that you’ve earned at those finish lines. It is truly about the process - the fulfillment you gain by just doing what excites you. By staying curious and open to the curveballs that life can throw your way.
Being an artist means to be continually asking, “How can it be better?” whatever it is. It may be your art, and it may be your life.
- Rick Rubin
🎨 Artist to Know
Peter McKinnon is a film maker and photographer based in Toronto, Canada and has built an incredible platform on YouTube sharing his knowledge and expertise on both mediums. Yesterday I came across one of his recent videos titled Art is Useless Until Someone Sees It…which is a sentiment I disagree with, and well…watch this video to see where it takes him and the artist he’s interviewing. I resonated with SO MANY points of their discussion here. Truly worth the watch if you’re feeling the “in-between” right now too.
📝 Questions I’m Pondering
Please answer in the comments, or just add your own thoughts. These are fun ones today! I’ve linked my answers below.
What’s your favorite song at the moment?
Is your time truly wasted if you enjoy wasting it?
Absolutely not! I wasted allll my time last night watching this cooking show…and then making the recipe. Best few hours of my day 😉
What are you watching right now?
My husband and I just started watching Curb Your Enthusiasm and it’s so funny. An oldie but such a goodie so far.
📌 Quote of the week
💡 Creative Exercise
We’ve all played it - The Comparison Game. My suggestion this week is to look at the work you admire and celebrate it. Then go back and look at your own work. Pick a favorite image, painting, recipe, workout - whatever you are proud of creating and celebrate that. Build on that! This is so much easier said than done but truly the only person you can compare yourself to is YOU. The rest is noise. Use that for fuel and create your own version at your own pace.
Until next time!
Flutter On,
Sara
P.S. The Composed Course is now on Sale and available in one or two payment plans.
P.P.S. A few spots are still available for Motherhood Studio Sessions