“Leap, and the net will appear.”
Some of my favorite nets
which seems to go hand in hand with another one of my favorite quotes:
“Recognize that you don’t know where you stand, and you will begin to watch where you put your feet. That’s when a path appears.” Kay Larson, Where the Heart Beats, John Cage, Zen Buddhism and the Inner Life of Artists
Learning to trust the void- on canvas, in life- a baby step, or big leap.
Have faith. Of course I write this stuff to remind myself as much as share it with you.
Work in progress… painting on my backyard lanai the other day
Where in your life have you leaped or getting ready to leap?
I moved to a new country and after years of working in a job that ate up most of my creative energy have been given the oportunity to begin anew. Hours of time to create and a fresh new landscape and culture to ponder and discover. But what and how to begin. Baby steps and a leap of faith is the best advice anyone could offer. The blank canvas can elicit all kinds of emotions…excitement, frustration , disallusionment, anxiety. Pressure to ignite the creative spirit can sometimes be a joyless task instead of a euphoric feeling of abandonement. While leaping into the void can be a freeing moment its not as easy as it sounds. That void is endless, deep, unchartered territory, even black however it is a necessary step in making art. I think one of the defining moments of discovering that you are indeed an artist is when you realize the moment youve made the decision that it doesnt matter if you know where you are going as long as you are keen on seeing what happens – no matter which path you follow; realizing that the discovery is a domino effect always leading somewhere. Sort of like channeling some of that child -like naivete that brought you to creating art in the first place. Not having a plan or map is sometimes the best way to see new things – get rid of that GPS – and you will surprise yourself by beginning to trust your inner voice. Its a bit scary at first but then you might find, like I have, its the best way to travel. Take a few necessary precautions, realize that most things wont kill you, follow your instincts and enjoy the ride. Pretty sure why its called a leap of faith.
Laurette your Middle East adventure is a great example of both taking a leap of faith (huge) and then the baby steps that go hand in hand with that to discover and find your path in uncharted territories. I love hearing and see how you have embraced this challenge. You inspire me. Thank you!
I’m starting a new series hybridizing still lifes with geometric abstraction – every piece is a learning process. I’m struggling more with some than with others. Thanks for reminding me to stop fretting and just LEAP!
Sarah, Congrats on your new series and taking the leap. Funny how sometimes it is such a struggle and then others we’re in the flow. So glad we have each other to remind us that it is all part of the process and to enjoy the ride- even the frustration.
I wish I could attach a photo to this comment. I have a small ink painting by an artist friend that shows an image of a wild eyed girl, arms outstretched, leaping. I love it. The girl is me, the girl is you. Just hoping that the landing is into a new and and fruitful creative reality. Can’t wait to see your new work!
I’d love to see the photo Liza, for all of us to see it but I can imagine the fresh bold move that conveys the courage and faith that we draw upon as artists.