Make Art From Your Places of Resistance

Often when I begin an abstract painting, I am filled with a sense of freedom and confidence, followed by a feeling of despair, “This is not going anywhere. I will never be able to create anything beautiful again. I am a fraud.” The colors are all wrong, the shapes are stupid, I have no talent, and there is no possibility of bringing this work to life. Yet, often, after making myself miserable, I decide not to abandon this creation, waiting to be born. I will follow through with my promise to the Muse and continue with another layer and then another until the colors are right. I will add markings and change shapes no matter how many or how long it takes. This painting might remain on the easel for days, for however long it takes to breathe life into it, to assist its crossing from a failure to a thing of beauty. I have learned that being able to dive into my places of resistance and work from those places of uncertainty outside my comfort zone results in what we call "breakthroughs." I may create something unexpected and beautiful.

Alchemy often occurs when we are willing to continue through barriers and face the unknown that is waiting to be born. This resistance is part of the process we have chosen, a journey leading to our treasures and creations that satisfy the heart.