The Maybe Trap, Part 2

by | Sep 1, 2017 | Fine Arts America

Last week I chatted about “the maybe trap.” Each of us knows why we shouldn’t hang out in maybe. This week I chat about how to break out of the maybe trap! Maybe is a state that puts us right the verge of meaninglessness. Maybe plays to our weaknesses, our anxieties,...

The Maybe Trap, Part I

by | Aug 25, 2017 | Fine Arts America

Are you trapped in maybe, that special indecisiveness that can haunt an artist? Find out more now! What does being trapped in maybe sound like? Q: “Which will be your painting days this week?” A: “Maybe I can get in some painting on Tuesday and Thursday.” Q: “Will you...

Loosen Your Grip

by | Aug 18, 2017 | Fine Arts America

Creativity isn’t something to control. We love to feel like we’re in control and endeavoring to be in control in really appropriate in many situations, like when we’re operating a band saw. But creating requires that we loosen up, engage in process, and see what...

Sleep On It!

by | Aug 11, 2017 | Fine Arts America

If you’re trying to solve a creative problem—or any problem—there’s no better method than to sleep on it. Whether it’s a nap or a night’s sleep, your brain thinks while it sleeps when it isn’t dreaming and this sleep thinking often produces some of our best...

Let Your Imagination Run Wild

by | Aug 4, 2017 | Fine Arts America

Our many, many years of schooling dulls our imagination. During our school years, we’re obliged to regurgitate facts. When was the last time you really let your imagination run wild? When was the last time you said to yourself, “What would happen if I put a salmon and...

Pick a Number

by | Jul 29, 2017 | Fine Arts America

If you’re working on a creative project and you skip it for a few days, you may end up losing not only days but weeks, months and even years. It’s easy not to return to a creative project when we put it aside and lose contact with it. The solution? Pick a number of...