On Creativity and Cats...

Making art is a journey. Although most of my paintings begin with an initial concept, they rarely, if ever turn out as initially planned. Creativity is an adventure; It takes dedication, and a willingness to go with the flow, following the twists and turns wherever they may take you. Recently, as I was brainstorming new lesson ideas for my elementary art students, I came across the following project idea: 

While this project is a compilation of a kindergarten class' halloween cat projects, it reminded me of cats looking through a window. With this concept in mind, I launched into a new painting, beginning with nine yellow boxes on my canvas. After finishing the boxes, I could go no further...for two days. I began to experience the uncertainty and fear that I was making a mistake. Perhaps this was not a good idea for a painting after all. I was at a crossroads: Should I paint over the boxes and start over, or should I continue on the current path to see where it might lead? 

This often happens during the process of creativity; There are moments in which you, as the creator, must make a decision that will effect the outcome of your creation. After two days at the crossroads, I finally committed to seeing this painting through to its end. After all, I could always paint over the canvas later in the process. After I made this decision to continue on the journey, the ideas seemed to flow freely, and the painting was complete within a few days. 

So, next time you are facing a difficult decision: whether to throw in the towel or stick to your guns and see a project to its finish, be brave; See your journey to its end. Although it can be scary, finishing what you start can be more rewarding than the product itself.

Happy creating!