Getting Back Into Art - Lessons Learned

I stepped away from my painting for 5 years and then came back just dabbling off and on for another 5 years while I was trying to find my new normal.  The first 5 years were devoted to and recovering from being the primary care giver for a termially ill relative, and finding my way through the grief of losing the 3 most important men in my life within a 12-month period.  These last five years have been spent on reconnecting with my own authentic self in my mid-70s and rediscovering all that used to give me my creative juice.  I recently sold my home of nearly 30 years and relocated to my favorite happy place 500 miles far away - Michigan's beautiful Keweenaw Peninsula (tons of inspiration for art here). Then, four years ago the Universe saw fit to deliver a wonderful life partner into my world (the most unexpected and amazing surprise of all)!  Life is Good!!!
Note:  4"x6" Watercolor & ink sketch in art journal 

The Lessons .....

1. Our creativity never dies - it does go to sleep.  No matter the circumstance, it's emotionally intense to return to anything that we have been away for a long time. And as 'they' say - it is all about the journey. I learned our expressive voices do flourish, even after being dormant.  In fact, I found that this 'sleeping' stage gave me an opportunity to return and focus on interpreting with a renewed fresh perspective and emotion.  It's all about listening and responding to your inner voice. Slow down - breathe - listen!
2. Forgive yourself! Whether your break from art was intentional or unintentional, we are only human. Let go of any guilt and reclaim yourself as the creative person you are.  Afterall, being an Artist is just one moniker and not a total identity and it's not about our productivity.  We are friends, brothers/sisters, parets, working professional, retired truck driver, stay-at-home Mom/Dad, and anyother title you wish to bestow upon yourself. You can start today by calling yourself an Artist!
3. Ease back into your Art.  This is not a race. It's all about you and your creativity - keep it fun and keep it simple. Attend local art groups and hang out with other artists, catch gallery exhibit openings/receptions and art guild presentations, follow a few artists on YouTube, watch videos on tips & techniques. Keep it Simple!
4. Make Space & Time for Yourself. Make space to do some art or a creative project. If you don't have a dedicated space, buy a new pad of art paper, a journal or use old newspaper or paper bags and make that paper or journal your space. Make time for yourself - make a date with yourself and put it on your calendar and keep the appointment. Clear distractions during this time and announce you are going to your 'studio' to all who dare to interrupt you. Keep your appointment - SHOW UP!
5. Start a Creative Project.  Start with thinking basics - nothing fancy is necessary. Create something that doesn't require a lot of time.  Try a doodle pad, an art journal for sketching & simple water colors or pencils, Zentangle.  Try incororporating new ideas or techniques from those videos you watched or artist you followed on YouTube. You get the idea - keep it simple and keep it something that is just for you. What's important is that you now have that time slot and something to get your juices flowing. Play - Have Fun - Repeat!
6. Be Proud of Yourself!  Be proud of the person you are today, at this moment ..... proud of the very person you are exactly where you are. As Dr. Suess reminded us, there is no one more youer than You!

​I wish you well on your creative journey and hope you share your works of art with me on my Ochodnicky Design FaceBook page....see link below. And finally. remember we all have a choice.  We can choose to be a human 'being' or a human 'doing'.  Life is Great - Be in It - Do it !!!

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Ochodnicky Design Studio