Somehow, inevitably, what you write is what my soul needs to hear. For too long I have been trying to crack the shell with a feather that’s been coated in oil. I recently finished my first collage quilt and I believe there was a crack. Then I semi-mastered inserting a zipper pocket onto a tote bag. Crack. I have been trying to confront my terrible fear of heights and the other day, at the gym, I managed to jump onto one of those boxes. Crack. Crack. I will emerge and as always, thank you.
CRACK!!! My shell is breaking. I agreed to present a small sampling of my work at the BravePatch Community meeting this Wednesday. It's a time for Sherri Lynn Wood and members to give feedback and appraisal. All very positive of course. And an opportunity for me to look at my 'collected works' and reflect. What do I see emerging in my work? Based on what I see in front of me, what is similar? what is different? Am I, indeed, capturing the narrative of my life? (YES I AM)
I wasn't sure I wanted to do it; no that's not the truth. The truth is I very much wanted to do it, but hesitated because it's comfortable in my egg and "What if my work isn't good enough?" Yup....there it is. I spoke with someone at the organization and she said "Be brave Jan; that's why we're all here. (in BravePatch)" Well....how do you say 'no' after that?
Way to go, Jan! How wonderful to have a space, BravePatch, to ready your wings. I am so happy for you. I can see how it is influencing your work as well.
Thank you. A few years ago I realize why I was here and it was to make my art. Cracking that shell is hard. Leaving the nest is even harder, but I’m working on it before it is too late.
Thank you, Lesley. So much of what you wrote is in me. Years ago, I heard God's still, small voice in my heart and that began a journey. It's a process, definitely. A process to rest in God's hands, allowing Him to crack open the places that bring glory to the gifts He has given us. All to illuminate who He is. Thank you.
It is a divine thing to be listening, hear and follow. Yes, it is a process but it gets easier the further you go. You have a great safety net. Fly on.
That sounds fascinating, Wendy. You are a patient observer and are rewarded for it as well. If you send the link is there anything happening now? Or have they flown the coop?
Yes, there are times when we fly and we feel that our wings are just not ready. We do it anyway when we are mothers and wives and friends. As an artist, I often feel my comfort zone is in my nest. It takes courage to send it out to the world, knowing that not everyone will see what you see.
Hello Lesley! I am sure this will resonate with a LOT of us. Certainly does with me. I can say I feel certain about what I know and what I do and what I teach, and yet I just consider myself 'just plain me'. Recently I was designated as a Master Artist in the art group I founded some 40+ years ago. I was like, WHAT? It's just plain me! OK, maybe I'm not so plain after all. But really, I don't take myself very seriously at all. I just keep doing what I know and what I love and for me that is enough!
Somehow, inevitably, what you write is what my soul needs to hear. For too long I have been trying to crack the shell with a feather that’s been coated in oil. I recently finished my first collage quilt and I believe there was a crack. Then I semi-mastered inserting a zipper pocket onto a tote bag. Crack. I have been trying to confront my terrible fear of heights and the other day, at the gym, I managed to jump onto one of those boxes. Crack. Crack. I will emerge and as always, thank you.
I am so happy for you and your efforts at cracking your shell. Enjoy spreading those wings.
CRACK!!! My shell is breaking. I agreed to present a small sampling of my work at the BravePatch Community meeting this Wednesday. It's a time for Sherri Lynn Wood and members to give feedback and appraisal. All very positive of course. And an opportunity for me to look at my 'collected works' and reflect. What do I see emerging in my work? Based on what I see in front of me, what is similar? what is different? Am I, indeed, capturing the narrative of my life? (YES I AM)
I wasn't sure I wanted to do it; no that's not the truth. The truth is I very much wanted to do it, but hesitated because it's comfortable in my egg and "What if my work isn't good enough?" Yup....there it is. I spoke with someone at the organization and she said "Be brave Jan; that's why we're all here. (in BravePatch)" Well....how do you say 'no' after that?
Way to go, Jan! How wonderful to have a space, BravePatch, to ready your wings. I am so happy for you. I can see how it is influencing your work as well.
Thanks Lesley. I went back to school a few years ago finishing with my art degree last May. I feel my cracking and withholding at the same time.
Congratulations! I know that feeling, as I graduated in 2003. It's got to have external validation, but it's the inner feeling that's important.
Thank you. A few years ago I realize why I was here and it was to make my art. Cracking that shell is hard. Leaving the nest is even harder, but I’m working on it before it is too late.
Wonderful. And I know you have been on a unique and successful journey. Keep flying.
Beautiful
Thanks, Cheryl.
Thank you, Lesley. So much of what you wrote is in me. Years ago, I heard God's still, small voice in my heart and that began a journey. It's a process, definitely. A process to rest in God's hands, allowing Him to crack open the places that bring glory to the gifts He has given us. All to illuminate who He is. Thank you.
It is a divine thing to be listening, hear and follow. Yes, it is a process but it gets easier the further you go. You have a great safety net. Fly on.
That sounds fascinating, Wendy. You are a patient observer and are rewarded for it as well. If you send the link is there anything happening now? Or have they flown the coop?
Yes, there are times when we fly and we feel that our wings are just not ready. We do it anyway when we are mothers and wives and friends. As an artist, I often feel my comfort zone is in my nest. It takes courage to send it out to the world, knowing that not everyone will see what you see.
Hello Lesley! I am sure this will resonate with a LOT of us. Certainly does with me. I can say I feel certain about what I know and what I do and what I teach, and yet I just consider myself 'just plain me'. Recently I was designated as a Master Artist in the art group I founded some 40+ years ago. I was like, WHAT? It's just plain me! OK, maybe I'm not so plain after all. But really, I don't take myself very seriously at all. I just keep doing what I know and what I love and for me that is enough!
Yes, I totally relate to that. Your words are spot on.
Being true to oneself is the greatest gift we give ourselves.
I’ve been thinking about your words, and those of your audience all week now. The image of myself poking my head out of my shell brings giggles.
Life is such a joy the majority of the time. You’ve given us all so much to grow with.
Thank you🩷