Your Creative Intent

As an artist, is there a type of work have you been longing to create but have been too scared to try? Are you known for your realist still life paintings but have always wanted to try abstract landscapes? Or are you an oil painter wanting to try collage, but you heard from a mentor that collage isn't "real art" so you're reluctant to experiment?

For me, true "art" is about setting free that creative energy that's inside us without putting on it the shackles of someone else's opinion of "acceptable" or "beautiful." So many artists I know are afraid to experiment, are afraid to let their creativity and imaginations out because they are scared about what other people might think. Or they might be afraid the experiment won't be successful or salable.

Rubbish!

Worrying about what other people might think, and letting it influence what you create, is NOT the mainstay of a true artist.

A true artist creates what is in his or her "soul" because he or she MUST create it. It needs to come out, and will come out, no matter what other people think about it or its creator. It may or may not sell - but to a true artist, that is not as important as scratching that creative "itch" inside.

I realize that many professional artists create work that regularly sells -  more power to you! I can only hope those same professional artists are truly creating what is in their souls, and not just what they think might please someone else. Whether your work is realistic in nature, abstract, or expressionistic doesn't matter here - a realist can certainly create a work of art from his or her soul, and an abstract artist can knock out production pieces just because they'll sell. I'm not leaving "craftsmen" out of this either - I have seen some soul-filled work come out of a woodworkers shop, and incredible art come off a potter's wheel.

Perhaps it's not really the product that's the real art - maybe it's the intent and the act of creation?

Think about what your intent is next time you set out to create.

Also ask yourself these questions:

• Are you energized by what you're creating? 
• Is there something else you'd rather be doing?
• Are you excited by it, or bored with it?

If you're bored, your artistic soul might be telling you it's time for a change.

Stay tuned to this blog for more details on my upcoming online course: "Finding Your Creative Vision" which will show you some ways to set your creative energy free and create work that really excites you! It's due out the summer of 2011....contact me to be put on the mailing list, or check back here periodically for updates.