As I reflect on my life, I can’t help but notice how often I’ve let my fears stand in the way of me doing or trying something that deep down inside I’m longing to do. It’s not so much that I’m actually afraid, as in feeling scared, but rather, I think, feelings of inadequacy. For example, for the last 20 years I’ve dreamt about being a mixed media artist – I could see myself creating, I could even see the beautiful works of art I created. I bought supplies (LOTS of supplies), I bought books and magazines and I took classes where I copied EXACTLY what the instructor taught – but I would never let my own creativity loose, and follow my own inspirations, or delve into my own possibilities…..because I was afraid…..I was afraid that if/when I did, I would discover that what I had pictured all these years really was just a dream, and that no matter how hard I tried I would never make my dreams a reality or become what I aspired to be.
It wasn’t until I finally gave myself permission to fail, that I was able to let go of my fears. The last mixed media canvas I shared with you represented my connection with the artist within me – the artist that I thought only lived in my dreams.
Today’s mixed media canvas represents my process of letting go of my fears (in this area anyways LOL) – and it’s deeply meaningful to me. While the colors are “happy” colors, the girl is in a pose of deep reflection. Which is where I’m at right now. I can’t help but feel a deep sadness at all the time I lost, where I could have been doing something I really love, and all because of unfounded fears. Yet at the same time, I’m also filled with anticipation at the new and exciting world that’s opened up to me.
Supplies:
Stamps: S4878 Old Letter Writing, S5216 Grid Pattern (Hero Arts); SMP1435 Doilies Stamp Sheet (Maya Road); Butterfly Garden Collection Impressions No. 14 (Pink Paislee); Music Notes Standard Wheel (Stampin’ Up!)
Mediums: Claudine Hellmuth Multi-Medium Matte, Stickles (Ranger); Fluid acrylics, glaze, heavy body paints, modeling paste (Golden); Pitt Big Brush Pens, Pitt Artist Pen Black Fineliner (Faber-Castell); professional acrylic ink (Liquitex); Sharpie white poster paint pen (Sharpie)
Paper: old book paper (antique store); Newsprint DP (Stampin’ Up!), sewing pattern tissue paper (thrift store); Marrakech 6″ x 6″ pad (Basic Gray); Reflections 6″ x 6″ pad (Prima); paper doily (other)
Accessories: brown pearls (dollar store); lace (unknown), rub-ons from Stampin’ Up! and Kaiser Craft; flower (Prima)
Gorgeous! I love the colours, and the reflective pose. It captures the feeling perfectly!
Congratulations on another beautiful, meaningful creation
This is an amazing piece of art; very beautiful. love, LoVe, LOVE it….
THis is wonderful, I love all the little elements that go into making this into a piece of art, the papers are great, the colours used are striking, the little addition of the rub on, though not too obvious is great, and the pose is very apt. Great job! Maybe one day I will step out of the corner and give it a real go too, good on you!
beautiful “she art”… tfs.. R
YOU GO GIRL! Who was it that said “you have nothing to fear but fear itself”. Your an amazing artist and don’t ever let anyone (like yourself) or anything make you think otherwise. Spread those wings!! Oh…..and this canvas is a wonderful example of your talent. I love it.
~*BRILLIANT!!*~
Your art reminds me of the work of my favourite children’s artist/author Lauren Child. Looking forward to the piece I am sure you will one day create that depicts you with arms high, dancing in freedom & joy! Thanks for sharing your journey.
Dear Andrea,
Your mixed media post caught my eye. As I read it, you could have changed the signature to my name. I have all the books and mediums, I went to Art Unraveled last year, and am taking 3 classes this year. I also dream of being a wonderful mix media artist, i have dabbled in many mediums all my lfe. The feeling of inadequncy get in my way. I love what you said about giving permission to fail. I recently have been creating backgrounds and I am actually working on a piece YAY!!
Your piece “She Let Go of Her Fears is fantastic, the colors and the techniques WOW!
Your cards and projects have always been outstanding and the creativity…amazing!
Thank you for sharing with all of us, it really has helped me a great deal.
Looking forward to seeing some more masterpieces.
Toni
If you want to check out the Art Unraveled Site http://www.artunraveled.com
Andrea, You are truly gifted. I feel you are called to bring BEAUTY to so MANY people and/or papercrafters. I applaud you for putting the details out there of your personal journey. This can help others who are similar to you. Thanks so much for sharing everything that you do. Please continue! You inspire me so much!!!
This is so beautiful! I absolutely love the colors and how everything comes together. It speaks to me. Can’t wait to see more :^)
Andrea……I know exactly how you feel and you say it so beautifully. I too find it hard to “let loose” and just design something completely of my own. I love your mixed media pieces and you have inspired me to start me own works of art. I can’t wait to see what will be “let out” of my creative mind when I give it permission to be free. Thank you so much for sharing something so personal with all of us!
I really treasure your piece of work, Great post.
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