The Blank Page
The blank page. Have you ever found the blank page to be intimidating? Have you ever not attempted something because you feared the imperfection of the finished product? I once took an on-line class offered by a favorite author. I had read several of her books and looked forward to the class she was offering. I bought all the materials required; a fancy sketch book, an array of watercolors, and scrapbooking supplies. But, from the first lesson my discomfort grew and grew. As I looked helplessly at that blank page, I had no idea where to begin. What the author had envisioned as a fun, hands-on workshop was turning into a very uncomfortable experience. About three lessons in, I just put the materials to the side and stopped participating. I wasn't enjoying this creative endeavor. I just wasn't pleased with my product, and I couldn't shake the feeling that it needed to look a certain way. Jennifer Moraitis, the author of The Creative
Retreat Workbook says, that although, the blank page can be intimidating, "...if
we stay in that safe place, if we don't take risks, we can't grow as artists." Is
the blank page holding you back?
Was that Brené's class?
ReplyDeleteYes, Gabriele, and I hate that I wimped out on it because I was really excited about it.
DeleteIt was intense. I happened to be in a place where all her ideas felt right to me.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good way to put it. Along with the art part I think I had already come to terms with the content. I had read her book a while back and had already benefitted from that.
DeleteAt courageworks.com she is offering a free class to introduce her new online classroom. The class is called "The Anatomy of Trust"
ReplyDelete