Category: A Life of Art Blog

Rituals to Awaken Your Creative Potential

This is one of my personal favorite ways to think about creativity:

Creativity flows from a commitment to curiosity and learning. 

I like this because it means creativity is unique to individual purpose and passion. It isn’t subject to the majority’s whims because it is entirely personal and purposeful.  Even if the creative process is fleeting, like a simple sketch, if it aligns with nourishment for your curiosity and learning, it is creativity.

When I wrote my last email about how we are all artists, I was not just considering painting. The medium you choose means little. What is important is that you show up and express yourself. It is a gift to the world when we express our creativity because that exploration and expression is meant for someone, anyone who picks it up, interacts with it and is transformed by it, even if it’s for you. That person (you!) is waiting for you to express yourself.

I know it can make you feel vulnerable. It can feel like you are exposing who you are, not just your ability, but your heart.  Engaging in a creative process, whether painting, writing, music, dancing or any entrepreneurial endeavor is the art of finding yourself and giving a little away in the hope to make the world better even if it is “just” your world.  It is an act of faith. First, we create without guarantees and the blind hope it will be received with joy and gratitude. Then, because of our doubts, we need courage to continue making and perseverance when it doesn’t work out exactly as its planned.

In workshops, I’m consistently impressed by your vulnerability, courage and trust as I outline the process before you. Your leap of faith is magical. With a little nudge, support and the belief in you, you create. You do it not just to be able to say, “I did that!” Which is awesome. But also “I did it and it came entirely from me, from who I am.”  Given the potential emotional consequences, it’s striking to me that we all still try to create. You show up. We are willing to risk rejection’s electric shock for an authentic journey towards trying something new and finding authentic self-expression. Its an adventure and a risk. This tells me that creativity and self-expression are powerful anchors of whole-hearted creative living.

We are curious.  We want to learn. We are driven to create.

I recently went to a Creative Reboot conference for artists in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I got to hang out and soak up the creative energy and vibe on of some of the most inspiring people; Julia Cameron, Flora Bowley, Sheri Rosenthal and meet even more creative and inspiring souls.   It was a moving retreat that helped anchor ideas and rituals to keep my creative spirit alive and thriving in my studio and life. Of course, I want to share them with you.

Here are some the best rituals and takeaways from the experience:

Embrace the Artist’s Way.  This is really three rolled into one but they are all attributable to Julia Cameron, the author of The Artist’s Way and as many as 40 books. She was an important speaker for me at Creative Reboot.  Her book inspired me to paint almost 20 years ago and last year I took an Artist’s Way workshop through the Seattle Artist’s Way Center in Seattle which kept me creating through a challenging transition time. Again, Julia anchored the experience at the retreat for me and her formula for creative living is wonderfully simple. It goes like this:

  • Practice Regular Morning Pages. In other words, journal every day, especially in the morning to get the junk and negativity out of your head and out of your creative callings way. I can’t tell you how many questions about creative blocks from the audience that she answered with, “Have you been writing your Morning Pages?”
  • Take yourself on an Artist Date once a week.  An Artist Date is a chance to be alone with your creative self and explore whatever your creative heart desires. Mine have included romps in bookstores, toy stores, art stores, speakers series, movies, nature walks and more. Any chance to be curious, explore, be grateful and in awe is a good Artist Date.
  • Find your Believing Mirrors! This is not in her book but she mentioned them more than once. As soon as she described them, I knew exactly who they were in my life and they are critical, critical, critical. These people love, nurture and believe in you.  They give you love, strength, clarity and purpose in life and creativity. They are your beautiful, soul affirming people in your life.  Find the people in your life that are your Believing Mirrors.  Here’s a lovely poem about friendship that I think outlines the sentiment perfectly by David Wythe.

Take it Bite by Bite. Seriously, you don’t have to be a genius all the time or ever to flex your creative muscles.  Instead, focus on the small step you can take now to move you toward creative flow.  That may mean just picking up a paint brush and painting, dancing a little, write a crappy poem.  It doesn’t matter. Do something small to create and to get the creative momentum flowing in the direction of expression not repression. Don’t let repression win. Repression chokes all growth.  That’s bad.  A little progress is a lot better.

Don’t be Selfish. (Thanks to Sheri Rosenthal for this one.) Seriously, when you don’t express yourself, you aren’t sharing the best parts of you. These are the best most authentic and vulnerable parts of you and if you share them they can change your world. Yes, its scary to take the first step but the world needs you, show up for it, otherwise you’re just being selfish and leaving your awesomeness to yourself.

Meditate Every Day (or as often as you can). Meditation helps clear the mind of the negative forces that drive you to doubt. That doubt is what keeps you from starting, continuing, learning and just getting better.  When you pay attention to your thoughts in the act of meditation, those thoughts begin to lose their control on you and suddenly your energy to create increases.  I am just a baby when it comes to meditating, but after a lot initial resistance, it has become a cornerstone of my morning routine.  Here are some resources I’ve used to help develop a practice:

Do it with your brain closed. Whatever your medium try to practice it without thinking.  If you are painting or drawing close your eyes and paint for 5 minutes or as long as your favorite song. If you are writing, just write without thinking or assessing, keep the words flowing. The book Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg is a great resource for helping you let go.  If you are thinking about business ideas, make a list and don’t think about them, use words, images, drawings, colors etc .  Just do it with your brain closed, don’t judge or assess or shut anything down. Let there be no boundaries.  If you love music, try to improvise without a sheet of music and just see what happens. Or try this; just dance and who gives a rat’s A$$ what you look like. Let your mind go for a little and let the rest of you create without judgement. Notice and harness that feeling of letting your mind rest.

Make creativity a part of daily living. How can you make your daily life more creative?  Maybe this means wearing your favorite creative t-shirt or outfit. Maybe cooking an extra fancy meal or buying flowers for your desk.  Listening to art-making music while you do something mundane.  Make a Spotify list for just this occasion. Do you have a favorite super hero? Put her or him near your workstation as a reminder. Dress up like him or her for Halloween too.  Think about what helps frame your days from creative lens of abundance instead of the humdrum of daily living. Add them to the daily ingredients of your life.

In the end, I must return to my definition.  Creativity flows from a commitment to curiosity and learning.  Stay curious, keep learning and keep creativity flowing.

Tell me: How do you keep creating?

What I’m Reading
Reading is another source of inspiration and a ceaseless wellspring.  Right now, I’m focusing on finishing this book: The End of Your World: Uncensored Straight Talk on the Nature of Enlightenment by Adyashanti.  It’s blowing my mind.

Did you get my free book?
There are many new people in this community and I want to make sure that you get a copy of my free e-book; The Art Ritual.  It’s a little book of paintings, poems and writings. In it, I write and paint about the things that get me excited; motherhood, life, courage, expression, magic and more.  Please check it out and tell me what you think.
You can download it here.  https://marikareinke.com/receive-digital-copy-art-ritual/

Guess what? YOU are an Artist!
25% Discount for Artists!
All you artists get a 25% Discount at my Etsy Store.  I’ve stocked it with new pendants and earrings and even a few in-stock prints.  They are popular gifts that sell fast. Thank you for your support!
Use this link for your discount: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MarikasArtStudio?coupon=ALLMYARTISTS

 

(C) Marika Reinke – Adventures in Art with Heart, Humor and Spirit.

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Make jewelry from watercolor paintings with me! Book a workshop or party thru Airbnb.com here: https://tinyurl.com/y9xqt4wv

creativity (C) Marika Reinke

Creativity is a small beginning.

Creativity is a small beginning. It cannot be underestimated how infinitesimally small. It begins in darkness and ether-dust, born from the closest real thing to nothing that matters. It is energy to its smallest power.

It is perfectly normal magic. Every potential starts small.

Birth from near nothingness always happens. The universe is a dominant drive in favor of creativity. We are obliviously crowded by almost-nothings and not-quite-somethings making small maneuvers to become.  The air is littered with inspired desire and imaginative cravings that are not-so-invisible, just a thought-trick to perceive.

These creative powers, half-imaginings, are miniscule beings, inhuman but alive with desire. A creative act is wise. It knows it’s choices.  It can wait for us to manifest or it can empower itself and act.  If you get close enough, it will dare to act.  It will release a rebellious war cry: “I am important! I am! And I am just beginning.” The outburst is a powerful shove away from nothing and towards expression. The barely noticeable sigh resounds and shifts the air.

With a wince, its life-force lodges into you as you stroll just close enough and marries itself there, a psychic organ but incomplete.

You are the medium of creative existence.

It is a requisite of your being.  Your soul is invaded by the will of a creative act just as our universe is. We are infinite mirrors of creative potentials. More importantly, you are the emollient soil for the seeds of creativity and the gardener of intimate magic. Intimate because it is the act between self and birthright. Magic because it has the potential to transform, not just you, but the world.

Once lodged, your creativity is patient-to-a-point but self-aware and self-preserving.  It is a riotous and shifty multi-dimensional beast. It lies dormant, it rages, it whispers, or tugs on heart pain. Unrealized, it will force you into darkness until you seek its release. Malnourished and your daily life-force is slowly suckled to the sluggish, grey, stone-beat of the numb mundane. Creativity demands respect to the point of formality yet unveils rich wildness in undulations of sublime emotions and kinesthetic eloquence.  Creativity emerges in hope’s soft moments but skitters from fear’s bleak darkness. It reins free, but unstructured, in childhood silliness and fun. In adulthood, it plays hide-and-seek in the open stillness of a window’s sun-slant. It frolics and dares you to let go, be brave and believe.

Creativity is lodged in you. It unsettles you. It does not give up easily. It holds its breath with expectation and wanting while you speculatively, cautiously, slowly, fearfully-yet-hold-your-breath-and-hopefully learn to believe, just a little, and have faith.

You are invaded by creativity. You are not waiting for creativity’s call.  It is ceaselessly calling and present.

Creativity is waiting for you to awaken.

 

(C) Marika Reinke – Adventures in Art with Heart, Humor and Spirit.

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Make jewelry from watercolor paintings with me! Book a workshop or party thru Airbnb.com here: https://tinyurl.com/y9xqt4wv

 

 

 

 

 

206-369-3247

 

 

Maybe you don’t know this

We are all artists. When you sit and paint with me, I am reaffirmed. We paint and we learn. Consider that art-making is dedication to a learning process more than product making. The products are beautiful, yes, (sometimes surprisingly so) but the human-ness of the dedication, patience, openness, frustration, practice and finally commitment, is the often-untold real and more important story. This dimension of art is blissfully imperfect and time-bound but just as sublime as a finished work. When we paint, we uncover more of our illogical, loving, passionate-for-good-or-evil, artistry and then take a bit of Truth from it.

If you believe in magic, you can see it in the process.  I believe.

We are patient, courageous and confident.  Patient, because with time and curiosity, your artistry emerges.  Courageous because we aren’t used to being intimate with the frustrated voice that insists that this isn’t good enough, that we aren’t good enough, and yet we keep on painting with unspoken faith that we are as perfectly whole as we need to be. Confident, because even if you believe you can’t paint a straight line, don’t have creative bone in your body, or have never been good at this stuff, the painting comes, emerges, unfolds and then reveals itself. You surprise yourself. We should surprise ourselves more often. That’s adventure.

It is a colorful life; to paint and to meet travelers and other curious creatives. The inspiration rolls from our energy.  More than painting, when you come, I learn more about life and possibility through your stories.

The sprightly-eyed woman, with curly gray hair, swathed in color, who celebrated her 70th birthday in my workshop charmed me.  She had a giggle in her voice, which I drank like a drop of joy every time she spoke.  We huddled over our paintings, talking about aging, art and love. I was reminded of listening to Maya Angelou when she was asked how being 84 is.  She said, “Do it!” 84 is the best. Aging is a mysterious privilege.

I remember the wonderful Argentinian woman, who came with a heart full of creative love, a deep curiosity and a free abandoned approach to painting. We talked of art and family. She spoke of generosity and changing the world with art.

There was the son who asked me for a painter’s apron before we began. In surprise, I said “Its watercolor, it isn’t that messy.” I gave him my apron anyway, and he proved that, in fact, it can be quite messy. His attention was so focused on painting, the external world of messes and raw pigment barely existed until they soiled his white leggings. I admired his focus.

To the couples who have bravely brought their doubting partners maybe as a surprise or a looming gloom in your vacation, I respect your guts. You brought your best efforts, the process opened, you bonded in your discomfort and sweet memories were forged.

I want to ask a million questions of the women with high school and college-age kids. How do you survive? I want to know how it happens that mothers bring their mothers to my workshops. I want to know how to stay connected to my children and simultaneously let them go. Because I see you do it.

There is more. There are parties, retreats, events and get togethers. There are sons, daughter, grandfathers, grandkids, kids, lovers, age old friends, new friends, families and colleagues.

All of us are artists.

I revel in the wonderful curiosity of how we live and paint.

Thank you.

My Jungle

When Painting doesn’t “Work”

“What do you do when you are in a phase when you dislike everything you paint?” a workshop artist and participant asked me.

Well, I struggle.

I try not to beat myself up, but of course I do.
I try not to quit, but I practice mini-quits and start again.
I try not to lose focus, but I start avoiding my studio.
I try not to lose faith, but I doubt and doubt again.
I try not to judge the uselessness of art, but I judge and criticize.

The important things I have learned:.

Keep painting. Don’t think. Just keep painting.

Acknowledge that I do not have a clear perspective during this funk. I have painted paintings that I hated and put away, only to bring out 6 months later and I’m stunned by the beauty I didn’t see. (See My Jungle)

The struggle is part of learning. I don’t know everything or anything. But I intuit that ultimately there is a reason for it. It will become clear in weeks, months, or years.

I dislike it because I’m seeking something new in painting but I’m not sure what that is yet.

Painting will tell me when it’s ready.

Lotus in Progess
Lotus in Progess
Mantas: A Love Story (c) Marika Reinke 2015

Would you like to join my *NEW* Art Classes?

What do Art and Spirituality have in common? 

I’m not really qualified to answer this question. Though I was baptized Catholic, I didn’t make it to church much as a child and I’ve carried that  habit with me into adulthood.

However, I imagine the church-going experience to be a practice of community building and reconnected exploration of our personal and communal human experience. One that seeks to create meaning and provide guidance for the sometimes murky though exciting path ahead.

In my mind, so can art-making and many other creative acts.

The closest I got to the experience of church-for-me was an art class I took in Costa Rica that introduced me to acrylic painting and the concept of intuitive art. Sunday nights were filled with personal reflection, connection and lots of paint. I picked up the fragments and vignettes from the week, turned them over in my mind, and made art.  I created, made meaning, reflected and left rejuvenated for the week ahead. The combination of learning, self-discovery and creativity was personal bliss.

I’m thinking about this because I’ve been teaching a lot more lately and I’m beginning to get requests for more classes.

It begs me to ask you all: Would you like to join my *NEW* Art Classes?

I’m looking for a small group of people who are:

  • Interested in taking their painting and art-making to the next level
  • Want to learn more about watercolor and/or acrylic paint
  • Can commit to a monthly 2-3 hour class (at least) to reconnect and reconvene. Weekends or late evenings work best for most.
  • Want to connect to a group of like-minded art-and-meaning makers.

I provide instruction, basic tools and materials, and studio space. Each session: $35 plus a materials fee depending on our projects and interests.

Please respond to this email or [email protected] if you are interested, let me know general days of weeks and times that work for you. I’ll shape our Art Classes as well as identify a schedule that works for us.

Curiosity (c) Marika Reinke 2017

A Mind Shift and Small Act

“If you are self-taught, how did you start painting?”

I’ve been asked this a lot lately, especially since meeting so many intrepid locals and travelers through my Airbnb.com Experiences workshop.

My answer involves the biography of Frida Kahlo which I read in my early 20s.  She was in a horrible trolley accident when she was 19 and impaled by a pole which left her bedridden for months, in chronic pain and infertile her whole life.  Before this accident, she was active, adventurous, curious, sprightly, and likely heading for an acting career.  In bed, in pain, that potential future came to an abrupt and tragic end.

As a result, she began to paint. No, she hadn’t painted much before and she wasn’t awesome at it either. She was stuck in bed, in pain, her life completely ripped away from her and extraordinarily, with the choice between despair and action, she committed to what she could do with no intention of becoming famous doing it.

Frida’s story lifted the bias that I needed talent and genius to begin. Not at all.  I didn’t want to be hospitalized to motivate me to try either.

But there is another edge to the question; “How did you start painting?”

Upon reflection, I understand now that many people really mean is; “How did you ACTUALLY start?”

Frida began by doodling on her cast.  She had a pen, she had a cast, and not much else in the way of choices.  She started her career in art, doodling on her cast, just like kids in 5th grade. There was no greatness involved.  A doodle is a doodle.

One Small Manageable Step and a Mind Shift

It is cliché, but baby steps are magical.

I had no large ambition when I started.  I knew that I liked art, I liked to draw, I admired painting and really loved watercolor.

Ultimately, I had a desire to be creative.  The desire was necessary.

I gave myself permission to be a really bad artist and committed myself to learning.

Importantly, I committed to the smallest and most indistinguishable act as progress in my pursuit of a creative life.

I counted anything close to learning to be an artist as part of my curriculum:

  • A doodle.
  • Admiring a painting and the world’s beauty
  • Keeping a sketch book in my purse.
  • I checked books out at the library and read them.
  • I tried different watercolors until I learned that I love professional quality pigments and Arches paper.
  • I learned I disliked colored pencil and watercolor pencils.
  • I tried to sketch a cat, that was funny. Then I tried some more cats and people.
  • I painted a lot from photos; anything from my wedding and honeymoon, the garden, animals around the house.
  • I read books like The Artists Way, How to Think Like Leonardo Divinci, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain.
  • I found my voice with abstract painting.
  • I updated my style as I tried something different.
  • I found time; while watching TV, in the morning, or at night when I couldn’t sleep.

It really didn’t matter exactly what I did, just that I stayed curious, tried something new and added to my practice. This moved me a little closer to mastery but more importantly, to enjoyment of the process. I love the act of painting; it is a pure, focused moment in Now. It is the curiosity at the center of creativity.

Ultimately, a painting is a product and culmination of small decisions and actions over time. This includes; making mistakes, fixing them, experimenting, practicing competence, enjoying expertise and trying something new.

No painting is born from perfection.

Every painting is an experiment in learning and curiosity.  An artist asks; “What if I do this….?”, tries it and truly engages in the outcome.  That is a creative endeavor.  

Be Curious. Experiment. Learn.

How will you learn to paint?

The Art Ritual Cover

What’s in the Book?

Some people have asked me what’s in my new book *The Art Ritual, A Pursuit.*?  

It’s a little bit of everything over the last few years; a few poems, art, essays, fun and inspiration.  It’s a loose collection of what I’ve been up since leaving my tenure at Bellevue College, both in thought and in action. In short, it’s 48 pages of some of what I think is interesting, if not perfect, both visual and in writing. I think it will entertain you and maybe make you think.

I loved putting it together. It is common to feel as if I’m not moving anything or making progress much like treading water. Yet, as I put this book together, I followed the footsteps of my thoughts and personal growth for three years.  A lot has happened; a move to Costa Rica, a return, a son with dyslexia, motherhood, career shifts, serious injury and recovery, deaths and births, painting and writing.

It’s available for free as a digital download for the price of a confirmed e-mail address (you can unsubscribe anytime).  Or you can buy the printed, signed and dedicated, version from my shop.

Here are a few pages:

A Beautiful Mind: An essay and painting about dyslexia

Love is Not Mine: No Really it isn’t Mine.

Then Magically, Yes, Happens. A few poems and paintings about hope and transformation

Art Ritual Lessons: Some lessons learned from painting and pursuing a creative life.

Art Ritual Back Cover
Art Ritual Back Cover

Enjoy. The full PDF is available here.

(c) Marika Reinke 2017 All Rights Reserved. .

Studio Party 2017

I’m Going to Disneyland (A Studio Party Recap)

Now that your studio party is over and you raised over $600 in support of CEPIA Costa Rica what are you going to do, Marika?

“I’m going to Disneyland!”

Yes, I did.

That photo is kind of how I felt everyday leading up to the party.  And I’ve sadly dated myself by referencing this old advertising campaign. Yes, age has crept up on me.

After the party, life sped up a bit; some residual sales, oncoming thanksgiving holiday, an early celebration, visits from out of town friends and a final three day Disneyland extravaganza with the family.

If I didn’t say it before, thank you. Thank you for your support, messages, sales, wine, chocolate and visits. It meant the world to me and I’m so proud of my first solo effort to raise funds for those in need in Costa Rica. Thank you! To those that made the donation possible to CEPIA Costa Rica thank you double.

There were so many gifts from the night!

A a minimum, I was able to get my working feet under me again. This year has been flooded with so much change and transition that I had created a habit of unfinished work. My studio hid many works about 95% complete, unready to show or sell. They quickly needed to be finished for this studio party and I got a lot of basic painting and administrative work done. I needed this work done to motivate me through the party and beyond.

A step beyond minimum was the chance to host you for some food, wine, art and friend-making. So much awesome fun!

But the party was so much more than the minimum.

For the curious, here are some highlights from the party.

Both workshops were full – thank you. Did I say thank you already? I was inspired by your inspiration and curiosity. As the holidays roll around, it is fun to see people make thoughtful gifts for loved ones in my Watercolor Necklace Workshop.

I had fun experimenting with techniques to access creative wisdom and intuition in my Explore Intuitive Painting with Watercolor workshop. I hope to explore this concept more in future workshops.

See my post: 4 Tips for Finding and Bringing Inspiration .

Personally, as a teacher, I learned a lot from you. Some nuances about teaching through the artistic process clicked and revealed themselves for me. For example,at this workshop one participant said “I’m afraid.” I’m so grateful for the full frontal honesty. Fear is exactly what blocks action and as much as I try to help facilitate a fearless approach, fear is always a solid companion. This insight alone will help guide my teaching materials but also the dialogue of living with fear that I bring to the workshops.

Usually, I don’t condone a fight but….

There was a small skirmish among family members for Shifting Worlds multi-media painting.

Shifting Worlds (c) Marika Reinke 2017
Shifting Worlds (c) Marika Reinke 2017

A little argument about love ensued when one buyer claimed My Heart is Gonna under the buying nose of another.

My Heart is Gonna (c) Marika Reinke Watercolor 8" x8" 2017
My Heart is Gonna (c) Marika Reinke Watercolor 8″ x8″ 2017

A dear friend bought In Need of a Guide a story close to my heart.

In Need of a Guide (c) Marika Reinke 2017
In Need of a Guide (c) Marika Reinke 2017

 

Life Begins at Sea was bought by another turtle loving, sun worshiping lady. This was a special pairing my daughter designed and named. You can see the story here.

Life Begins at Sea (c) Marika Reinke 2015
Life Begins at Sea (c) Marika Reinke 2015

Florgasm Three is on the road to Canada and then Costa Rica. The buyer snapped it up after seeing it online and it was a good thing too – this one attracted a lot of attention at the party.

Florgasm Three (c) Marika REinke 2017
Florgasm Three (c) Marika REinke 2017

The goodies table was wonderfully plundered.

  • All Community mugs are gone but can be ordered and shipped to you here
  • All the small pendant necklaces sold out!
  • All but one pair of newly released earrings sold out.
  • Half my copies of my new book; The Art Ritual were bought up. You can have a free digital copy of your own here or buy the printed version from my shop.
  • I have many cards left for sale and I’ll stock my online store.
  • I have one Mantas: A Love Story acrylic block leftover for just $29.99
Mantas: A Lovely Story Acrylic 3" x 3" block
Mantas: A Love Story Acrylic 3″ x 3″ block

And I’m re-organizing my online store and will soon have the paintings and pendant that remain from the party easily available for to buy online. Check out some of the new photographs and available paintings. I’ve been having fun playing with my creative soul and seeking out Fall colors.

For those that went out of your way to express your condolences for not being able to attend, there will always be another party.

Happy holidays and new year to come!  Thank you for helping this year end on a high note!

 

4 Tips for Finding and Bringing Inspiration

It happens frequently; a blank stare, the wandering brush, a few extra dips in the water and a heavy sigh. The question is palpable. “What am I going to paint?” An artist doodles hopefully on scrap paper, she explores wet on wet techniques and brush strokes, the little experiments that emerge from free exploration bloom in beauty and richness. Then, as soon as her brush is placed on her “real” painting the fluidity and untethered joy disappear and everything tightens then muddies on the paper. Frustration ensues.

Frustration is part of the artistic process. Not just the artistic process, it is part of learning. It is an indication you are on the journey from here to the there you want to be. We should celebrate healthy frustration, it signals the verge of some new finding and an indication that we are engaged in deliberate practice. Each step we take to explore our frustration, we will learn. It is a beautiful thing.

While some freeze with frustration, others bloom. In workshops, the goal is to create just one pendant in three hours. I’ve had a couple people make as many as five that they love. Yes, one was a part-time artist and the other was an engineer with no painting experience. How do you make sense of that?

How do I? Mindset is 90% of everything. That’s how I make sense of it.

But mindset is a tricky beast. I can’t tell you to fix your mindset and you simply change on the spot. There is a lot of internal dialogue to struggle with and sometimes it’s downright stubborn and insidious. That damn voice wont stop telling me that I’m never going to paint another painting as good as…..fill in the blank. I know it isn’t helpful, and the voice should go away and I tell it to go away but the stupid voice is still there. Ugh.

And there is this:  sometimes there is no voice. Just an indistinct discomfort in the pit of the stomach. That is a sneaky beast and potentially paralyzingly to creativity and inspiration.

Certain people are more comfortable handling discomfort and sneaky negativity. They come armed with coping mechanisms and inspiration to deal with it.

Here are a few to keep in mind at the next workshop or creative endeavor.

Ask Questions – Lots of Questions 

The engineer that happily made five necklaces asked a ton of questions. She had no experience but she had endless curiosity. From asking about the nature of pigments to advice about composition she made use of my experience and got as much as should could out of it.

Simply asking “How did you do that?” can speed up inspiration when the answer starts to unfold. Or “I want it to look like this. How do I do that?” Can save you miles of doodling aimlessly. Ask the questions, even if they seem stupid. The next question will be even better.

Remember, from my perspective as a teacher, it is an honor to be asked. I love questions.

The Golden Light 2 (c) Marika Reinke 2017
The Golden Light 2 (c) Marika Reinke 2017

Bring Color Inspiration 

Color triggers emotion. Consciously or unconsciously, we have strong opinions about color. You love them, you hate them, you want a room full of them or a room subtracted from them. A strong opinion creates fantastic art. Own your opinions with a full and fearless heart and embrace color.

Joy (c) Marika Reinke
Joy (c) Marika Reinke

Do you have a favorite color combination? Or hue? What about your favorite swimsuit, t-shirt or outfit? Match the colors of your favorite jewelry. Bring the colors your love, they will incite and inspire your creative process.

The colors we use in my workshop are the best, professional quality and I only use best paper for a reason. These color explode with intensity and vibrancy. This is no average color experience, take advantage of it.

Look Around & Bring Your Favorite Images 

The natural world is the most amazing artist. Sunsets, ocean water, landscapes and other abstract work are all awesome sources of inspiration. Abstract work is naturally inspired by both the environment and emotion which are perfect fuel for inspiration. A flower, a tree, a stone and a texture that you find inherently beautiful can motivate your brush and vision. Bring them and study them. Surf the internet or take some photos on your phone.

Or use what you see at workshop, I have my own jewelry and paintings available to view. You can also check out some of the writing and paintings in my little free book, The Art Ritual.

Inner Fire 2 (c) Marika Reinke 2017
Inner Fire 2 (c) Marika Reinke 2017

Once you have a small collection of what you like, notice what you like and don’t like. Start answering the question, why do I like this photo, image or piece of art?

And remember…

It’s okay if a painting starts to look like something you have seen. Really, it is fine. This is part of exploring and finding your voice. It means you are defining what you like, developing taste and starting to form your artistic vision. Embrace this as part of your artistic awakening.

Invite Surprises 

Keep the tension between what you think you will create and stay open to the surprise of what you will actually create. Dissonance between the two is natural and part of learning and creating. It is easy to cling to a vision and stubbornly insist the art in front of you doesn’t measure up. That mindset is easy to maintain. But often, it gets in the way of actually seeing the value and beauty of what you have created.

The truth is our imaginations are often much better than our skill set.  Our imagination is what drives us to be better but also what drives us to be overly critical. Follow the process through and let the painting teach you something. Invite the surprises in your learning process. You may not measure up to your initial vision but what emerges may offer you more when it represents a small step or leap in the direction of your creative life.

A sense of possibility will unwrap a multitude of possibility.

Inner Fire (c) Marika Reinke 2017
Inner Fire (c) Marika Reinke 2017

Ready to Dive In? 

Are you ready to test the theory and put this inspiration to the test? My next workshop is coming up soon.

Watercolor Necklace Workshop (Mimosas and Brunch) $39
Sunday, December 3rd from 9:30 am to 12:30
More information here. 

 

 

 

Final Details Before the Party: November 12th

Hi Friends –
November 12th is fast approaching and here are some final details before I see you on Sunday:

  • Through Wednesday 20% of all Original Artwork, Watercolor Pendants and Workshop sales in-person and online or email will be donated to CEPIA Costa Rica for those displaced and most affected by Hurricane Nate.
  • I am accepting pre/post -sales if you can not attend on the date. (More than $100 for Cepia has already been raised!)
  • You are welcome to stop by anytime November 12th – the party won’t start until 4 but the house will be ready and we will be here.
  • Watch the Saturday, November 11th Facebook Live Video at 6 pm as I give a live tour of our house turned gallery and new and old paintings.

Here is a quick agenda of November 12th with links to additional details Marika Reinke’s Studio:
10:30 – 1:30: Watercolor Necklace Workshop ($39)
2 – 4: New! The Art Ritual: Explore Intuitive Painting with Watercolor ($29)
4 pm – 9 pm: Welcome Back Studio Party (FREE)

I’m looking forward to seeing many of you soon. Let me know if you have any questions.