“Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.” ― Andy Warhol

Today’s prompts:

• The thoughts that I notice when making my art include…
• The thoughts that get in the way of art-making…
• The thoughts that support my art-making…
• If I let go of thinking of my work as good or bad, then…
• Art I want to make more of is…

The thoughts that I notice when making my art include who I am allowing to see this. This is where censorship tends to come into play. My mind tends to find a way to please others, using caution to how I convey my ideas. But if I’m just free handing, my mind tends to become absorbed in how I can capture the moment. I don’t think about who will see this, whether they will like it or even if they find it offensive.

The thoughts that get in the way of art-making are people pleasing as I mentioned before. I try to look out for the best interest of others. Even if I feel emotionally angry for example, I don’t want others to feel that same anger. I want them to feel joy and happiness despite my alternative turmoil. This desire to keep others happy above myself can be limiting in the creation process. I may not be able to be true to myself.

The thoughts that support my art-making are those that inspire me to try different things. Writing this blog for example needed a lot of inspiration and bravery. To be able to allow others to read and critique my writing seems overwhelming. But the curiosity of where this will take me after 30 days is far more important than the fear of a few angry commenters. It’s those thoughts of challenges that drive me to create some of my best things. The wonder of what a final product will amount to is more compelling than the thought of knowing the result.

If I let go of thinking of my work as good or bad, then I allow myself the freedom to just do. There is not question of right or wrong. It turns into the decision of yes or no. Yes, kill the story’s favorite character off because it will add suspense. No, don’t begin the story with background but yes, dive into the scene immediately. Letting go of thinking is letting go of opinions, especially your own. You never know what amazing art you will come up with if you just let your hands to the thinking.

Art I want to make more of embodies the definition of freedom. The definition reads: exemption from external control, interference, regulation. The ability to let art create and speak for itself without the influence of mine or other opinions is something memorable. It’s the paintings that don’t follow the rules of the times period that people remember. It’s the stories and poems that take risks that go down in history. The most beautiful things in life happen when we are not in control.

“Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” – Matthew 6:34