tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056845113261377115.post7116744404010132447..comments2024-03-22T09:13:48.130-04:00Comments on The Silly BooDilly: Creativity: Letting Go of Not Being Good EnoughVictoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06913095438247860953noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056845113261377115.post-22348875155404324452021-08-09T12:33:12.792-04:002021-08-09T12:33:12.792-04:00Dear Miss D, I'm glad to hear that this post r...Dear Miss D, I'm glad to hear that this post resonated with you and that you now know you are not alone. And despite having written it 8 years ago to this very day, (imagine that!) I still struggle with these issues... but, not as severely. All progress, even slow progress, is still progress, and that is good. I wish you well on this journey and remember to be kind to yourself! (And as a side note, I find that I give myself permission to draw when I take a course, such as an online sketchbook course, which allows for experimentation and play. I find they motivate me more than I alone motivate myself. That may be something that you may wish to consider.) xo<br />Victoriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06913095438247860953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056845113261377115.post-17351399241487413562021-08-06T10:01:52.307-04:002021-08-06T10:01:52.307-04:00I have just read this post! It was as if it was w...I have just read this post! It was as if it was waiting for me to read as this is where I am...procrastinating...as for figures being encouraging my own did not encourage anything! <br />The only interaction was to make fun of, point out there was no money in it, only people who have money can do that or you need a man behind you to be able to try that etc... <br />So thank you for the post and the other commentators too as I can see I am not alone and there is light and a route to get myself out of the disease called 'perfectionism'.<br />XMiss D @ Fibre Dreamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08555346311733509374noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056845113261377115.post-22713157617554818852014-01-24T18:04:15.406-05:002014-01-24T18:04:15.406-05:00Thank you Debbie, what a lovely thing to say... we...Thank you Debbie, what a lovely thing to say... we all need to believe more in ourselves, don't we? xoVictoriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06913095438247860953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056845113261377115.post-24449121701073221012014-01-22T11:44:37.440-05:002014-01-22T11:44:37.440-05:00I think everything you do is amazing, Love your wo...I think everything you do is amazing, Love your work.<br />You make me believe in myself.<br />thank youAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01321225002189473167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056845113261377115.post-55468341025196765262013-09-14T14:10:43.825-04:002013-09-14T14:10:43.825-04:00I appreciate your advice as well as the comments o...I appreciate your advice as well as the comments of the blog author and other commenters. Thank you all! I am another 50 something who didn't draw or quilt or handsew because of fear of the critics, internal and external. I can't say never more, but I can say I'm going to try to practice in all my favored activities. Thank you all!Denisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00618869464565546864noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056845113261377115.post-54362084706879129162013-08-14T05:45:50.537-04:002013-08-14T05:45:50.537-04:00I know exactly how you feel, I too had a similar e...I know exactly how you feel, I too had a similar experience with sewing and my Mum's opinions. I now come to realise that of course she was going to be better than me; she had 30 more years of practice! The one thing I cannot remember her doing was quilting, perhaps that's why I'm so enjoying it. Do what you enjoy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056845113261377115.post-81866821027706210802013-07-31T09:06:07.949-04:002013-07-31T09:06:07.949-04:00Wow, Rachel, she was truly crippled, and that is t...Wow, Rachel, she was truly crippled, and that is tragic. I really don't fall into that same category, though. Actually, I was groomed to be an visual artist, (my sister was groomed to be a musician and/or actress). These destinies were almost laid out for us in our upbringing. But, as stated in my post, there was a person in our lives, who while grooming us, also filled us with a lot of self doubt. Perfection, (as opposed to exploration) was always the goal, and it was that infliction, that became so damaging. <br /><br />In my case, I drew for years and went on to go to art school where I majored in graphic design, with a strong interest in illustration, and I did very well, (outwardly). Inwardly, I was a mess of conflict and unhappiness... and by my early 20's, I just couldn't take the ingrained self-doubt of not being "good enough" anymore. (One of my professors hit the nail on the head when he said I "suffered from the disease of perfection". I can verify that it can be a very crippling disease).<br /><br />Over the years I have dabbled again here and there, with drawing and illustration, (including machine and hand stitched illustrations which I have shared here on my blog and can be found in my flickr sets). However, those ghost voices of self doubt and criticism always put a stop to my exploration. My goal this time is to overcome the fear, release the feeling that perfection is the goal, and embrace the fun and play that drawing once held the promise to be.<br /><br /><br />Victoriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06913095438247860953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056845113261377115.post-1920970028511267512013-07-30T15:04:48.742-04:002013-07-30T15:04:48.742-04:00Wow. That is so sad... I once ran an after school...Wow. That is so sad... I once ran an after school program and had a girl who had a block when it came to paper and pencil. I tried to get her to do a dot, a line, anything, but she sat their frozen, staring at the paper with fear. I am certain that someone in her life did the same thing to her that happened to you and I was unsuccessful at breaking it for her. It really made me mad at whomever damaged her like that.<br /><br />The opposite was true for me as a child. My parents, especially my Dad, encouraged creativity and embraced failure. "The tree is lopsided? Next time try drawing the side that is hardest for you first and see what happens..." (One side is always easier...)<br /><br />I am glad that you shared this and that you are taking steps to explore this side of your muse. May it open all kinds of doors and windows! Let your hair down and fly with the wind!Rachel Bielhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14804950102480086440noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056845113261377115.post-91839928546538571352013-07-28T19:21:40.554-04:002013-07-28T19:21:40.554-04:00Please know that I continue to be very deeply touc...Please know that I continue to be very deeply touched by each of your comments. I thank each of you for the understanding and for the encouragement and for letting me know that I am not alone in this struggle. xoVictoriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06913095438247860953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056845113261377115.post-58769359748868925272013-07-28T10:03:16.928-04:002013-07-28T10:03:16.928-04:00As someone who rarely cries, I am commenting with ...As someone who rarely cries, I am commenting with tears streaming down my face. I have lived a similar life as you have described. Now, at age 65, am still struggling to overcome all of those same ghosts. Your words spoke volumes to me and recharged me to keep going.<br /><br />Stay strong at age 50 and continue to grow your talent without fear. You have tremendous talent. Use it. Life is short, so never give up. Mary Keaslerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04908710230407490209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056845113261377115.post-15696662856875756252013-07-25T19:49:23.702-04:002013-07-25T19:49:23.702-04:00I'm a little bit of a collector of quotes and ...I'm a little bit of a collector of quotes and just in the last couple of weeks a few creativity quotes have caught my eye:<br /><br />"The easiest way to be creative: try something different even if you don’t think it will work."<br /><br />"Everything I needed to know about creativity I learned by making mistakes."<br /><br />"You can’t use up creativity, the more you use, the more you have."<br /><br />"It’s too easy to believe that creativity is just all in our heads, that it’s just about the memories and the connections and the original thoughts. Creativity is more than that: it’s action."<br /><br />I hope your 'action' brings you lots of pleasure and inspires you. And, by the way, I spotted a beautiful quilt on Pinterest the other day, it was just a photo without a name, but I looked at it and knew immediately it was one of yours and, sure enough, when I traced it back it was your work. I can't imagine recognising anyone else's quilts in this way. It just shows what a strong sense of creative identity and individuality you have. However much that may be buried by past experiences when it comes to illustration, I'm sure it will come out now you're opening yourself up to this new challenge XXX<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Wonky Patchworkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13877163026017340681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056845113261377115.post-30783569260263029802013-07-21T19:52:24.293-04:002013-07-21T19:52:24.293-04:00I would guess that you don't remember me, but ...I would guess that you don't remember me, but I sent you a photo of a quick paint sketch I did a few years ago, inspired by your quilts.<br />I went back to school at 56, to study art. Mostly I suck, but once in a while I do something good enough to share. That's what art is.<br />Let's all pledge to fail as many times as we have to!khttp://dottedyellowline.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056845113261377115.post-30743351460327371152013-07-16T15:03:58.315-04:002013-07-16T15:03:58.315-04:00I'm sorry to know you have negative voices in ...I'm sorry to know you have negative voices in your head too. You seem such a fearless & free creator. In a way, I -- not enjoy, not like, but am calmed that you are waging the battle too. <br />I love what you do & find inspiration from it. Forge ahead! I, for one, believe in you!smazoochiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08716977786728589960noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056845113261377115.post-7548077662895783462013-07-15T23:18:02.525-04:002013-07-15T23:18:02.525-04:00Wow Victoria, What a powerful statement. I am in...Wow Victoria, What a powerful statement. I am in awe of your strength through your ability to be vulnerable. What an amazing woman you are! I already know how creative you are. I have never seen any of your work where I haven't been interested and engaged. You are talented and I know you know it. Now the trick is to BELIEVE IT! <br />After changing my life completely (a divorce and all that entailed with my children), then last year my daddy died unexpededly and I haven't sewn or had a creative outlet in just over a year. (And I'm a person who has made things all my life.) I woke up this summer with itchy sewing fingers and I'm sewing again (Yeah!). This post has really struck a chord with me. I wish you well! I know God (whichever one you follow) is in the details and in the act of creating is peace. So that is my wish for you (and for myself), Peace in the details, Baby!Shelly's Quiltshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08076856651925684332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056845113261377115.post-76416336875721586802013-07-15T07:51:19.019-04:002013-07-15T07:51:19.019-04:00Wonderful post! The things we do to ourselves... ...Wonderful post! The things we do to ourselves... I am always so critical of anything I do, and sometimes it takes me forever to finish something, because I think it's not perfect and I have to research and ponder... But I do this second-guessing to myself - no one was terribly critical when I was young and already becoming an artist/craftsperson. I now do too many things, and none of them "perfectly", but I've found I love the process of research and planning and the first steps of trying something new. There are favorite things I return to, over and over, and I get better at them. Sketchbooks - I have a couple of those nice ones, and I've never used them for drawing or painting - or anything! After reading this I think I will get them out and at the very least paste things I love on the pages and enjoy the books. Thank you for your great post!<br />StephAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056845113261377115.post-6730167084142302112013-07-14T09:41:17.432-04:002013-07-14T09:41:17.432-04:00Joy, Congratulations! What a great achievement! Su...Joy, Congratulations! What a great achievement! Super reminder that it is never to late to go for your dreams. <br /><br />And I agree... the most important thing is to just draw everyday, (even if it is only for 15 minutes and keep drawing... on anything, both of which you wisely suggest). And if those inner voices start talking, telling you it's no good and to give up, (as mine like to do) blow 'em a raspberry and keep going!Victoriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06913095438247860953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056845113261377115.post-6813369241432287272013-07-13T21:52:55.582-04:002013-07-13T21:52:55.582-04:00Holy moly! You're telling my story! I'm 49...Holy moly! You're telling my story! I'm 49 and JUST finally finished my bachelors degree... I had to wade and fight through the same sort of baggage to get there, too. An empty sketchbook still intimidates me, but school forced me to get over it. I needed my doodles to be creative. Just start ANYWHERE. Promise yourself you'll draw for 15 minutes a day..... do it on the back of an envelope if it's less intimidating. Make it a habit and it WILL grow life of its own. I promise!! :)Joy Manoleroshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04710080201552660659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056845113261377115.post-84793407680942436322013-07-12T18:47:02.983-04:002013-07-12T18:47:02.983-04:00Dear Everyone,
Your comments are so great! I lov...Dear Everyone, <br /><br />Your comments are so great! I love every bit of what each of you is sharing, and I thank you. Much of it I know on an intellectual level, and at times have been able to apply it on an emotional and real life level. I actually did go to Art school to study illustration and graphic arts and made the deans list every year... didn't matter... by graduation time I was so miserable from my internal beatings... once school was done, I mostly tucked those dreams away, and have only occasionally allowed them out to play, and usually only in stitched form. <br /><br />Some things are so deeply embedded... like an arrow to the heart, that it takes a long time to pull that arrow out and begin to really heal. What time we waste believing other peoples beliefs instead of forging our own and holding true to them.<br /><br />Oh, wouldn't it be great if the artist in each child was treasured and nurtured to spread her wings instead of corrected or dismissed. Why is it so hard for so many of us to turn a deaf ear to those inner and outer critics? To each of you who have overcome this, keep shining that light of encouragement to those of us traveling this path. To each of you traveling this path, know that you are not alone.<br /><br />And to adults out there with children in your care, whether you be a parent, relative, caretaker or teacher... there are as many ways to draw, (or paint, collage, stitch, etc.) a face, a tree, a house... whatever have you, then there are stars in the sky. There is no right or wrong way. Let us all remember that and rejoice in our children's unique creative expression, as well as honoring, rejoicing and expressing in our own. xoVictoriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06913095438247860953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056845113261377115.post-4152724694367637982013-07-12T11:44:25.580-04:002013-07-12T11:44:25.580-04:00Oh dear. This is striking a very familiar chord. ...Oh dear. This is striking a very familiar chord. Sounds like we had the same person in our lives. <br />I love that you're going to break through this. I'm still working on it, but find times when these old rules and monkey mind still have a lot of power over me. <br />I've been told to draw everyday. At breakfast, maybe you're drawing the vase of flowers or the cereal box. whatever. Just do it. As my husband told me once, Edison didn't just walk into his lab one day and say "I think I'll invent the light bulb today"!!Taos Sunflowerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14858962854162972354noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056845113261377115.post-139545451386510992013-07-11T08:27:01.967-04:002013-07-11T08:27:01.967-04:00go get 'em girl! I totally get what you shared...go get 'em girl! I totally get what you shared, and know that you are only at the beginning of a journey filled with fulfillment and amazing, beautiful creations!! Meghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04179574872438000965noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056845113261377115.post-4744540482956621712013-07-11T00:10:56.745-04:002013-07-11T00:10:56.745-04:00Great post! Thank you so much for sharing!Great post! Thank you so much for sharing!Lisa Chinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13678111345177959698noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056845113261377115.post-22077878812426983652013-07-10T23:54:56.366-04:002013-07-10T23:54:56.366-04:00Such an interesting post. I grew up with a very cr...Such an interesting post. I grew up with a very creative person in my life. There were certain areas that I experienced some of the same that you speak of and on the other hand I experienced a fair bit of encouragement from that very same person.<br /><br />I have come to believe that some creative people have very strong ideas and aren't always careful at tempering their words as they express their thoughts. I'm not sure if this is making any sense. I also have very strong ideas but work really hard to temper how I express them because of the way I grew up. My strong opinions work for me as I'm creating but I never want to discourage someone else.MariQuiltshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07024634370648175612noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056845113261377115.post-69259693357188660362013-07-10T21:33:38.763-04:002013-07-10T21:33:38.763-04:00I just found you a few days ago and you have so en...I just found you a few days ago and you have so enriched my life and eyes. I am in awe of your creativeness and all you do.<br />I am not an artist and one would think I should be wise at 71 nearing 72. Please know that your art brings such light to others like me.<br />I hope sincerely that you find your way to recognizing the impact that you make. Be bold and go to that which brings you joy...as it brings joy to others. ellenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18245099394863979981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056845113261377115.post-46842355935580350032013-07-10T17:26:37.336-04:002013-07-10T17:26:37.336-04:00Have fun and enjoy your exploring, there is no rig...Have fun and enjoy your exploring, there is no right or wrong. Lucky you having time to explore, I had to wait until I retired to explore my creativity, so every day of my freedom to do so is very precious. Even so, there are times of getting stuck! Good luck!Annahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01989624921423448745noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5056845113261377115.post-85045592061962285492013-07-10T11:26:44.083-04:002013-07-10T11:26:44.083-04:00You sound like you're in a similar place I fou...You sound like you're in a similar place I found myself in march 2012. i cleared everything and just stepped into space, trusting that all would be well. it was and it is. now whenever i'm in the studio, the mantra that came to me back then, continues to guide me: listen, allow, trust, honor, let go.<br /><br />I'm happy to say the inner critcs got bored and went elsewhere...though they make visits when my ego gets it's foot in the door and allows them to sneak past...<br /><br />Cheers,<br />Karen AnneAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13352624276369338211noreply@blogger.com