Let’s talk about how to let go of expectations, why we should focus on process over product, and how all this led to an email I never expected.
Last year, I took an abstract painting class with mixed results. I didn’t like what I created, and continuing to work on the paintings made them worse. But in letting go of expectations for good or even acceptable results, I gave myself permission to play and to be curious.
If you are willing to let go of your grown-up ego, you can try new things, accept that some will not turn out well. But others will feel right.
It is the doing, the creating, that counts-- not the product. I wish for folks a more open-ended process and the time to try different materials and different approaches. And to give up the idea that success will come easily and without at least some disappointment.
I began to play with collage, inspired by my friend and podcast guest Lela Goldstein, an accomplished collagist.
I called it “The Afterlife of the Canon,” referring to the works established by the male art historians of decades past, now given a new life of their own.
Almost on a whim, I submitted it to a gallery show at the Pelham Art Center.
Two weeks ago, I got this message:
You never know what can happen when you take on something new and put yourself out there. I’d love to see you at the Pelham gallery show in May!
In this new season, what’s one thing that you are willing to start?
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