Creativity Goals

I'm actively committing to my creative goals for 2010. At the top of my list is the idea of getting out of my own way -- particularly, over-thinking my art. Also on my list -- shared and discussed with my Creative Friends Art Group yesterday -- is my intention to work in a series this year.

So, in the way of perfect timing, I opened Art & Fear for a quick bedtime read of a page or two and here's what I came across:

"[E]xpectations based on the work itself are the most useful tool the artist possesses. What you need to know about the next piece is contained in the last piece. The place to learn about your materials is in the last use of your materials. The place to learn about your execution is in your execution. The best information about what you love is in your last contact with what you love. Put simply, your work is your guide: a complete, comprehensive, limitless reference book on your work. ... Your work tells you about your working methods, your discipline, your strengths and weaknesses, your habitual gestures, your willingness to embrace.

"The lessons you are meant to learn are in your work. To see them, you need only look at the work clearly -- without judgment, without need or fear, without wishes or hopes. Without emotional expectations. Ask your work what it needs, not what you need." [Pages 35-36.]

Thank you, David Bayles & Ted Orland! Now, I set an intention to do it! So help me, God!