....but feel as though I am fighting against the tide. I enjoy creative pursuits but am beginning to question my creative ability.Back in January I joined a watercolour painting class. I have struggled and found that the work doesn't come easy to me but I manage to produce an adequate piece of work by the end of each lesson.
In one of my recent lessons my tutor said that I was naturally 'left brained' and to concentrate on using the right side of the brain. She explained that the left side of the brain is associated with logic and order whereas the right side of the brain is the creative side. She said that when I am copying a drawn image, I should turn the image upside down and copy it like that to exercise the right side of my brain.
At the end of the session I went to the library and loaned a book called 'Drawing on the right side of the brain' by Betty Edwards. Maybe I can learn to become more creative. Now that's logic for you.I have decided against showing any of my drawings and watercolour paintings at this stage but felt I couldn't post without using photographs. The top photo is a rubber stamped and mixed media designed card and the other two photo's are of my cross-stitched cards. I did these over a year ago and like to think that my work and skills are evolving all the time. (Click on photo's for close ups).
'Tagged'
I have been tagged by Sheila of Tea and Toast to answer the following questions, so here goes:
What were you doing 10 years ago?
Waiting to go on maternity leave.
5 things on my to do list today (tomorrow) are
Buy food for the weekend.
Eat a slice of banana cake.
Eat another slice of banana cake.
Ironing.
Read 'Drawing on the right side of the brain'.
Places I have lived
London.
Things I would do if I were a billionaire
I'll answer that question if it ever happens.
People I would like to know more about
Nobody. I like people to have a sense of mystery about them!
I feel like that at times and often question my creativity.
ReplyDeleteI am reasonably creative and will have a good go at most things but I don't feel that I excel at any one thing...sometimes I wish I did!;-)
I wouldn't stress about it Simone.. it will come, doing courses is always a good idea.. although I did art right through school and first year uni (I dropped out!) it wasn't until I did a life drawing class that I learned to let go and be more expressive..it made such a difference and changed my whole view on art!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck and I think your cards are gorgeous. Gx
I like the cross-stitch, you have much more patience than I. By all means read the book but it looks to me as if both sides of the brain are working pretty well to me. From what I have seen of your papercraft you have oodles of creativy. With your talent your watercolours will be the best in class by the end of term. x
ReplyDeleteHave you tried knitting or crochet as this requires you to follow/make patterns - if you make your own it can get quite mathematical - that might satisfy your left hand of your brain as well as your right. I love going on courses - but I'm not entirely sure about every teacher I've met ... I would just follow your heart when it comes to creativity ... if you love doing it - that is what matters x
ReplyDeleteI'm sure the day will come when you are comfortable showing your art. I do love those cards, and so personal to get a hand made card from a friend.
ReplyDeleteNice list too.
Don't hide your light under a bushel Simone.. we would love to see your work.
ReplyDeleteI do understand your hesitation as I am a fine one for talking myself out of having a go at something for fear of failure... but nothing ventured and all that!
Michelex
oh I think your whole blog is creative Simone, "creativity" doesn't necessarily have to be all artistic, maybe you're a tad hard on yourslef hun? I always love the look of your cards, best thing is to have fun, and keep an open mind...sending hugs, i hope the grey days turn to sunshine for you soon, maybe you could learn crochet and do yourself a Cosy blanket....
ReplyDeletexx
im not disputing it but ive never heard of this left side right side thing before. I say if you like doing something no matter how good or bad then just do it :-)
ReplyDeleteLisa x
sometimes we just have a creative block. keep your head up. it will come.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I go into real troughs of feeling incapable of doing/making anything and I'm beginning to learn to just stop for a while and go away and do something and that's when the ideas start to come. Having said that I am the world's worst drawer (if there is such a word)
ReplyDeleteKimx
What have shown us here looks very good to me, the cross stitched cards are just lovely. The watercolours are really good.
ReplyDeleteI am TRYING very hard to make small curtains for the camper and hating it...I have made such a mess of them! they will do the job...I will not let anyone look to closely at them though!!
Carol x
questioning your creativity is unfortunately part of the process. i disagree with your choice to keep your projects from us though. showing your work is scary but i think you would be pleasantly surprised at the feed back you would receive here.
ReplyDeletei spent 3.5 of the 4 years questioning my creative ability while i was in school... and to this day, i still wonder if my work is where it should be- if it's progressed enough... i think that blogging has helped and having an audience to root a person on helps... i personally love your cards!!!! i love your color choices... and i love your tag people... i think you have the creativity and the talent and even the cheerleaders to root you on.... now, is it that you need more paper?) :) that always helps me...
ReplyDeletebiggest hugs
You are creative in your way, the most important is that you enjoy what you do, try not to stress. I know that if I feel wound up when trying to draw it just doesn't work... I love your cards. I would love to do watercolour classes so keep at it :) I found your blog through Racael Rabbit. Catherine x
ReplyDeleteI've just got a book called Living Out Loud by Keri Smith (recommended to me by Ginny at The Flour Loft). It's great for shaking you up a little and re-awakening your creativity.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI just stumbled onto your blog and read your post about the frustrations in taking your "art class." At the risk of sounding presumptuous, I may have some ideas that could help you in my blog, ARTQUEST. At the present time, I am reworking a lot of it and will repost it in a more complete form in a few months, but if you have the time, you might want to stop by and see if it helps. My suggestion is that you read it from the beginning, as it is not a daily journal, but an outline for a book I will be putting together.
It is: Artquest1.blogspot.com
If it helps you or anyone you know who feels frustrated in their attempts to liberate their creativity, drop my a line or leave a comment on the blog: bobsouvorin@mindspring.com
Good luck, Bob