ARTminute Ep 04 "On Waiting for the Perfect Moment"

​Welcome to another Saturday edition of ARTminute!

So far the response to this project has been very encouraging and I hope that people will continue to watch and participate. If you’re new to my blog or YouTube channel I’ll let you in on what we’re up to here. The idea is that twice a week I release a very short video that is either a mini-lesson about some art/drawing technique or it’s a practical discussion about how to incorporate an art practice into your life. I will also likely include my ruminations on the creative process and ways to stay inspired.

Onwards! The lesson in Ep 03 was about the importance of ditching your eraser while sketching and the homework was to create 10 sketches without erasing even a single line. Find that video here, if you haven’t already seen it. Hopefully, there are some brave souls out there who actually did the drawing exercise! If you did I’d love to see what you came up with, you can tag me on Instagram and Facebook or send me an email!

ARTminute Ep. 04 “On Waiting for the Perfect Moment”

This is something that I struggle A LOT. I am a chronic overthinker, I worry about everything, and frankly sometimes my anxiety is so bad it stops me right in my tracks. When this happens it can feel almost impossible to step forward because every single cell in your body is telling you 'you can’t do it'. That little voice in your head (you know, the one who is always a jerk) is telling you 'you’re not ready', that the stars aren’t yet aligned, that the timing is wrong, that you need to get a little better, save a little more, or get the approval of one more person.

Here’s the thing. There will always be a million and one excuses for you to not do something! Anything! Big or small. Believe me, I know it isn’t easy but you don’t always have to leap forward, you can do it one tiny step at a time if you have to, as long as you move forward.

Guess what? Some days you’ll be stuck and that’s ok too. Those are the days when you lean on the people around you, your coaches, doctors, parents, best friends, or anyone willing to listen and help you find a way back to your strength. Fear plays dirty if you let it it will hold you back, preventing you from trying something before you’re ready. It’s true that you’ll risk failing completely but you also risk learning, growing, and succeeding.

I’d also like to encourage anyone out there struggling with depression, anxiety, or any other mental illness to seek help. There is no reason to try and get through it alone. You deserve to be happy, healthy, and stable. 

As an art teacher I can only offer you art, sometimes that’s enough. It’s often enough to get me through the tough days but, when it isn’t I get help even if it’s scary because nobody needs to get through the gloom alone.

TODAYS’S LESSON: If you wait until the time is right and perfect you’ll never do anything!

HOMEWORK: Be brave! Do something you’re not completely ready for, get someone to hold your hand while you do it if you need the help, then give yourself a high five for surviving and learning and thriving.

Be brave my loves.
Kristy