I have wrestled with self-doubt most of my life. I don’t remember a time when it wasn’t there. Of course, there are plenty of moments when it’s not there. But so often, there is that nagging feeling that I am not enough. Self-doubt is a painful companion. It slows us down and holds us back. […] Continue Reading
Creative Sparks
Real tools and firelight for artists and dreamers to create inspired lives
The World Is In Flames—What Do We Do?
These times ask much of us. We have brought them on ourselves. What questions can we ask to help us awaken and live more boldly from our hearts? Continue Reading
What Matters Most: Exploring Responsibility in Art
I have been playing this month with the idea of responsibility in my creative work. To what and whom am I responsible in my art? Here, I share some thoughts, findings and inspiration for your own creative, soulful life. Continue Reading
Your Life Is Your Art
Last week my Artist’s Way class had their graduation celebration. I want to share with you something that came out of that which feels vital for us all. The celebration, on Zoom, was beautiful, moving and joyful, with deep reflection and sharing of art work that the students had made. We did virtual studio tours, […] Continue Reading
Make a Little Beauty Every Day
“The world may end. You’re right. But that’s not a reason to be scared. None of us know what will happen. Don’t spend time worrying about it. Make the most beautiful thing you can. Try to do that every day. That’s it. You know? What are you working for, posterity? We don’t know if there […] Continue Reading
How to Make Time for Your Art and Find Your Creative Flow
. . .even when you’re busy or it feels really hard Last month I offered my patrons on Patreon the challenge to spend ten minutes a day making art. I took on the challenge too. Just ten minutes, but every day. I gave them a blank calendar for the month to track the challenge and […] Continue Reading
Self-Care and Soul-Care During COVID-19
In these extraordinary and challenging times, the arts offer much-needed solace, connection, upliftment and inspiration. Fortunately, many artists and arts organizations are making all sorts of offerings available for free online right now. So, just because you can’t go out doesn’t mean you cannot stay inspired and connected to the gifts that only art can […] Continue Reading
Embracing Failure as a Necessary Step in Art
Dancing near the edge For over a month now I have been working on a poem called “Tango Near the Edge,” and in the end, it might not be any good. I am writing it in response to a very complex prompt I found in a book of difficult writing prompts called Challenges for the […] Continue Reading
Pam Houston on Writing and Creative Process
A couple of weeks ago I went to a talk and reading by much-loved author Pam Houston and then took her writing workshop the next day. I came away inspired, with her latest memoir, Deep Creek, under my arm, and new tools to use and teach, but I was also troubled. Houston is an engaging […] Continue Reading
How to Measure Success as an Artist
How you measure success as an artist affects your creativity, health, happiness and more. I look at how I measure success, how the culture measures success, external and internal measures of success and how you can increase your own success as an artist. Continue Reading
