Come out and play! Let’s make 100 days of art
“Every child is an artist.
The problem is how to remain an artist once [we] grow up.”
Sharing art publicly takes guts. Especially if you are like me and “unencumbered” by a formal education in studio art. But, like Picasso’s famous quote above, I believe that we are all born artists—that creative expression is a fundamental part of being human. So rather than wait for whatever magic spark of confidence will indicate you’re a real artist, I say just start making. Making anything, really—and the messier the better. Access that childlike part of you that just likes to get her hands dirty and then share that creative energy, regardless of the outcome. Because that creative energy is a gift.
When you’re a child
Art is play.
I know that this is easier said than done as an adult. How do we “remain” artists into adulthood—or how do we get back to a place where creativity doesn’t feel so risky?
Make time to play.
For me, I needed a way back into that playful, childlike mindset, something that allowed me to take the pressure off. Something that would help me to feel okay sharing work that was unfinished or even that I didn’t love. The 100 Day Project was the perfect opportunity to just jump in and make things with the pressure off.
The 100 Day Project is an annual event where people worldwide commit to creating art every day for 100 days.
In the words of the creators of The 100 Day Project, this process helps creatives balance inspiration and discipline.
These ideas about process and ritual art practice at the heart of The 100 Day Project are concepts that underpin my own arts-based mindfulness and ritual studio practices. Honoring the process is such an essential part of creating and subsequent healing through art.
And that’s what Art Alchemy is:
being able to dig into the inspiration around you, tuning you into your interior experiences and sensations, and finding grounding in the ritual practice of art.
My first 100 days…
In 2021, I used the 100 Days Project to give me creative license for experimentation and playing in my artwork—activities that can feel uncomfortable in our productivity-focused world. I came to the project to push myself to put my art out into the world in a way that would relieve the pressure I felt to be locked into any particular style. By suspending preconceived expectations of art, myself, and the project, I was able both to grow as an artist, to ground my practice, and to surprise myself with some flashes of brilliance (if I do say so myself!). As I gear up to start this year’s 100 days, here are some of my favorite works from last year’s project.
The next cycle of the 100 Day Project starts February 13, 2022, and I hope you will join me in the opportunity to commit to yourself and to your creative practice. Follow along with my daily practice on my Instagram. If you are looking for more supporting guidance with creating space for a daily art practice or for support through your creative spiritual growth, you may be interested in booking a session with me.
