I'm doing an art course at the moment. It's a little bit terrifying. I'm in the company of some amazing talent. So amazing that comparing their work to mine is just ridiculous. At first this made me wobble and wonder whether I was really cut out for such a course. Maybe I wasn't ready to put my stuff out there for criticism, even constructive criticism, by people of such immense skill. But it's turned out to be a good thing. Because the intimidation I felt turned quickly to awe and then to the realisation that I have the privilege and good fortune to learn from them. It's not a competition, it's a learning experience. Everybody has to start somewhere, and I AM ready. Because I'm more excited about learning and improving, even if it means I have to expose myself, my weaknesses, my lack of technical skill, than wanting to stay 'safe' in my own little bubble. Most of all, I'm excited about DOING, about making, rather than just thinking about it. The act of making, of creating, really is transformative.
This post says it rather well.
And here's something I made earlier...
