Alyice on November 26th, 2008

Art Play With Backgrounds

I wasn’t always a firm believer in playing with art supplies. As a young child, my single mother worked hard to provide for us—often going without meals so that we could eat—which meant that we had to learn to stretch things and to use what we had cautiously. As I grew into an adult, I found it difficult to do anything without purpose. I was even too afraid to try new things for fear of wasting our hard-earned money.

Then I had kids and everything changed. I wanted them to try new things, I wanted them to experience life, and I was willing to do whatever it took to allow them those opportunities. If they showed interest in something I made sure they had the supplies necessary to give that hobby or that interest a real try—even if it meant I went without things.

The ironic part is that while I would allow the kids to “waste” money and supplies trying out new things, I couldn’t get myself to do the same. If I was going to create something, I had to be darn-tootin-sure that what I was about to create was something that someone I knew would want and use. I couldn’t create simply for the sake of creating. I couldn’t create because it gave me pleasure. I had to create with a purpose. And so, many of the cool crafting books I had purchased would get read, but never fully explored.

Until now…

I finally get that to become a good artist, you can’t just read the books, watch the videos, or talk art. You must get out there and get your hands dirty. You must practice techniques, try new things, and use your imagination. You must create.

And you know what the best part about playing with your art is? It’s extremely therapeutic! It feels fantastic to just immerse yourself in the moment, even if what you had in your head doesn’t quite come out that way in your art and even though you discover that you have much, much more to learn.

Keep Creating.

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Comments (9)

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Lisa says:
Great insight. It reminds me of what my daughter keeps telling me everytime I buy a new book. She says to me, “Mommy, you’ll never get good if you just read, you need to actually do it!” Very good thinking for a 14 year old. So now from time to time I play and I love playing. Keep it up. The digital backgrounds are great.

Lisas last blog post..Beauty
Posted at 3:27 am November 27th, 2008
Alyice says:
Thanks Lisa!

Your daughter is very smart and wise for such a young girl. Reminds me of my soon-to-be 14 year old daughter. Sometimes her insight just blows me away.
Posted at 4:11 am November 27th, 2008
trish says:
What a lovely post. I find playing and creating is SO therapeutic too. It just makes me forget about all my problems for just a little while and I can just be in the moment

Trish’s last blog post..canvas in progress
Posted at 4:27 am November 27th, 2008
Cindy says:
You are doing a fantastic job of creating! Your backgrounds are marvelous! It really is just play and letting yourself explore the possiblities. Have fun!
Posted at 1:14 pm November 27th, 2008
Alyice says:
Trish, thank you for sharing what art does for you, too! I really wish our country had more art classes for children. I am positive it would help a lot of hurting children feel good about themselves–even if only for a little while.

Cindy, thank you for the sweet comment! Nice way to wake up to a Thanksgiving morning.
Posted at 1:30 pm November 27th, 2008
Sharon says:
Alyice, your backgrounds are lovely. Learning to just play is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself. Play on Alyice!!!

Sharons last blog post..37+ Ideas for Recycling Reader’s Digest Condensed Books
Posted at 3:29 pm November 27th, 2008
Alyice says:
Thank you Sharon! I hope my readers will stop by your blog. I always enjoy your creative lists of things to do with just a single object.
Posted at 4:03 pm November 27th, 2008
Mary Hunt says:
It is good to be brave!

You did some beautiful backgrounds Alyice…

Keep getting “dirty”…

Mary

Mary Hunts last blog post..Bookmarks
Posted at 5:45 pm November 27th, 2008
Alyice says:
Thanks Mary! I shall try to keep getting “dirty”!
Posted at 6:08 pm November 27th, 2008