Creativity
One True Line
Hemingway got past writer’s block by telling himself to ‘write one true sentence’. As a writer and artist, I crave more permission to be honest.
Long ago, I decided to never post anything ‘negative’ online. But now I see how that has allowed me to only show the cheerful, positive parts of myself.I want to take the muzzle off and share myself more authentically.
So I am taking up Hemingway’s invitation with a new series, One True Line.Every day, I will write or draw what I consider a truth. Just one line. This project could take many forms; I am leaving it intentionally open.
Join me in your own daily One True Line. It’s free and there’s no need to sign up.
Simply follow along on Instagram or Facebook, using the hashtag #onetrueline .
What’s in the way of your creativity?
Do you feel lack of confidence, attempt too many projects, suffer from disorganization and plain old fear?
It’s easy to let our demons force our creativity into the closet.
Probably the biggest thing I do for my clients and students is help them get these obstacles – both inner and outer – out of the way so they can create with joy and ease.
When I talk about a program like my year-long Atelier program, I emphasize getting things done. But often we have to get things out of the way in order to get things done.
What would your life and your creativity be like with that biggest bugaboo finally gone? I’m taking a stand for creativity that empowers us and makes a difference in the world.
If you have a project that you are ready to commit to for real, check out The Original Impulse year-long Atelier program.
Portrait of the artist: 100 days of painting watercolor portraits complete!
Being an artist means getting to know yourself on a deep level. We have to dig deep into what we care about and somehow express that in our chosen medium.
Making art is a process of learning to respect and love ourselves. Just taking the time to make art is a huge act of self-respect.
Showing up over the course of several months to make portraits hasn’t been easy. Some days I was barely able to ‘phone it in’. I didn’t have as much time as I wanted to really dive in. It would have been easy to abandon it. But something I have learned about myself: I’d rather lower my own expectations and stay with it than abandon it because of some notion of perfection or excellence.
I’m finishing a week after the rest of the tribe, barely getting over the finish line. I feel successful in my quest to improve my skills. I have had fun seeing improvement.
As I continue this adventure of self-discovery and expression, I am grateful for the art and writing that continues to reveal me to me. Thanks for sharing in this process, and for cheering me on. Your encouragement means a lot to me.
100/100 Portrait of the artist Cynthia Morris 9 x 12 watercolor on Hahnemuhle paper
