I recently completed an art project for a local fundraiser sponsored by my favorite shop in Frederick, Md – The Muse. It’s a once a year event. Local artists and ‘Muse’ patrons purchase an 8 x 8 canvas to decorate and donate for auction. Each time there is a different theme and charity recipient.
This year the collected monies will go to COIPP (the Children Of Incarcerated Parents Partnership). The inspirational theme is a children’s book called The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. In the story, a young artist doubts her ability to create art. Her teacher encourages her by saying “ Just make a mark and see where it takes you.”
Want to see more of the art collected for this worthy event? Here's the link to The Muse's Facebook page. Scroll down and take a look at the nearly 100 entries. And you don't have to live near Frederick to see the art in person or place a bid, no worries! Call The Muse to make your own mark -- the art can be shipped to you!
As is often the case, the lessons of a children’s story can resonate with us adults too. Shaking off self-doubt and the ‘I can’ts’ by taking a small step toward a goal is brilliant advice. I use this method when I’m stuck in the studio or tackling a daunting task. If I break down what seems insurmountable into doable chunks, the job becomes much easier.
This week in the studio I’ve been chipping away at the various stages of clay-making on all sorts of projects. A kiln full of bisqued pieces were glazed and fired. I began creating a set of custom totems that will complement ones I installed several years ago. A surprise gift for one customer’s wife is now in mid-stage firing in the bisque kiln. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by all of these projects, I’m grateful and have embraced every step of their creation.