Wrecking Presents

I just ‘ruined’ a beautiful gifted notebook. There’s even an encouraging note in front from my friend. Yet here it sits, the thin pages curling, yawning half open, like an overstuffed sandwich. Paint puddles in paper hollows, while waxy, glitter-spattered scribbles swoop over neat lines meant for dainty paragraphs. None of it is my best work. Most of it is magnificently ugly. Why, oh why have I desecrated this sacred shrine of journaling?

See, I used to think that the best way I could show respect for the gift of a sketchbook or journal (or any art-related supply) was by making the most perfect and beautiful art i could eek out on each precious page. So, I’d sweat over a piece until even my hair was cramped, then show the gifter what I’d done with their thoughtfulness and….they were underwhelmed. Not only that, but now my poor loved one, being a kind person, may feel under pressure to say something nice about the piece. Add to that a series of rapid blinks and a reply like, “I gave you that?”, and it’s disappointment all around. It got to the point where I didn’t even use the darned books at all; there was nothing I deemed good enough to grace the pages. If you’ve been arting for more than a month or two, some of this may sound familiar.

So what’s got me happily mauling paper now? It’s one thought, one simple truth that is quickly curing this decades-long case of artistic constipation:

You are not obligated to show anyone your work. Ever.

“But Amber,” you might protest, “I’m in school. I’m literally paying to show my work. I am obligated.” Or, maybe you make a living as an artist, sculptor, writer, and so on. There are cases where you've got to show your work.

Still, do you have to show every piece? Every sketch, document or napkin scrawl must be presented to be valid?

Not even remotely. 

Try this: Show gratitude and boost your creativity by honoring YOUR gifts, somewhere no one has to see. Play, be messy or, be razor-neat. Gratitude is in the attitude and using what’s given, so grow with the flow.

With whimsy,

Amber