 My life before art was quite varied. I worked in corporate before exploring the world of self and personal development, amongst my qualifications I am a Certified Life & Business Coach, Cognitive Therapy Practitioner, Breakthrough Coach and Certified EFT Practitioner. Believe it or not these specific qualifications also help me in my art business. In art and life you have problems to solve every day both in your business and your artwork. There is one word that helps break down the problem and delve into the issue. It has three little letter and yet it has a BIG impact! Are you wondering what that word might be? I was introduced to the process over 25 years ago and it still works today as effectively as it has done in the past. The word is Why? Yes, three little letters with a big impact. I am going to break this down in to the most simplistic format for the purpose of this post. When something isn’t quite right or you want to confirm you are doing the right thing as yourself why. You keep going to at least 5 or until you have exhausted all answers, you eventually get closer to the reality and your truth. If you have children or remember being a child, what was the one word that drives parents insane? Why! Let’s never stop asking this powerful question, you never know where it will lead. So back to how it helps me in life and my art. An example, say I have a painting and it isn’t working, I ask myself why. Answer: It feels like it is off balance. Why? Answer: The composition is wrong. Why? Answer: The horizon line is off putting. Why? Answer: It isn’t in the right place. Why? Answer: It’s breaking the painting up, by being in the middle of the painting. You can see from my example; by asking why, I concluded as to why the painting composition isn’t working. Now I now how to fix it, work on my horizon line. This is a very cutdown version of the power of why, I am sure you can find more online about the power of why. Next time you have a little dilemma, try my little trick, you might just be amazed at how powerful a word it can be. Featured Artwork: Unnamed (Available Feb '25) If you would like to share a thought, please comment below.
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 There are two phrases I love to use when creating. In the wise words of Bob Ross " making happy little accidents" and "Joy Fahey "now that's interesting".
My artwork is quite loose and that is what I love to create. Loose works for me. Sometimes, what I see in my head is not necessarily what I create on the canvas. Instead of berating myself or going into the negative self talk I remember these two sayings. I may look at something I have just laid down and think now that's interesting. I can look at it, see if I can do something with it or paint over it. Or, I can look at it and think, now that is a happy little accident, I am so glad it happened. Often, art can bring up emotions which, in turn, become negative self talk. It can also take us back to a time when we weren't 'perfect' or we didn't do something the same as another person. It could even take you back to a time when you did art at school. It is different for everyone. What if we replaced negative self talk with these two phrases to look at our creative project or artwork with a different set of eyes? Now, that's interesting gives us so much scope to work with than, that's horrible. That's interesting opens up a world of possibilities to explore. Looking at a process faux par as a happy little accident changes it from a negative to a positive with an array of ideas and opportunities. It got me thinking what would it do to our outlook if expand these two fabulous phrases into our everyday life? Would it open up magical and exciting opportunities everywhere not just on the canvas? Do you like these phrases or do you have your own to change the dynamics of a situation? |
AuthorLee Cummins is a mixed media artist, workshop and art class facilitator. Archives
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