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Writing Workshop : Lost Art

Posted by on Jun 10, 2010 in Writing, Writing Workshop | 45 comments

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  • http://intensedebate.com/profiles/andthenallithoughtaboutwasyou andthenallithoughtaboutwasyou

    You are a very talented lady. Do you know what sometimes people just get scared. But I am so pleased for you and anyone who can see that you have and are getting over the block, because you produce beautiful pieces of work! xx

    [Reply]

    porridgebrain Reply:
    June 12th, 2010 at 7:58 pm

    Yes, sometimes people do just get scared. Especially me. But fear can't hold me back forever. I won't let it :) Thank you x

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  • http://typecast2000.blogspot.com Nickie@Typecast

    I sometimes think that we can never see our true selves because we are concerned about everything else around us. Sometimes we need to step out of ourselves or experience something new before we can continue on our journey.

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    porridgebrain Reply:
    June 12th, 2010 at 8:01 pm

    Yes, you are right. Maybe I just needed a break and some new perspective. Thank you :)

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  • http://Bumblingalong.wordpress.com Bumbling

    Ok, lady, you just made me cry. On the train. You better stop that now!

    I have all those validations you sought. A degree, a job, nay, career. It doesn’t necessarily give me confidence though. And I don’t have an ounce of the creativity or talent you have. I’m glad you feel able to embrace it again. This makes me grin too xx

    [Reply]

    porridgebrain Reply:
    June 12th, 2010 at 8:28 pm

    Thank you my lovely. For your support. It means a lot xx

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  • http://mummynew.blogspot.com New Mummy

    You are incredibly talented and creative and I'm have very jealous of you. I'm the least creative person of my siblings, they can draw, act, play musical instruments and I "play" at writing. Embrace your talents hun x

    [Reply]

    porridgebrain Reply:
    June 12th, 2010 at 8:02 pm

    Oh no don't be jealous!! It comes with A LOT of baggage all this, doesn't make it much fun a lot of the time. And you don't "play" at writing honey. You ARE a writer, in every sense of the word. Ok? ;)

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  • http://thesardinetin.blogspot.com JulieB

    I think Bumbling has pretty much summed up perfectly what I wanted to say. A degree, a job, a career – yes, I feel I have those, but they will never have the power to move people like your writing and your painting. I so hope your awakening is something that continues to bloom – to give you and others pleasure and strength. x

    [Reply]

    porridgebrain Reply:
    June 12th, 2010 at 8:30 pm

    Thank you Julie, what a lovely thing to say x

    [Reply]

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  • http://seathreepeeo.blogspot.com SeaThreePeeO

    This has struck a chord with me. Althought I am no were near as tyalented as you in both my words are artworks I am always too over critical of my own work, even when others love it.

    For me nothing is perfect, there's always a flaw, hiding there, in the corner. But then isn't that what life is about? Nothing in life is ever perfect and art should be just that art for enjoyment of yourself and others, not perfection on a canvas or computer screen.

    I am glad that you have found that part of yourself again. Never lose it!

    [Reply]

    porridgebrain Reply:
    June 12th, 2010 at 8:34 pm

    I'm beginning to realise that actually REAL beauty doesn't lie in perfection, but in the flaws. Sometimes we create more wonderful things through our mistakes than we do through striving too hard.

    Thank you my friend :)

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  • http://intensedebate.com/profiles/itsasmallworldafterallfamily itsasmallworldafterallfamily

    Wow! That's amazing. Each week you amaze me even more. Can't wait to see what you come up with next x

    [Reply]

    porridgebrain Reply:
    June 12th, 2010 at 8:32 pm

    Next week I reveal my secret life as a travelling mime artist. True story.

    [Reply]

  • http://www.susankmann.co.uk Susan Mann

    I think this is a great thing to rediscover and it seems to be making you happy. Looking forward to seeing much more of your work. x

    [Reply]

    porridgebrain Reply:
    June 12th, 2010 at 8:35 pm

    It is making me happy. And unhappy sometimes too as I struggle with it, but it is worth it.

    Thank you honey x

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  • http://absolutelyalchemy.blogspot.com bronagh

    Wow, this is an amazing post, and an amazing painting. I could relate so much to every word you wrote – that feeling of nothing I do being good enough, of not allowing myself to try because I'm so sure I'll fail, is something I struggle with daily.

    I'm so glad you're reconnecting with this part of yourself. x

    [Reply]

    porridgebrain Reply:
    June 12th, 2010 at 8:37 pm

    It's not easy is it? I'm sorry this is something you battle with too. I don't think this means I will never struggle again, but it feels like a step forward. And little steps, daily victories, is all we can do really :)

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  • http://deerbaby.blogspot.com deer baby

    I'm so glad for you that you've reawakened that part of yourself and are now blooming like that gorgeous flower. I feel the same about my writing and the blog is my little way of battling that. Like a petal, I can get crushed and wither and die so easily. Please don't let it happen to you again. xx

    [Reply]

    porridgebrain Reply:
    June 12th, 2010 at 8:39 pm

    I will try. Not an easy journey this, is it? I recognise something of that battle in you actually. Think it's why I like your writing so much :)

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  • http://intensedebate.com/profiles/theodorasutcliffe MummyT

    How lovely to rediscover all that creativity… and take the time to act on it. Lovely post. Lovely painting.

    [Reply]

    porridgebrain Reply:
    June 12th, 2010 at 8:41 pm

    Thank you. I will. Luckily I am at a time in my life where I am starting to get a bit more time to commit to it. Really believe this is all happening now for a reason.

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  • http://intensedebate.com/profiles/b4kersgirl b4kersgirl

    Wow, that picture is stunning. I'm so glad you are rediscovering the lost parts of you,and hope you'll share more beautiful art with us in the future

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    porridgebrain Reply:
    June 12th, 2010 at 8:41 pm

    I will try :) It is good for me to share I think. Your support and validation is helping a lot in all this. Thank you.

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  • http://intensedebate.com/profiles/alybean Aly

    If I had it, I would pay good money for that picture.

    [Reply]

    porridgebrain Reply:
    June 12th, 2010 at 8:41 pm

    Thank you Aly, that is very kind x

    [Reply]

  • http://greatttt.wordpress.com gaelikaa

    I’m glad you found your art again. It’s so healing to let your creativity break free, isn’t it?
    .-= gaelikaa´s last blog ..Writing Workshop =-.

    [Reply]

    porridgebrain Reply:
    June 12th, 2010 at 8:43 pm

    It is. Very healing. More than I had anticipated actually :)

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  • http://www.kidstart.co.uk/livingwithkids Liz (LivingwithKids)

    it's such a perfect painting, it reminds me a lot of Georgia O'Keefe. If I had the money (!) I'd commission you Josie, I'm serious. Go for it – I reckon you're going to be very popular as an artist.

    [Reply]

    porridgebrain Reply:
    June 12th, 2010 at 8:44 pm

    Well when I finally get the courage to make something of all this, there will definitely be a mates rates discount so you never know ;)

    Thanks so much Liz.

    [Reply]

  • http://intensedebate.com/profiles/crunchiemummy Karen @ If I Could Escape . . .

    Lovely post and what a beautiful painting.

    [Reply]

    porridgebrain Reply:
    June 12th, 2010 at 8:44 pm

    Thank you Karen x

    [Reply]

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  • http://paris-ankara.blogspot.com sandrine

    Josie I love this picture. How big is it? (In my mind it's quite big). More of that in the world please.

    [Reply]

    porridgebrain Reply:
    June 12th, 2010 at 8:45 pm

    It's about 2-3 foot wide and 2 foot high. Would love to do a REALLY big one one day :)

    Thanks you x

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  • http://www.cheekywipes.com/blog/ Helen

    OMG Josie. That's amazing (which means therefore that you're amazing!)

    Maybe try not to catch it and hold it this time but let it flow from you. Don't think about it too much and see what happens. No pressure, just you and your materials…..

    [Reply]

    porridgebrain Reply:
    June 12th, 2010 at 8:47 pm

    That is really excellent advice Helen, thank you.

    I'm trying t not to look at it too hard, more sort of out of the side of my eye squinting at it, if that makes sense :)

    And yes, we will see what happens. Be fun finding out anyway x

    [Reply]

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  • http://intensedebate.com/people/melissamashburn melissamashburn

    Hi! I am new to this. I did three writing exercises. One from last week using the word Lost, and two from this week. One using the word Time, and the other was the exercise in which we had to use many metaphors and similes.

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    porridgebrain Reply:
    June 12th, 2010 at 8:48 pm

    Hi Melissa! Thanks for taking part! I shall try and stop by to read your pieces as soon as I can. With a lot of entries it can take a while but I will do my best.

    [Reply]

  • http://intensedebate.com/profiles/mrsljhall mrsljhall

    Like a lot of people on twitter I feel half in awe of you and half motherly towards you. I can say that because a) you are awesome and b) I am older than you! I felt sad for you recently when you mentioned that it was your anniversary but you and your OH couldn't afford presents – but then he surprised you with roses and a takeaway which was lovely – but then the chinese let you down. I wanted to send you a new chinese to make up for it….

    When you speak about not having much money I wonder if you are aware quite how talented you are and how those talents could earn you money. Sometimes I feel that you are on the brink (of greatness) and that it is quite exciting to 'know' you this side of the brink. My children often ask me what their talent is and I give them long rambling answers about all the ways in which they are wonderful – we are so caught up in having to have a talent these days. You, however, immediately seem to have 4 very great talents. 1) You are a great mum. 2) You have an innate ability to connect with people. 3) You have an engaging way with words. 4) You are a gifted artist. (I wonder how many more talents I could find if I knew you in the real world?)

    How can these make money? 1) You are a great mum – I think you would be an amazing foster parent or childminder. 2) You have an innate ability to connect with people – that is such a transferable skill and is an asset in any job. Specifically could you train to be a counsellor? 3) Write a book girl, write a book! 4) I know a few people who make a living selling commissioned artworks, drawings of children, favourite pets, deceased family members – all from photographs.

    I'm sorry to go on so long – I find 140 characters on twitter almost crippling, people often say about me that I wont use 1 word if I can use 50 instead! I hope you take this in the very genuine and complimentary way in which it is meant.

    And, lastly, thank you. Thank you for taking the time to come up with the writing workshop, I really enjoy it and I though I would never have the time or commitment to do a writing course I love the fact that when I take part in this I feel as though am.

    Lisa xxx

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  • http://madewithashes.wordpress.com Michael

    I completely understand all of it. Creating something fantastic, something you’re really happy with is a double edged sword. While it’s what you’re driving for with each piece, if you do it, if you make that one piece that you amaze even yourself with, then it sets a standard that you feel you must live up to EVERY TIME. And that can be confidence shattering when you feel like you can never be that good again.

    It’s the old war between process and product. If you work at art as a process, you can avoid getting trapped in the search for the perfect product. Ironically, the best product is usually the result of a dedication to process, which includes a lot of experimentation and trial and error.

    But I’m sure you’re well aware of this.

    This is a struggle I have myself. I’m my harshest critic and keep forgetting to let myself make mistakes and try things out. I was trying to draw AK recently for a life-drawing project and drove both myself and her crazy trying to get it “right”. Interestingly, the best drawings were the ones I did fastest.

    While I’m drawing parallels, I should point out that my own crises of confidence, while damaging enough to me, have not been as extreme as yours. Do you regret destroying all that work? I know I would. I can appreciate now just how huge and brave a thing it is for you to start making art again. So well done! You should be very proud of yourself, and as I said before – don’t you dare stop again!
    .-= Michael´s last blog ..Stage One done. =-.

    [Reply]

    porridgebrain Reply:
    June 12th, 2010 at 7:49 pm

    Thank you Michael. It means a lot actually, to have someone that understands this. My art work has always been something that existed completely in isolation – I've never been to art collage or had any of that community type aspect to creativity. It's always just been me, on my own. I don't know anyone else even remotely artistic. So it's hard for them to understand. Well, actually, they just don't. They think that talent, or vague competency, immediately translates to production. That if you CAN do it you just WILL. The emotional side of it all, of the process, is completely lost on them. Most people just think it's a bit silly I don't get off my arse and paint more.

    Thanks for getting it. Really appreciate that. And no, no stopping now :)

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    @myautisticson Reply:
    June 13th, 2010 at 6:41 pm

    I liked what you said. It makes think of musicians… that get popular. it must be hard to top yourself, especially if you have so much expectations from your fans. I guess the trick is live for the process of creating music independent of whether people like like it or not. I think if we can also be like that with ourselves it saves us a lot of pressure. When gems are found, than, it's fantastic, when it's not, then, it's a work in progress…

    [Reply]

  • http://intensedebate.com/profiles/porridgebrain porridgebrain

    Ah chick that is tough. You know where I am. I'm serious, if it helps to talk to someone about it who will understand, I'm here in any time x

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  • http://twitter.com/myautisticson @myautisticson

    Josie, this painting is truly literally "amazing". It's more than petals or a flower.. there is an irresistible attraction and emotion to it.
    I understand how we can be so demanding with ourselves, especially when you are being able to "produce" something amazing. Than, we want it again. In regards to what Michael said, I think the "process" is what is cool, to just being to do it, and do it freely. The inspiration fluctuates. I wonder there is a trick about being able to tap into what is inspiring, you know, like people meditate to find peace… If you find out, let me know. So far I have discovered that troubled souls produce the best work… In the same vein, I will never forget that line about not writing but bleeding.
    I are brave to show us your gems. But, ultimately art is there to be shared, right?
    You can be proud of yourself and of being yourself. Very happy for you.

    [Reply]

  • http://emilybassin.blogspot.com Maternal Tales

    OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Honey – that painitng is truly amazing. But yes, I really do know exactly how you feel. I used to paint all the time – I did A-Level Art, loved it. Then my husbadn bought me an easel one year for a Christmas present and I spent a couple of weeks working on a painting – a copy of something. It did, like yours, look pretty good. But then folowed the – 'oooh, please could you paint something for me'…I had lots of requests and couldn't follow through with any of them. We stil have the first painitng I did – in fact we framed it and it's hanging on the wall, but I haven't done one single one since – and that was 6 years ago. I put it down to the pressure. No pressure and I can do anything…pressure and I crumble!! Hey, doesn't mean we're no good though!! Love you honey. We'll get there…….. x

    [Reply]

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