Who Are You?

Sock Monkey wine glasses by Mimi Kerpoe

I'm a few chapters into Julia Cameron's book, Walking in this World, and this morning's reading really spoke to me.  Cameron talks about accepting yourself (and your art) as you are right this moment.  Many of us sometimes feel our work isn't "good enough" or not "high art".  But what does that really mean?  Are there different classes of art - some more worthy than others?  I don't think so.  Our art is all about our own self-expression. 

We often reject who we are, wanting to be more like someone or something else. Cameron feels that not only should we not fight who we are, we should celebrate it.  We should do what we love not what we feel we should do or what others think we should do.

My sister in law is a great example of one who celebrates her unique talents. Mimi is a very talented artist and teacher. The above photo shows some wine glasses she painted for a charity auction (she was one of 50 local artists participating.).  Mimi has a great sense of humor, she is playful, enthusiastic, creative, joyful and truly listens to her inner voice. These glasses are a great reflection of that.  Who could look at them and not smile?  

We all need a role model like Mimi in our lives, to remind us to be who we are and let our light shine. Who is your role model?

Inspiration . . . and Faith

Last week, when faced with my first studio time in months, I wondered, "how do I get the ideas flowing again?!"  I pulled out a few of my tricks for building creative energy, but nothing much happened.  I didn't really worry about it too much, because I have faith in the creative process.  I know that inspiration comes at the strangest times.  And once again, my faith was renewed.

I took a few days off to visit my mother and each night I awoke with ideas buzzing around in my head.  I wrote them all down, and I have enough ideas to last the next five years.  That can be a bit overwhelming.  But I'm not worried . . . I have faith that I'll be inspired to pursue just the right ones.