Feel the Fear…..and do it anyways.
A few months ago, I came across a mantra that has stayed with me. I repeat it to myself often—sometimes even out loud, as my 11-year-old nephew discovered when he caught me whispering it before launching myself down a zipline. That moment made me realize that my inner voice had become more audible than I realized.
I’ve never considered myself a fearful person, but creating art brings a unique kind of vulnerability. Artists put themselves “out there” in ways many professions never require. We dig deep, reveal personal truths, and allow others to interpret them. And yes—sometimes that feels scary.
This mantra has helped me recognize that fear isn’t a weakness; it’s a sign that I’m stretching, growing, and stepping outside my comfort zone. I don’t need to eliminate the fear; I just need to make sure it doesn’t stop me.
This summer, I decided to take a major leap of faith: I accepted an invitation to spend two months in Snowmass, Colorado, dedicating my time to nourishing my soul and creating new work. I packed up my Minneapolis studio—minus the 8′ x 4′ table that refused to fit in the car—and set up a temporary creative space in the mountains.
Now the real work begins. I’m excited to dive into new ideas, new landscapes, and new possibilities. But underneath the excitement is a quiet hum of fear…all the “what ifs” that follow any big transition. And yet, I know my job is simple:
Feel the fear—and do it anyway.
I’ll keep you posted as this creative journey unfolds.
I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. How does fear play a role in the creation of your work?
Be well….be creative,
How great is that? A two month long retreat just for you to create? That is a dream!
Unfortunately fear has kept me from taking your e-course, fear keeps me away from taking just a week for myself to paint, paint, paint and fear often keeps me from finishing a piece as I am afraid to mock up the result I have reached so far…
Please enjoy every single minute of your retreat. You are sooo lucky! – Irma
Hi Irma, is there a way that you can adapt this mantra and start to do the little things that you fear? How about finishing one of those pieces? and if you muck it up think about all that you learned in the process. And then hopefully you’ll be be able to take my eCourse one of these days!
I’ve recently started experimenting with photoencaustics. I’m at the beginning of a long, steep learning curve with lots of trial and error (mostly error it often seems), but I do love it! I have many questions, including some I don’t know yet to ask, but as a starter: What do you recommend as a sealer for an encaustic piece? One online store recommends an “acrylic wax sealer,” but before I purchase it I wanted to ask if you agree, and if other types of sealers work just as well (that might be more commonly available in art supply stores). Thanks for any advice!!
Hi Gayle, welcome to the wonder world of photo encaustics. I’m glad that you love it. Every other Monday I offer Q&A Monday where you can ask your photo encaustic related questions. Feel free to re-post your question next week.
Also you may want to consider my online photo encaustic class where I walk you through the process step-by-step so you won’t have to go though so many costly trial and errors.
Oh, Clare – it’s good to know that even artists like you whose work seems to be done with such assurity still feed the need to risk and grow. Like Irma, I was a little worried about taking your class since my photographic skills and encaustic experience were minimal, but what I learned from you made the fear worth it – and it makes me more inclined to get outside my comfort zone. Have a fabulous summer and let us know what chasms you leap!
Lyn
Lyn, I’m so glad you got out of your comfort zone and took the class! It was fun to see some of my current students choose your work as part of their inspirational images……