Lately I’ve been seeing a lot of wonderful quotes about creativity. My friend Lynn Moon shared the following with me:
Thursday, Jul. 12Art makes life bearable. It isn’t a luxury. Like our capacity for understanding, and our experience of love, it is a vitally important part of life.Gillian Pederson Krag
Obviously, it’s been awhile since she sent it to me, but I like it a lot.
Sometimes, though, I think making art — and living life authentically — are unbearably painful. Both force me to confront fears and reveal vulnerabilities that scare me. I’ve been struggling with this for the last few months. I’ve spent a lot of time hiding under the bed. (Not literally, though I considered it, but what would I do with the boxes I’m storing there?) (Not to mention the dust bunnies.) I’m tired of being paralyzed by fear. This is my first step back. Thank you for bearing with me while I’ve been out of touch.
JonnaFaulkner 
FIrst of all, thank you for voicing your fear, because it nails my own feelings. When presented with a great opportunity, the first thing it did was paralyze me. Art opens you up to uncertainty and decisions that have to be made, then critiques and explanations. It just feels easier to distract myself with stupid things to do.
You took the first step. You can do it. You can move forward.
Thank you so much, Susan!!!
I’ve been thinking more about what you said so well, Susan. Your work is so amazing. I’d never know you were struggling with the same things. Thank you for your support. You can do it, too!!!
You have a ton of talent to offer. Be out there and unafraid.
Thank you, Mary!!!
I wanted to thank you again, Mary, for your kindness and support!!!
Jonna………Love the quote & your brave words……..as someone who lives in constant fear of “being found out” this is all very comforting!
What they’ll find in you, Vic, is courage, empathy and great beauty in your spirit and your art. But I know exactly what you’re saying about the fear of “being found out.”
I so relate to your state of mind, Jonna! It’s part of the creative process and it is painful, frustrating and perhaps unbearable but you will prevail!
Thanks so much for your kindness!!! I don’t wish this struggle on anyone, but I’m glad you’re in there with me!!!
i am sending you a big hug jonna! this rings so true for me about wanting to be under the bed–i am profoundly insecure about my work, while being equally obsessed about making it. they sort of both cancel the other out, leaving me neutral in a weird way, like this is just how it’s supposed to be, me making this stuff. here is a quote i love:
“those who are willing to be vulnerable move among mysteries” theodore roethke
those words are always with me; in fact, they are on the back of the automaton pendant that is next to your necklace of gorgeousness in holly’s calendar!
the world is so mysterious and beautiful and amazing, among much much pain, i agree that is one of the hardest things to come to terms with in a lifetime, if it is possible at all…
Thank you so much for your beautiful note!!! I love the quote!!! I’m so proud to be on the same page with you!!!
Aww Jonna, I miss you…..my mentor……you have nothing to fear, you are fabulous!!! Lots of love to you 🙂
I miss you, too, Lauren!!! Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness. I’m sending you lots of love right back.
Jonna, I admire you beyond words. There is such strengh in revealing what is really going on in your heart and mind. Being an artist requires courage and the willingness to face failure and non-acceptance. I am reminded of a pendant I offered for a class recently. It was very different from my prior work and I was anxious about how it would be received. It could not have been a better experince in failure. Not one person signed up! The real challenge occurred in re-evaluating if it is not well done or if it would simply have limited appeal. So I have been wearing it in Venice and I it is simpley a piece that makes me happy and that is enough.
I send you my love as you work through your feelings. I am happy that you are not keeping the dust bunnies company and you are out here being you.
We all have fear. And I think artists are particularly sensitive to the effects of fear. But fear won’t get any of us anywhere — Good for you, giving it the finger and having the courage to move on. You are a very talented and gifted woman with so much to offer. It’s a wonderful, big world out there… And the view from under the bed just sucks…..
Thanks so much for your thoughtful note, Deb! You make the world wonderful!!! And, you’re right about the view from under the bed, particularly when the dust bunnies have morphed into dust snakes with big fangs!!!
I believe the creative process exposes us in ways we did not anticipate. Living mindfully is an ongoing journey; it’s not something that gets checked off on our to do list. You are a wonderful, caring, delightful, strong woman, and I’m so glad you’re in my life. As an artist, you are extraordinarily talented, and you generously share your talent not only in your work, but also in your teaching. Your compassion and open heart pervades everything you do. Glad you’re getting out from under the bed and sharing your light with the world! Big hugs and love!