Tag Archives: art

Artists Block

When I was a child I always considered myself an artist. There was no question about it, I knew I was an artist. It’s what made me feel happy, relaxed, and alive. (I know that’s dramatic) When I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, the answer was always the same. In elementary school I hated my art teacher, she was sarcastic (which is really confusing for a 7 year old) and even down right mean. Despite her being the worst, art was still my favorite subject. I specifically remember a lesson she did on Charles Schultz. We watched a documentary on his life and the creation process of The Peanuts. We then had to create our own cartoon character and design a comic strip. I created a character name Molly Pod. She was a ten year old girl with a very Pippy-Longstocking-like style. I drew Molly Pod for years.
I pursued art in high school and college and stayed relatively confident in my skill. Sure, I had peers with more refined skills or more original ideas, but it didn’t seems to really bother me. I was part of an elite AP studio art program in high school, which meant I had multiple art classes a day. Most importantly, that meant I had multiple opportunities to relax and be creative. I even thought very seriously about becoming an art teacher- but let’s be real guys, I would HATE teaching.
Now, as an adult in a career outside of the art industry, painting, drawing, and creating aren’t usually at the forefront of my mind. I’ve been in a rut for longer than I’d like to admit. Artists block, if you will. I’ve felt really uninspired, un-creative, and apathetic towards creating art. Which honestly makes me feel pretty crappy about myself. Even when I’ve been given great opportunities to create, I just don’t want to.(1990’s couch pattern inspired by my planner)
Fast forward to two weeks ago- I’ve been forcing myself to doodle a little everyday, even when I don’t want to. Sometimes it’s in a sketchbook and sometimes it’s just on a post-it at work. I have a few creative ideas floating around in my head, ready to be worked out on paper. So, maybe I’m on my way out of the rut? I don’t want to speak too soon, but I think the discipline of intentionally drawing/doodling/creating is helping.

Art, Infinity Con, and a little Insecurity

2 Replies

A couple of weeks ago I blogged about Infinity Con. If you didn’t read that blog, go read it now or you will be a little confused reading this post. Something I didn’t mention in that post was that I’m going to be selling some of my own art at the convention!
I’ll be honest, while I’m excited about this opportunity, I’m also nervous about it. I’ve been making art all my life, from pre-school to college, and I’ve loved it… but I’ve also struggled with feeling inadequate about it. In high school I was part of an AP art program for 3 years. While there were only a handful of students chosen to be part of the program, I still felt like I didn’t have the same talent and skill as my classmates. For the last 6 or 7 years I’ve gone back and forth about pursuing art. It’s something that makes me feel alive and doesn’t feel like work, but it’s also a place where insecurity lives and sometimes takes over. What if no one buys anything from me? What if people don’t like it? What if they don’t get it and I’m pegged as one of those weird artist!?!? My worst nightmare!! I’m just reminding myself that my worth doesn’t come from peoples opinions on the things I create. As you can see, signing up to be an artist at a convention (even one my husband is planning) is kind of a big deal for me. Throughout this post I’ve shared a couple of pieces and will have even more at Infinity Con!
I’m nervous, but I’m sooo excited about this opportunity! I will be sharing a table with my very talented friend, Kyle. If you come to the Con, make sure to stop by our table!

Childhood Obsessions

Leave a reply

Something you should (or maybe already do) know about me is that I easily get obsessed with things. Turn of the century circus memorabilia, 1950’s horror movie posters, Weeki Wachi mermaids, Nancy Drew, cryptozoology, nail art… you name it! Also, my obsessions are always really evident in my artwork, even as a child! Remember about a year ago when I was forever drawing old telephones? I kid you not, that started because my favorite song was Call Me Maybe. I came across a box of my childhood artwork and thought it was really funny to see my obsessions from elementary school!
Obsessions no. 1, manatees. This was probably fueled by my parents and other relatives, but I definitely had a teal manatee sweat suit and manatee earrings to match. Oh, and hand drawn portraits, of course. Also, just general marine life. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. Still into them 20 years later. And last but not least, the Titanic. I think I wrote a report about it in third grade (3 years before the movie came out, btw). I was also really into The Babysitters Club and native Americans. My sister, Brie, had a short lived obsession with cardinals and sunflowers. What were some of your childhood obsessions?

child art

concerning the UFO sightings

1 Reply

Sometime sketching UFOs can be super relaxing.

And sometimes UFO sketches can turn into quick UFO paintings.