Write Like No One Is Reading: "New Beginnings..."

Backstory:  A few months back, I began to think about the traits necessary to keep painting when feeling lethargic about exploring my creative side.  Coincidentally, I’d read an article about the importance of writing, if not for others, than for yourself.  The phrase “dance like no one is watching” popped into my head and I decided to write a blog series exploring 10 traits that I’d identified and to put this into practice…write as if no one is reading.  I find that it’s easy to feel trapped by thinking about other’s opinions more than recognizing my own wishes.  My guess is that others may do the same.  I decided to write with the idea that no one reading my blog would be “freeing”…

With that in mind, this blog is my final in a series of 10…and I have to say that it has been rewarding in several ways.

New Beginnings…: The phrase “when one door closes, another one opens” has always seemed a bit cliche to me…as well as minimizing the confusing emotions, difficulties and lack of assurance that comes with not knowing what the future holds.  I’ve faced challenging times not knowing my what future holds both professionally and on a personal level.  And, as much as I still think the cliche seems simplistic, I also have found it to be true.  The difficulty is, of course, when the future still is uncertain.

Then too is the notion that maybe new beginnings are too unnerving to take on and its easier to keep things “as is”.  Remaining “as is” is safe and the challenges are few.  Fears remain avoided and life may seem secure. But frankly, not pushing yourself to the point of becoming stale and static isn’t rewarding either.  In fact, it’s stifling and leads to boredom and a person who has nothing to say or talk about.  As much as I’m an introvert, I still want to have stories to tell and experiences to share.

This is where trying something new comes in.  I admit, I’ve had time when I was fearful of changes and if I’m honest, this is a constant challenge.  But at the end of the day, I really, really don’t want to be someone has no stories or experiences to share.  Creating artwork while embracing new ideas and techniques is one place to start.  Sharing your artwork with friends and family can be another.  Sharing your work with a potential gallery or in an art show (and answering other’s questions) pushes me to a whole other level.  But…the good thing is that every step is easier over time.  I’ve just spent two weekends participating in the WEST Austin Studio Tour.  It’s a self-guided art tour in Austin, TX in which many, many artists show their work.  Initially, art shows were intimidating…but not now.  These experiences always lead to new beginnings.  New painting techniques to explore, new friendships and possibly new business ideas.

I’ve recently began a new painting technique contrasting colors and using negative space within my paintings…it’s a new beginning of sorts…and I have to say that I’m invorgorated by this exploration.  I have other ideas too (thanks to the many conversations during WEST) and I’m anxious to get started pushing myself in other ways too.

I say push yourself towards new beginnings.  I can attest that it doesn’t always go smoothly and I have questioned my efforts at times (a lot), but I also find that the results brings a comfortableness within myself that comes from that knowledge that I pushed myself.

~Dawn Winter

PS:  And BTW, focusing on writing for myself (and not others) HAS been freeing. Truly cathartic and frankly more satisfying than second guessing what I “should” write…  By ignoring my concerns of what others think and/or judge, it’s allowed me to be a bit more authentic and to practice shrugging off not-good-for-me, distracting thoughts. I highly recommend it…