52 weeks later

Setting out on a One Year Art Process is a bit like deciding you want to travel for a whole year. You have an idea of some of the places you want to visit, but you don’t know exactly where you’ll go, or how you’ll get from one point to another. The only thing you’re sure of is that you’re ready to begin your journey, and that by the time you return, you’ll be a changed person.

You create because you have these urges, because your fingers want to merge with the scissors in your hand. Somewhere within you wants to express itself; you cut and shape and form as a release. Desire fuels creation, but the fear of failure can be a stronger force.

Sharing your art requires giving as well as receiving. Misinterpretation, judgment, silence, can be the return for the creative self-revelations you offer. And if this is the way it’s going to be for 50 more weeks, then you better get used to it.

You create because you’ve made a commitment to yourself. These creations you share, you do so with delight. You create for yourself. You are the most important audience here.

You free yourself from the expectations of others, of what is good and not as good. This keeps you going. You let go, you relax, you allow something else to fill you.

What used to take a week makes itself within a day. The process of creation is refined and mysterious. A key ingredient has been discovered.

You create because you know who you are. You are guided. The path reveals itself to you as you go.

True, the journey is the destination.