>Fear of a Blank Canvas
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Last night, I started thinking about fear, and how it can affect an artist's ability to create. If you are an artist, and you haven't been creating art on a regular basis, you may be experiencing fear. This could be the fear of failure and/or the fear of rejection. You may have the desire to create, but you're afraid that if you try, the piece that you had in mind may not turn out exactly as you had hoped. Or, it could be that when you finally DO create a piece, you fear that the world will reject your work. These kinds of feelings inhibit creativity.
I'll admit it - I experience fear with every new piece I begin. Fear of a blank canvas, so-to-speak. Then, I ask myself "Why am I afraid of doing something that I love?" Instead of letting those feelings take control, I tell myself that fear will stop me from exploring anything new. I will never grow as an artist if I am afraid of creating. I can always rip out the beads I decide I don't like and start over, just as a painter can start on a new canvas. And, if I am afraid of the world rejecting my work, then I am not creating art for the right reasons.
Creating art is something that you should not fear. Why? Because creating art lets us express our feelings. Through that expression, we communicate our innermost thoughts. By creating art, you allow others to view the world as you see it. Your art can help others understand the history and cultures of our world. Creating art also makes life a Hell of a lot more tolerable. So, don't hesitate. If you're feeling the need to create art, get out the pencils, paint, charcoal, or beads. There is nothing to be afraid of. You might even discover something new that you'll love doing for the rest of your life.