In one of her talks, Lisa Congdon mentioned a “painting curve” which looks like the letter “U”. My process EVERY SINGLE TIME: start with giddy excitement as I begin with the first strokes and slather the first layers of color then midway I just want to hurl it against a wall or rip it to shreds because it starts to look nothing like what I see in my head.
But only recently I learned to soldier on through that uncomfy, awkward and antsy phase instead of chucking it in the bin. In the end, there is that sense of accomplishment in concluding a piece, even if I’m not always 100% happy with it 
And this is what a sketchbook looks like when you commit to that process: every single page covered with complete illustrations, no ripped pages whatsoever.
An entire sketchbook that I finished intact end to end.
I learned the full meaning of one word when I used to go wall-climbing: commit.
Whenever I would hit a snag and hesitate and shout “I can’t! Bring me down!” to the one belaying from below, he would shout back “You kidding? Just commit!”. Even other climbers nearby would chorus the same thing and shout “Commit! Just commit!”. I quickly learned that what they were telling me was simply this: Do not hesitate. Let go and release the grip of one hand so you can reach up with the other and move along, flailing and all.
So today, I apply the same principles in soldiering through my creative process.
Simply commit and allow yourself to be pushed in the direction your work is taking you. Yes, there will be a lot of discomfort but it’s an artist’s form of growing pains.
Thank you for your inspiring post! I just realized this is all I need to do to get back doing art “commit”, put away the computer and bring my pencils, markers, and brushes, everyday for a few minutes. I love your work!
You are very kind and I truly appreciate the vote of confidence. It sure goes a long way. There is much to be said about committing to a work (that you’re initially not happy with) all the way ’til the end. Enjoy going back to a more tactile process and wishing you well in your creative path!
Boy, was this post timely for me! I have been struggling artistically and just this morning committed to making art a priority in my life, not an afterthought. The very best to you in your endeavors, and thanks for the inspiring words!!
It took me many years to be 100% in my art and it wasn’t easy. I wish it were otherwise but those are the cards I’ve been dealt. Thank you so much for the words of empowerment, Carolyn and wishing you well in your own creative journey.
This is so true. I always start a piece with such enthusiasm and halfway through feel it’s hopeless, but soldiering on is always the best way to go, somehow it comes out in the end. Thank you for this piece, it’s nice to know I’m not the only one!
It’s like the puberty phase of art that always makes me so antsy! I go through all sorts of profanity-laced thoughts in my head. When I feel an inner struggle that takes a toll on me physically, I stop and do something totally off-tangent, like cooking, aimlessly surfing the net or starting into space or out to sea (it helps to live by the water). Know that this discomfort happens to many of us and you are not alone, Erica 🙂
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. And yes, “commit” – I needed this now that I’m feeling the lack of energy and inspiration due to the demands of motherhood and building my art career in my 40’s. I have read your past posts and they truly resonated to me. Thank you. I know it’s never too late….
I’m glad the posts mean something to you. My biggest regret was not following through when I started earlier. I quit because of self-doubt and now I pretty much am starting all over again. It’s such an uncomfortable journey but it’s a journey definitely worth taking. You’re not alone 🙂
I don’t want to regret the paths I’ve taken before my current life now but sometimes I think I’m too old to start on my art career (if I do have!) at age 42! But then, we just have to be our own cheerleaders at times we need one to stay on this crazy journey that we love! 🙂 Happy weekend, Cherry.
Commit! I’ll be hollering this at myself from now on. Too often I honor my commitments to everyone but myself. Thanks for the reminder.
I have to dig up this word every so often because I, too, forget this for myself. 🙂
Fabulous post – thanks!
Love your description of starting out slow and then hurling it…lol
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Hi Robyn! Really grateful you appreciate the thoughts I share. Thank you so much 🙂
It’s truly a pleasure ?
Cherie –
I only realized you had a blog this week when I saw something you posted on Instagram. I LOVE your focus here, and feel like we are “on the same page.” 🙂 I totally identify with what you are saying about committing to the piece – I frequently work in layers and stages. Yesterday I went back to a piece that was done, months later felt not done, got a layer of paint, seemed done, then started to feel undone again recently. Yesterday I started layering in shapes in gel pen.
As I worked I did not feel at all sure whether it would turn out to please me in the end. I tend to work openly this way, without a plan, so that the journal often reflects the twists and turns, ups and downs, and growth of me personally. I don’t know if this page will end with this gel pen layer, or if it will get another coat of paint or layer of smoky gesso, I’m just along for the ride, trying to be patient and stay out of the way of what the art wants to do.
Your work is so precise, it’s fascinating to hear that you have similar experiences of having to accept “imperfection.” I love that you focus on that. Thanks for all you do and for letting your beautiful work out to the world.
Amy
Hi Amy! Yeah, can’t blame you since I haven’t blogged for almost a year. I’ve been so engrossed with IG that I failed to pay attention to my good ol’ faithful blog, which originally was a food blog (hence, Jar Of Salt). It’s only very recently that I learned to value the process in and of itself. Never did I think that people would one day perceive my work as precise as my lines are always crooked, my angles skewed and my circles lopsided. So I have always considered my work extremely messy. I’m really grateful you appreciate what I do. Thank you so much for the kindness and the vote of confidence. It truly brightened my day. 🙂
I <3 it!
Cherie, it's so damn true.
I wonder if this means I have to look at my box of over 100 WIP's and see them with a different pair of goggles. Hmmm?!?
<3
Pia
Hi Pia! Yes, it’s a very good strategy, to look at old work. And it’s one of my favourite time hacks, actually 🙂