I found this quote tonight by Henri Matisse and it sums it up nicely don’t you think?  I took a class with Wyanne last year and you know those little voices that say to us ” who do you think you are?”   “No one’s going to buy this!”  “Why would anyone want to see your art?”   “You’ll never be successful so why even bother?”  and so forth?  Well, she calls them ugliators   Some call them their demons, others their conscience or monsters…   I don’t really have a name for ‘them’ but I can certainly put my hand up and say that I’ve had those thoughts many times over!  In fact – they are the very reason I never gave much credence to my art until only two years ago – I mean, c’mon why should I even bother?  Why indeed…  There are a million zillion trillion artists in the world, and really, does the world need another one?  And it’s not like I’m going to be another Matisse is it?!!!  Yes, I know those thoughts well!…

Fast-forward two years and I’m glad I made it over that road bump!  I’m starting to understand that it’s not about meeting everyone elses needs is it?  About being something new and exciting, the next big thing or famous.   It’s about responding courageously.  It’s about acknowledging the ‘ugliators’ but choosing to ignore them anyway.  Flying in the face of fear!  Grabbing some paint and attacking a white canvas even if you have no idea what you are doing, or where it is heading, but trusting in your heart and soul and unique gift that you have everything you need for the journey right within…

In the words of Vincent VanGogh  ”if you hear a voice within you say “you cannot paint” then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced” So take heart, have courage and silence your inner critic today.  It’s as difficult and as easy as that.

X Donna