Trust the Process:12/23

From the journal December 2023:

In the quiet moments, when the world fades and the noise of expectation falls away, there exists a voice within you—soft yet insistent. It whispers, "Create what makes you feel good." What a radical notion! To trust that instinct, to respond to that inner call for expression, is the very essence of art. This voice, however, is often drowned out by the cacophony of self-doubt and societal standards. It tells you that your art should look a certain way, adhere to unspoken rules, and fit within the narrow confines of what is deemed "acceptable." But what if we simply let that go? What if we chose instead to trust the process?

Art is not a race; it is a journey. It’s a winding path filled with detours and unexpected landscapes. When we fixate on perfection, we stifle our creativity with chains of comparison and judgment. The relentless pursuit of an idealized version of art can become a suffocating blanket, dampening our ability to express the raw, unfiltered beauty that lies within. The truth is, your art will flourish when you shift your focus from the destination to the journey, from the outcome to the process itself. 

Let me remind you: you are too close to your own work to see its beauty. You are an artist, yes, but you are also a human being—one who experiences emotions, dreams, and imperfections. Each brushstroke, every mark you make, is an extension of your experiences and preferences. It is a reflection of your own unique language. When you create, allow that language to flow freely, unencumbered by the weight of external expectations. Embrace the art that brings you joy, the art that makes you feel something deep within your core. Let go of the idea that there is a "right" way to create.

What holds many artists back is the fear of not measuring up—of not being good enough, of not fitting the mold of what is currently trending. But let me tell you, trends are fleeting. They come and go like the tide. What is considered "good" today may very well be forgotten tomorrow. Real art, on the other hand, is timeless. It is born from obsession, from a deep-seated need to create. It is what keeps you awake at night, swirling in your mind, begging for release. 

This is the kind of art that connects us. We need less of the voices that tell us how our art should look and more of the encouragement that implores us to explore how it could look if we believed in ourselves. Your art does not need to prove itself to anyone. It is a personal perception, an experience, an interpretation of the world that has value simply because it exists. 

Artwork that resonates is alive. It flows with acceptance, it moves with intention, and it dances with the joy of childhood bravery. As children, we create with wild abandon, untainted by the fear of judgment. Yet, as we grow, that bravery is often chipped away by society’s incessant messages that tell us we are not enough as we are. This internalized criticism seeps into our art, convincing us that unless it is perfect, it is not worthy. But let me assure you, your art is enough simply because it is yours.

Embrace the imperfect. Embrace the messiness of creation. Celebrate the process of art-making, even when it feels chaotic or uncertain. This is where the magic happens. It is in the moments of vulnerability, when you allow yourself to be seen, that your true artistic voice emerges. When you stop striving for perfection and instead honor the journey, you open yourself up to new possibilities and unexpected beauty.

So, I urge you: trust the process. Trust that voice that tells you to create from your heart, to pour your soul into your work, and to revel in the imperfections that make it uniquely yours. Let go of the need for validation, and instead, focus on the joy of creating. Allow your experiences to inform your art and watch as the layers of your identity unfold upon the canvas. 

In the end, it is the process—not the final product—that defines us as artists. It is the willingness to explore, to experiment, and to embrace our true selves that will lead us to profound revelations and deeper connections. Remember, the world needs your voice. It craves the authenticity that only you can provide. So, step boldly into your creative practice, and trust that the art you create will be better for it.