Don't Give Up!

"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just
one more time."

Thomas A. Edison

There are plenty of moments of dissatisfaction in my creative process. I've started many projects, then abandoned them entirely. I've finished projects and regretted the choices made during construction. I'll admit it... I have thrown away, in fits of frustrated rage, entire pieces that were simply not meeting my expectations, pieces so disgusting to my aesthetic that I couldn't even be bothered to salvage the parts. Oh yes... those are dark moments in the world of an artist, and I've experienced my fair share.

I'd hazard a guess you have as well. And, though it may seem the obvious thing to say, I'm here to tell you to persevere! I know, I know... insert eye roll here, right? I get it. I totally get it. There's nothing worse during those dark moments than the typical cliche! But sometimes, every cliche has its purpose.

See that bracelet up there? I almost threw it away. It was just a knitted bangle and a butterfly, and I felt like it was totally empty of my passion. It sat in a box for four weeks while I contemplated its fate with a grim belief I'd ruined it forever, or something equally dramatic. I took it apart, had to re-cut and re-file and re-finish. I created an entirely new focal, and used the butterfly as an accent. I worked it until I was satisfied that it was an honest representation of my creative voice. And now, thanks to the additional work, thanks to my perseverance, I love this piece. It was born from a place of dissatisfaction, but became an example of what it means to move forward, despite obstacles.

So, don't give up on your work, on your passion, or your voice. Don't make those same rash decisions I've made, and toss work out of frustration and dissatisfaction. Just consider it a pause on the path to completion, step away and give it time to breathe. Give yourself time to determine its destiny. I promise, you'll find it.