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Perfectionism and Creativity

4/26/2017

6 Comments

 
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This wont be the first time I've mentioned perfectionism, idealism or managing imperfections in art, and I can assure you it is unlikely to be the last. Because it's an important subject. It's (and I think it's safe to assume this is true for most) one of the most prevalent acts of any artist... to judge our own work against an unattainable "ideal". But I say this: perfectionism is the business of gods, not artists.

That sounds rather cosmically bold, I know, but when we release ourselves from the bonds of perfectionism we allow ourselves the opportunity to discover possibility. You see that picture up there? Every mistake displayed in that work tried its hardest to embed itself into the shadowy subconscious of my self-doubt. Tried, and failed.

Because, ultimately, each misplaced wire, each gap in the weave, each kink in a curve is part of my process... of discovering something new, telling my story, weaving a wonderfully imperfect tale.
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Perfectionism is boring. It's the story without the characters... all the flawed, refreshing noise that breathes life to the plot.

In art, is it important to know your tools and how they interact with the medium? Sure. Is it a practical step towards creative growth to fill your toolbox with established technique? You betcha. That's part of the process, ultimately, to learn the rules and when to break them. To refuse to be swallowed up by the extreme standards we set for ourselves. To acknowledge the "standard" and then dismiss it for a story a little more revealing.

Is perfectionism paralyzing your creative flow? Don't identify with the details, but with the the whole. What were you feeling when you began the project? How did that factor into the resultant work? Take a moment, and I admit this is difficult, but take a moment and really digest what your purpose was when creating that last imperfect piece.

Because it is imperfect.

And that's okay. Because it's also beautiful. And real. And complete. All things that represent a journey taken and finished. Each piece of art a page from our book.

Now how do you think a "perfect" story would read? I'm afraid I wouldn't know... as I've never been interested enough to read one. I'll stick with the stories full of characters a little crooked, and a lot more attractive.

6 Comments
Brenda
5/2/2017 01:14:58 pm

So true, I have other people look at my work and love it and I look at it find the mistakes , I'm working on not criticizing or comparing my work with others it's so hard as I am a protectionist on what I do but , when it comes to others not, I can be my on worst enemy that way.

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Wendy
5/2/2017 04:51:35 pm

You asked about what I see in the picture you posted of the project you did and then answered your own question with every doubt and mistake worming its way into your esteem. I hit the floor. What I saw is everything I aspire to be, to make, to create, to imagine and do. I saw something I would be honored to own, show off and brag. I saw beauty created from a thought form, brought forth by energy, talent, and love, and presented to the rest of us for inspiration and to make the world just a tad more beautiful....mistakes indeed. It is what it is supposed to be. So there is a cyber-hug from me to you and I mean every word.

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Lois Demers
5/3/2017 07:42:28 pm

Thanks Nicole, for making me feel a lot better. I will say no more :)

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Sara link
6/22/2017 02:33:50 am

You are so clever :D I love you blog

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Grace Blevins link
8/1/2017 01:12:57 pm

Your so awesome! I for one, Just want to thank you!

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Connie
2/7/2018 10:58:41 pm

I'm so glad you have your TREASURE HUNT each month. Not necessarily for the tutorial, but for 'making" me go look for it ... and re-reading many of your articles and blogs.

Sadly, I AM a perfectionist, which has been a horrible thing in my life. Sometimes it leads me to truly pick up my game ... and other times, I just give up and do nothing.

For a few years now I have been in the "do nothing" phase. Physical issues (2 fights with cancer, RA, 5 ruptured discs, blah blah blah) have worn me down. In 2010, I decided I wasn't going to let all my issues stop me from gong for my dream of becoming an ASL Interpreter.

HA! Five months -- and many thousands of dollars later -- I did have to give up my life-long dream. It has been more destructive than if I'd not tried to go back. Yes, back. I'd been to that same University twice before, yet cancer decided I wasn't going to finish those two times. So, the third time, I was so determined.

There was no way I could sit in the chair. Drive an hour each way to classes. Get TO the classes on campus -- or focus, due to "chemo brain."

Perfectionism is a curse. One I know can make people push through and get what needs to be done DONE. Or, one can realize that perfectionism isn't a healthy mind-set, and realize that what you CAN do often is better than you think.

With luck, maybe THIS year, I'll actually accomplish something worthwhile. And try not to be so self-judgemental.

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  • Home
  • Blog
  • Gallery
  • Learn To Wire Wrap
    • PDF Tutorials
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    • Tutorial Membership 2022
  • Shop
    • SIGNATURE COLLECTION
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    • PDF Tutorials >
      • Beginner Wire Weaving
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