This Is Not What I Expected

Remember,

Don’t miss out on opportunities because they look different than what you envisioned. A huge part of being a creative is knowing beauty when you see it.

I have to remind myself that this blog is intended to be a place for me–a place for me to navigate this special segment of my life that I’m reserving for new creative endeavors. But sometimes I find myself thinking that other people may be wondering why I haven’t written here in a few weeks.

That’s my ego. I’d like to think someone is out there waiting, but they’re most definitely not.

The past month has been pretty amazing actually. I scaled back on my commissions by promising due dates that are easily attainable. I even can go a few days without painting for someone else! More importantly, this extra time has allowed me to focus on my family.

At the start of this project, I had a vision of what it would have in store for me. Frequent trips to the local art museum, hours of play with new types of paint, experiments in abstract art, late-night creating, and endless reading of books about other techniques and artists are among a few things I envisioned.

Looking back, how silly is was for me to presume I knew what would enter into that white space. Perhaps it comes from a need to control things. (I really should be over that by now, shouldn’t I?)

I guess my vision wasn’t too far off, other than I assumed I’d be learning new things from the comfort of my home studio. The White-Space Project had it’s own agenda, and in the time it takes me to say “Payne’s Grey is my favorite color,” I bought a building.

It’s taken me a few weeks to convince myself that, yes, I’m still honoring this project I started. In fact I’m REALLY honoring it at a level I hadn’t imagined. In a few short months, I’ll be opening Larson’s Art Shop & Studio in the sweetest little building in DeWitt, Iowa.

Am I scared? Yes.

Am I moving ahead regardless? Yes.

There’s no doubt in my mind that The White-Space Project is serving as my permission slip to honor my love of creating, learning, community and teaching.

Remember, things don’t always show up in the way we expect them to. Don’t miss out on opportunities because they look different than what you envisioned. A huge part of being a creative is knowing beauty when you see it.

May your eyes always be open,

Sharon