Week 5: A Week of Extremes

The Artist's Way: (Link)

This week has been mentally difficult. Extreme swings of mood, and introspective isolation are something to be expected from practicing this book, and the morning pages sure do deliver what they promise. It's a worthy practice. 

Sometimes I limit myself because it’s so hard to believe that anyone could find my work appealing, or at best, purchase-worthy. The Artist’s Way is creating a path inwardly towards acceptance. Acceptance that I can work until I am masterful at something. I can be focused enough to be masterful in my artwork, then I can be focused enough to master my inner turmoil, and accept my own spirit. 

Week 5 is all about accepting that our limits are self-imposed due to the past experiences of life. Be they traumatic, or blissful, they all have shaped the person that we strive to be. We don’t paint that big painting because we’re scared it will be too hard, or it will look ugly. We don’t ask for a raise because we are scared of retribution, or we don’t ask out that person because we are afraid they’ll say no. My whole life I have been saying "fuck that" to that notion. EXCEPT for in my artwork. I have always been the “fuck that” guy when it comes to malevolent authority, and assholes in general. But, for some reason my artwork has always held this power over me that I could never see. I am starting to peel that away and I am coming for you Van Gogh! So say it with me when I say:
 
Well fuck that!
                             -Chris Potts

Do the shit you are holding yourself back from. Because in those moments of bliss, romance, and despair you will find your art. You will see what it is that the universe is and has been showing you, and you will connect to yourself.