Written by Tammy Machmali
Art has been a part of my life ever since I can remember. From the age of four I would draw and paint without judgment. My hands would fly on the paper, like a bird free of its cage. I would try to come up with my own ideas without the fear of making mistakes or being perfect. Looking back at all my drawings, it seems I was most creative around ages 5 to 14, but I'm not sure why. Throughout my childhood I would draw whatever was on my mind, feeling joyous and free. I was free to create, without putting myself down, shaming or doubting my abilities. As time went on, I became more self conscious and fearful of being judged and criticized until I slowly created less and less. At one point I started creating and hiding my work as if it was a secret or a hidden treasure that could not be seen out of a fear of the opinions or reactions of others.
My family was artistic, but they treated it like a hobby. They did not believe that being an artist was a valid profession. My grandmother mastered the creative craft of sewing and would make lavish Persian carpets. She earned an income and supported her family with her art. Still, she did not respect a creative profession as much as she respected being a teacher, a lawyer, or a doctor. When I went to college, people constantly asked me what degree I was earning in the hopes that I would pursue something else. I finally started listening to the voice within and whole-heartedly pursued art as a young adult.
Accepting the Journey
When I started taking my art seriously and boldly understanding that I cannot stop creating was when I learned the importance of the journey. I knew when I grew up I wanted to be an artist and share my work with others but I never knew how, where or what I would do to keep a career. I tried other careers that I thought would be better like fashion design, esthetician, office manager, etc. but I couldn’t do it; my passion was not there.
No matter what we do that journey remains alive inside all of us. It will not sleep and it will not go away. It insists on being lived out. It is a non linear path. The ups and downs, the uncertainty, the unknown and the long hours. The pathways constantly change and evolve. It’s important to be able to see options no matter how uncomfortable or surprising. Every time I thought something scary or unexpected was coming my way, it turned out I was ready for change, but not the one I had carefully planned. This is how I learned that the artist’s journey is a non-linear road and yes, it's still worth it.
“An essential aspect of creativity is not being afraid to fail”
Creating a Healing Journey
At some point I started listening to the voices within. Today, I bake. I cook. I draw. I paint. I sew. I illustrate. I design note cards. I write. I love to create something out of nothing and put my personal stamp on it. I love the process and I love the final product. The creative arts keep my hands, heart, and mind busy, and sometimes I think they are the only things that keep me sane. And I’m not alone. The truth is that for years I used my creativity as a tool to relieve stress and decompress from everyday pressures. I used to paint to ease the pain, distract my mind, and soothe my soul. If you’re like me—and I suspect you are—you create too. I healed many past wounds and trauma with my art without knowing that I used creative art as a form of expressions, communications, and release. Keep creating and enjoy your self-journey. Take time to create and nurture your inner child so you can create better work.
The more people use their creative side, the more they matter in their given field. Creative talents are like muscles, so if we work out one passion a little every week, we become flexible, “athletic” professionals. Just keep improving and don’t give up.
It was helpful to me to read The Artist’s Journey by Steven Pressfield to understand my own journey.
Learning to accept that there are TWO versions of you.
Steven Pressfield describes the journey, struggles and inner battles that artists face in order to bring our art into the world .There is a whole other side to each artist. There is a bigger, greater you that is desperate to create, paint, play, speak and has magnificent qualities. The”first you” is the one that you think you are; the one who does your creative work, art, and participates in your daily life. And then there is the “second you.” Pressfield writes:
“Who is this self they seek to discover? It is none other than the “second you” — that wiser “you”, that true, pure, waterproof, self-propelled, self-contained “you.” Every work we produce as artists comes from this second “you.” Our first “you” is nothing but the vehicle that contains (and initially conceals) our real you”
Many artists have felt this before starting their artistic journey. Often artists feel that there is more to life than what we have currently seen, that they can do so much more, that they can create magic. And I agree. Initially artists aren’t sure how to get to that “second person” and we try to avoid the path that our soul says will lead us there.
The artist’s journey is a process that involves time, suffering, and learning to listen to the second voice that comes from the heart.
Listen to your heart and honor your journey
Eventually we start to discover the way to the artistic journey by exploring and listening to our soul. This is possible by honoring our journey and respecting ourselves. Treating our voices with extra gentleness and care. This is made possible by taking care of ourselves. Morning pages, meditations, walks or exercise help bring the creative sparks out and recharge our energy. Artist energy must be guarded like a valuable object. Be mindful and careful not to drain your energy on people or places that suck the air out of you.
I really recommend reading the book The Artist’s Journey. This book will help you understand why you are a creative person and why it is worth taking the risk and honoring the artist’s journey. For me it has led to a profound self-acceptance, self love, and understanding of my inner creator and being. I learned that the struggles that I go through in my creative journey are totally normal and I am OK.
Take chances and risks instead of giving up what you truly love. It is worth mastering the creative craft that you choose. Don’t let what others say or think about you dictate your life. Don’t let negative thoughts stop you from living a fulfilling, happy life -- one where you enjoy your journey and creative freedom.
Here is a poem by Christian D. Larson that helps me move on in days that I want to give up.
Promise Yourself
To be so strong that nothing
can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity
to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel
that there is something in them
To look at the sunny side of everything
and make your optimism come true.
To think only the best, to work only for the best,
and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past
and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times
and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,
and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world,
not in loud words but great deeds.
To live in faith that the whole world is on your side
so long as you are true to the best that is in you.”
― Christian D. Larson
Letting go of your expectations will help you practice and get better each time until you master your art. Enjoy and have fun in your own artist journey! I hope you enjoyed reading you got encouraged to give your best and go through it. When you make & share your art, PLEASE tag me on instagram @tammymachmali
