Hi Friends,
I’m reading an excellent book titled Creating the Impossible by Michael Neill. It was recommended by artists Louise Fletcher and Alice Sheridan on their weekly Art Juice podcast. The book’s premise is that you can create anything you want in 90 days, through awareness, imagination, mindfulness and action.
Neill encourages us to dream big. Whatever it is that you want to create should be something that seems impossible.
I thought deciding what to do would be the easy part, but it’s not. You need to have a lot of excitement and enthusiasm for what you want in order for this to work. Neill says it should make you “gasp, grin or giggle.”
Do I want to sell more art? Have my work shown in blue chip galleries or museums? Be featured on the cover of Art in America magazine? Make a million dollars? While somewhat enticing, none of those things make me gasp, grin or giggle.
The best I’ve come up with so far is that I’d like to be able to create spectacular art. Jaw-dropping, eye-popping art. Art that takes your breath away. That seems like an ambitious, and maybe impossible, goal.
But then there’s the deeper, darker truth beneath that. I want people to love me for my art. I want to feel loved, as do we all, and I’m using my art to try and attain that feeling of love.
I’m pretty sure being loved for my art is an impossible goal, but probably not the type of thing Neill had in mind when he wrote the book. The problem is that love has to come from inside. Nothing outside of ourselves can give us that feeling of being loved.
If I can’t attain love from my art, I guess I’ll go with creating spectacular art. It’s second best, but it holds interest for me. I’ll see if I can step up my game, and create art that has more oomph, or maybe art that’s more deeply meaningful. Is it impossible? I don’t know, but I’m willing to try the experiment and see where it leads. And maybe Art in America will come around and show me some love after all!
What would you like to create that seems impossible.? I’d enjoy hearing your thoughts. You can share them with us in the comments section below.
With love and appreciation,
Cassandra
Painting at top: “Love is in the Air,” 24 x 30 inches, repurposed acrylic latex paint on canvas
My happy place is surrounding myself with art, making art a huge part of my world. God is one of my favorite artist and to take what he makes (a sunset, an ice storm) and capture that through art is wonderful. But starting is one of my downfalls, you help to keep me motivated and inspired. Keep up the great job!
Yes, starting is hard for me, too, Kim. Once I get started I’m OK, but getting myself out to the studio is the hardest part!
Opening my email and seeing your painting, “Love Is In The Air” was like breathing in fresh, spring air. What a lift to the spirits! I am nearly recovered from a cold but still in slow mode. Freezing temperatures outside have not been an inspiration to me. I will get the book. Thank you for your honest and inspiring post!
Thank you, Jean. Having a cold is no fun, and I’m glad you’re on the mend. Hope you enjoy the book!