Sometimes, we only got a few minutes to work on something. We may not even be in our usual place where we have all our materials and the familiarity of surroundings. In fact, the particularity about this arising possibility to paint, or draw or make some notes feels awkward… it may not fit our criteria and expectations for what needs to be right for you to start working. You might think that something is ‘too difficult’ about the situation, e g. you have landed in an artmaking group where you believe that everybody is on a higher level (what is a higher level….?). You might feel insecure about starting because you have questions about what you will get out of if, if it is worth digging into this opportunity, or, if you might risk to increase your insecurities. I suggest you take the opportunity and get your markers in - even if you find that the situation is not perfect according to your usual intentions. Establishing or maintaining a regular arts practice is full of challenges. And, it is harder to get yourself used to working regularly when you have not yet developed this pattern of working. Every occasion that you grab to engage with the divers insecurities that artmaking presents is like a walk undertaken in an unfamiliar landscape. Even if you don’t manage to see all the sights and manoeuvre all the challenges on the ground, you will still reduce your unfamiliarity with the artmaking landscape, and replace areas labelled as “I don’t know” with “have some experience”. This will massively increase your believe in yourself. We gain confidence by having consciously navigated difficulties. So, put your markers in!!
