Getting Started Can Be The Biggest Hurdle

Sketch book drawing of Dove in a creative pursuit

There is no getting past it, it can be very difficult to begin the creative act.  It can be like trying to get an old car started on a extra cold day in a Michigan February.  You sit there with the key turned, and the engine just goes Ra,Ra,Ra,Ra..... for awhile until it really kicks over and begins to warm up.  It takes a measure of determination and sheer will to get the thing going.

Creating a pattern can help people get out of artist block. Making a ritual for your self, say from 10-12AM every Wednesday and Friday morning for the next two month you set aside to make paintings.  You might surprise yourself with what you are able to create in those two months.  Ritual is a big one for me because I have found it works.  For example, pretty much every day from 6-7AM I am working with music in some capacity.  Everyday that time comes around and that is what I do and after awhile the new songs begin to pile up. There may be times later in the day I pick up my guitar but that time slot in the morning is a non-negotiable.

It would be interesting to hear ways you have found that help you keep moving along in your creative journey.

Slow It Down Tasha Style

"Nowadays, people are so jeezled up. If they took some chamomile tea and spent more time rocking on the porch in the evening, listening to the liquid song of the hermit thrush, they might enjoy life more."

Tasha Tudor

Doing What You Love Is Loving Yourself

I have found a new blog called Swissmiss created by Tina Roth Eisenburg who was born in Switzerland and now lives in NYC.  She is an amazing creative force and mother of two young children who takes family life very seriously.  Watch her TYPO talk video made available here and have a vitamin drink for you creative soul.

Small Is The New Big

Painting by Brenda Beerhorst see more here.

Small is the New Big

Wednesday, February 22nd, 5:30 PM

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012
Networking Time: 5:30pm
Panel Discussion: 6:15pm
Location: San Chez Banquet Space (3rd Floor) (Google Maps) (Bing Maps)

Register Now!

Taking ideas beyond startup and into the messy middle

Let’s face it anyone can create a startup, but who can really pull it through the difficult years. How does one take their idea beyond infancy into adolescence?

We’ve all heard the buzz on crowd funding, social entrepreneurship, Etsy, Kickstarter and 5X5 Night. How’s someone with the idea, a lot of passion, grit, some duct tape – but not a lot of money – get traction and make an impact?

Join us as we hear from these resourceful players who solidly work to make their businesses thrive. They may be small but they’re the ones who are poised to bring real change to the economy. Whether you’re just starting out or are muddling through the messy middle, come listen to success stories.

Featured Panelists

Brian Kelly of Brian Kelly Photography
Rick Beerhorst, Artist and musician – StudioBeerhost
Abbey Fowler, Owner – 6.25 Paper Studio
Mike Morin, Momentum-mentor, Entrepreneur – PomStudios
Ryan Knapp, Founder – MadCap Coffee
Remos Lenio – Hartwick Capital

Moderated By

Panel moderated by Bill Holsinger-Robinson

Register Now!

The Pure Pleasure Of Sketch Books

(These images are all out takes from a few sketch books of mine overe the last few years.)

Carrying a sketch book around with me at all times is a habit I fall in and out of.  I feel my best when I can draw where ever I am at the present moment. Lately I like the moleskin books for the way they feel. The paper is nice and sturdy but does not take water color so well. They have a water color paper sketch book that I have ordered but has not arrived yet.

I have been keeping these little sketch books in my pockets for the last twelve years or so.  I began doing this when I was teaching an art course for non art majors at Calvin College.  I had my students keeping a sketchbook and I decided I would do it as well.  I have been at it ever since. 

One of the best things about these little books is that they are just for me.  I am not creating them to be exhibited of published so there is no pressure to perform for anyone.  It is a lot like drawing was when I was a child. Just drawing for the pure pleasure of it.