The One Thing That Stops Forward Motion...

Staring at a task before you, searching where to even begin so a challenge we all face. Today’s Blog post explores ways to get moving.

At the root of most of our Fears is the never ending voice of Self Doubt...

• I’m not good enough
• I’m my biggest roadblock
• I don’t trust myself when it comes to creating a ‘good’ composition
• I don’t trust myself enough to paint authentically
• I lack confidence
• I fear being judged negatively

Self doubt is a central issue for all of us. It stops us in our journey. It causes us to turn away from our dreams, wishes and life purpose. As an artist I face that challenge every-time I stare into a blank canvas or a pristine piece of paper. It screams at me that I am not an artist, That I have no formal training in art. What makes me think I can do this.
​
Beginning is the answer.

Taking that first step. One of the best suggestions I have ever received in overcoming the challenges of starting, was to get some type of mark on the paper/canvas

• Pick up a pencil, crayon marker, anything that will leave a mark on the surface and scribble. Lay down marks all over the canvas.
• Write down a favorite quote or scripture on the paper/canvas.
• Create a list of positive words on the blank screen before you.

All of these acts allow you to go from nothing (blank canvas staring back at you) to having begun. It is in taking that first step that breaks down all of those voices in our heads (the internalized voices of parents, siblings, friends, teachers and others). The voice in your head is now yours. You have started and in doing so those voices are on their way to being silenced.

Both of these two images began through the process of Mark Making. I try to allow some of my starting marks to show through the final piece. If I become stuck during the process,
I will go back into the painting and add more marks. This releases the energy needed to move forward.

​Happy Creating!

​Suzzanna Frank
1310 Pendleton Street
Studio 606
Cincinnati, Ohio
859-472-4820
www.suzzannafrank.com

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