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Free advice…no qualifications…great combo!

Occasionally I’m overcome with fear.

Some little demon of despair perches on my left shoulder, drags his fingertips across my heart and utters wicked things like, “You’ll never make anything interesting. This art of yours is nothing but a hobby and it shows.”

I try to suppress it, but it rises to the surface like bubbles of air in a tar pit.

The only way to overcome this smoky little demon (and the things he whispers in my ear) is to take him in my hands and turn his ugly little face toward the light.

Then I make something and try my very best with it. Sometimes I fail and sometimes I get it just right, but either way I have to try my very best. And everything is good practice.

I’m not good at giving advice and even worse at taking it but the best thing I know is to try not to let fear hold me back.

So be a brave soldier and carry on. Face it head on, dismantle it and reckon with it however you can.

It only feels malevolent. In reality it can’t hurt you because it’s imaginary in every way. 🙂

A cow parley seed head, common spindle branches and pages from an old dictionary fashioned into origami stars. Humble materials, good practice.

Comments: 14

  • December 3, 2012
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    blimey , gloom to encouragement in 60 seconds …. now thats fast !!!

  • December 3, 2012
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    I love your art, and your message, ’cause I’ve got a little devil like that on my shoulder too. You cleverly led us, through bits of word and picture, to a beautiful conclusion. Thanks!

  • December 3, 2012
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    Love that!! Beautiful and stars can almost always pull you out of the dark 🙂

  • December 3, 2012
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    Your arrangement is exquisite! No need for doubt, although I’m well acquainted with that little man too!
    Penny x

  • December 4, 2012
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    Nice post and so well timed. I needed to read this today.

    And I love the last photo with the shadows.

  • joyweesemoll

    December 4, 2012
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    Thanks for this! I needed this advice just now. Love the stars!

  • December 5, 2012
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    This blog post is so clever, Veronica. A perfect example of storyelling through pictures. Loved the recyclable materials. Your origami stars are perfect. Who needs Michael’s when you can do it yourself!

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