Create, create, create!

I remember the first time I wrote a song on the piano. I’d been listening to The Cranberries and plunked out the chords to Zombie. As I played those base chords they changed and morphed and eventually became my first composition. That song was inspired by music that moved me and changed by what was within me. I kept going from there. More songs, more sounds, more lyrics. Lots were awful, or at least extreme diamonds in the rough, but every now and again a moment would come along where circumstance and melody merged to create something more. Those songs always seemed beyond me somehow. The more music I listened to that spoke to me, the more it made sense. It’s tapping in to what connects us. Shared life. Shared feelings. Shared suffering. Shared questions. Shared joy. When someone listens to a song and goes, “Yes, that’s it! That’s me. I get that.” I hope my songs are like that for someone.

My artwork is similar. My best work comes when I get out of the way. I’ve made a lot of garbage (ask my sculpture and illustration professors). I spent my college days trying to force something meaningful. The majority was nice but actually lacked connection. Every so often, however, I tapped into something “more”. I came away with something timeless, something that seemed beyond me. I’d step back and say, “No way I made that.” No way. But there it was and it was good. My painting professor told us art is more about showing up and being present in a moment. If you come away with something good, good. If not? You’re not poorer for having come and tried. My best personal works were when I just showed up and tried to be true to that moment. I keep trying to show up. Lately it’s been for other people’s moments (commissions) and I have loved that. I will post my commissioned work in the gallery and will be adding originals and prints to my store. Keep coming back to see what’s new!

So, what’s the takeaway? Create! Create whether anyone will see it or hear it. And if you have the chance to share it, do! Hopefully I can help and inspire you on that path.