Embracing Yourself as an Artist

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Creative Living with Jamie Episode 278:
Embracing Yourself As An Artist

What would be different if finally you embraced yourself as an artist? What if there was a creative path that involved no gatekeepers, one that was just one decision away?

Take It to Your Journal

Here are some journal questions from today’s episode

  • What would happen if you fully embraced that have always been an artistic soul?
  • What were the signs that were always there that signaled you were creative at heart?
  • What will help you accept that you are an artist?
  • What will be different when you do?

Resources & Mentions

Transcript

Introduction

Welcome to Creative Living with Jamie. I’m your guide Jamie Ridler and on this podcast you and I are going to go on a great many adventures together. We’ll explore all aspects of what it means to live a creative life and we’ll embrace ourselves as artists. We’ll get curious, will wonder and we’ll follow inspiration. We’ll wrestle with tough questions and we’ll brave challenges and sometimes will ask our friends for help. Along the way we will discover our courage, our confidence, ourselves and one another. We’ll come to know our artistic hearts and from there we will create. And that’s when the magic happens.

Episode

Hey there! I wanted to start off this week by saying thank you to all the people who let me know they are so excited about the podcast coming back. I am thrilled to hear it and I’m so glad to be back too. Yay!

Now I mentioned in the new trailer that, at least for the first little while, it’s just going to be you and me. There are so many things that I want to share and I want to share them directly with you.

So let’s start at the very beginning. It’s a very good place to start.

OK corny, I know. I know. I know. But my mom loved the Sound of Music and so there we have it.

I think we should start by thinking a little bit about creative living, about what it means to live a creative life and to live as a creative and not only what it means, but also why it matters.

I’ve been coaching creative people for almost 20 years, and one of the things I’ve witnessed again and again is the great sense of freedom and relief that people experience when they just allow themselves to finally accept that they are creative by nature, when they just let themselves be.

What would happen if you fully embraced that you are and always have been an artistic soul?

Maybe that means you were always drawn to writing or painting or puppets or poetry. It might also mean you were sensitive to stories, that you noticed colours that you got lost in music. Maybe it means you love diving down rabbit holes and following your curiosity, always learning, always exploring. What does it mean to you?

What were the signs that were always there that signaled you were creative at heart?

Take some time to journal that out or find a supportive friend to talk it out. If you want to put me on pause and do it, put me on pause.

So many of us started out that way and then it seems that even though we had a creative spirit somewhere along the line, we got the message that art, whatever the medium, wasn’t for us, it was only for the “gifted”. It was only for the “talented” (Can you hear my air quotes?” It was only for the skinny ones or the pretty ones, or the teachers favourite.

As school became more and more focused on gaining a career, the arts continued to become less and less accessible.The gatekeepers became fiercer and fiercer along the way. The positions became fewer and fewer. Better to be smart and get an English degree or learn accounting or, well, pretty much anything else than pursue your art. Maybe, if you really insist on sticking with the arts you could be a teacher.

Another thing that sometimes happens is that we’re allowed some of the arts, but not all. It’s like it was OK for us to so, but not to sing. We could knit but forget about dancing. Chances are whenever we were allowed, it was because it was either useful, like you were making something practical like sewing your kids’ clothes, or it was play, something you did if you managed to have some free time, after you had done all the things you really needed to do.

But I want to tell you that there is a whole world in between. Society has really given us an extremely limited view of what it means to be creative, what art can mean in our lives and what it means to be an artist, to live a creative life.

The truth is there are millions of artists out there living in entirely different reality.

There are people out there dedicating their hearts and souls, their energy, their resources, their love, their passion, their creativity, their thought to putting on theatre, to singing in bars, to writing memoirs, to going on photo shoots to mastering an instrument, to painting up a storm, to learning carpentry.

Their work matters in a deep and profound way.

It is how they express their spirit in the world. Art, in whatever form, is how they understand themselves and how they relate to the world. It’s what they’re called to do, and they answer whether they’re paid for it or not. Whether anyone else gets it or not, they build a body of work that comes out of their very heart. They show up and learn and revel and struggle and create because it is who they are, because it is what they do.

This is available to you.

Giving your time, your effort, your resources to art because it calls you is a valid and meaningful creative path. I call it the path of devotion. Maybe you’re on it already. Maybe the idea is new to you.

Consider the thought: What if there is a deep and meaningful path for you and your art that has no gatekeepers?

That is one decision away, the decision to declare that you are an artist and making your work matters.

I’ll leave you with that thought, but just before I go, I want to give you a little bit of studio news.

Studio News

We’re just about coming up to spring and that means it’s time for the Spring studio yearbook. The yearbook is a fill in the blank creative journal designed to help you bring your creativity to life this season. You’ll learn to look for inspiration, acknowledge your achievements and bring powerful focus to the way you spend your days. You’ll tune into the rhythms of the season and you’ll dream under the full moon.

This simple journal holds all the practices I have personally followed to build and live my creative life. I know it will support you in creating yours. Check it out over it openthedoor.ca.

One Last Thing

OK, one last thing before I go, I’m going to leave you with a quote to noodle on. It’s from Anne Truitt’s wonderful memoir Daybook: “I’m not sure that I can grow as an artist until I can bring myself to accept that I am one.”

So gentle listener, what will help you accept that you too are an artist. What will be different from the moment you do? Have a beautiful week in your studio and remember, your life is your studio. I’ll see you next time.

Is Making Art Worth the Time?

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When I was a little girl, I was blessed with a creative mom who believed in the magic of art and art supplies. I grew up in an environment of books, puppets, paints, maracas, markers and construction paper. Even so, sometimes my mom’s approach would shut me down, like the time I proudly showed her some drawings and she said, “That was too fast. Real art takes time.”

Real art takes time.

What a terrifying thought.

Now before I go further, let me say that as an adult it occurred to me that what my mom really meant was, “Jamie, I literally just set you up to do some drawing. How can you be finished already? Do more! Take longer! I have my own things to do!” But at the time, I just felt shot down and confronted with the concepts of ‘real art’ and ‘time’.

I think time may be one of the things that confounds us creatives the most. There’s never enough of it and knowing that, we sink into a panic about whether we’ll ever make the work we want to create in this lifetime.The problem is that the worry slows us down – even paralyzes us at times.

Time is so limited we look for guarantees.

We don’t want to start unless we know we can finish – better yet, if we know we can finish and the work will be good. And not only good but good enough that other people will love it. Even better, other people will love it so much they’ll pay for it and then we will finally know that time invested in making art was worth it

Is making your art worth the time if it doesn’t make money?
Is making your art worth the time if other people don’t appreciate it?
Is making your art worth the time if sometimes even you don’t like it?
Is making your art worth it if you run out of time before completing every project?

When is art-making worth it?

My answer is, “Always.”

I have dozens of projects I want to bring to you in the studio and 5 books so real that I can call them by name. It’s hard to make some wait in line while I work on others but I know that’s the way for me to make progress. I have no idea how many of these projects I will be able to bring into being during my lifetime, nor do I know how any of them will be received. All I know is that I will use the time I have to create what I can. I hope you’ll do the same.

Be Your Own Best Teacher

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As a creative coach, I have heard so many stories from people being shut down by their teachers. Writing teachers who were dismissive. Art teachers that gave no instruction. Body-shaming dance teachers. Impatient music teachers. Acting teachers that overlooked all but a few.

Some of us have walked with those art wounds for decades!

I want to share an approach to healing but first let me acknowledge the tremendous blessings of good teachers. The ones that see us. The ones that impart knowledge and transfer skills. The ones that inspire us to follow our instincts and to keep going even when the learning is tough. Here’s to the encouragers, the believers and the mentors and the difference they make in our lives.

To this day my dance teacher, Marjorie, informs the way I show up in the studio every single day. That’s how I know that we can show up for ourselves as good teachers. We can be the best teacher for our wounded artist selves.

When someone’s approach knocked you down or left you out, what were you aching for? What did your budding artist need? How can you give yourself that today?

So often we repeat the harmful behaviours of our teachers, as though we are caught in a loop. We are our own worst critique. Our self-talk is judgmental and mean. We deprive ourselves of creative resources or stick to shabby supplies because our ‘hobby’ is not worthy of investment. In contrast, we might invest in the ‘talent’ of a loved one (often our child) because we find it easier to believe in them than in ourselves. We are being supportive but we are also perpetuating the idea that only a few are chosen.

Let’s do it differently

Let’s learn to be good teachers to ourselves.

Replace the embedded self-criticism and harsh self-talk with the loving and encouraging words you longed to hear. Write your artist self a supportive letter so you can read it again and again. Record a message of love and belief in yourself. Pile on the praise for what you are proud of. Put your art on the fridge.

Protect your sweet creative soul against the naysayers, the haters, the critics and the gatekeepers. Don’t let them define you, your creative work or your potential. As you dance or draw or film or sculpt or bake or make your jewellery, decide that it is worthy of your time, your love, your heart, your effort, your investment and your attention.

And when you feel strong and sturdy, look for teachers and resources that will help you grow your gifts. So often we stop the healing process at allowing ourselves to ‘play’. We do this because we believe that as long as we’re not trying to be skilled, we are outside the realm of judgment and are therefore safe. Playing is awesome and also, you deserve to learn, my love. You deserve to learn how to play your guitar, to read music, to throw pots, to use a sewing machine, to draw in perspective, to mix colours, to knit cables, to use your camera – whatever it is that would grow your creative capacity so there is more and more room for you to pour your artist’s heart in. These are just skills to be learned – and you can learn them.

When you become a loving and encouraging teacher to yourself, your artist’s heart will heal and your potential will at long last be revealed.

Over 50 Ways to Lift Your Spirits

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I’m pretty sure I’m not alone when I say that things have felt heavy for quite a long time. This week I realized just how many of my strategies for tough times are about easing down and settling in, especially during winter, but right now my spirit craves some lightness!

I’m not talking about stepping over the hard stuff or our big feelings. I’m talking about rising out of the muck long enough to shake off what doesn’t need to be there. I’m talking about giving our spirits a chance to remember exuberance and joie de vivre.

I started gathering a list of the kinds of things that lift me up and then I invited people on social media* to do the same. So this week I have for you…

A List for Lifting Your Spirits!

  • Fresh air, dancing, having a shower, changing the sheets, eating fruit, tidying my desk, beautiful scents, sunshine, kids books (Jamie)
  • Fresh flowers, singing, swinging on a swing, being on the edge of any body of water (Brittany)
  • Walking to my studio and being mindful (Joy)
  • I enjoy watching birds at the feeder. If you don’t have a feeder there is actually YouTube videos showing bird feeders. My cat likes to watch those. (Cheryl)
  • Flowers and deep, beautiful fragrances. Coffee and in-person convo with friends who share belly laughs (Ozarkmamaw)
  • Lavender, escapism through books, old films, and deconstructing music, folks like Jamie Ridler. (Heather) (Thanks, Heather!)
  • Music, just fixing coffee for me and my hubby, and retro shows, and this week just playing in my planner-journal-sketchbook with stickers and watercolor and making collages with old and new photos. (Mayte)
  • My favorite candle, flowers, music, painting, taking a walk and observing nature. (Kristen)
  • Bird song always, fresh flowers, a lovely scented candle and just sitting still for a few moments (Linda)
  • Good books (Carol)
  • Tea, puppy snuggles, doodling and bopping around the house to bad 80’s dance tunes. (Lynne)
  • Lighting a candle as the sun slips away, flowers in the winter and walks in the snow (when it is not TOO cold) Watching my dog romp and play in snow drifts and cozy evenings by the fire. (Susan)
  • Seeing new puppies on my walk around the city. (Ellen)
  • Cooking (new and favourite things), singing and writing songs , knitting and crocheting, splitting firewood, shoveling snow, talking with friends on the phone, dancing (Alex)
  • Squirrel gazing (jlightmuse)
  • Journaling, feel good movies, good comedy movies or videos, coloring, decluttering, a hot cup of tea and a small but decedent dessert. (Angela)
  • Lighting candles, moisturizing, taking pictures, sitting in the sun, clearing the kitchen sink, opening the windows. (Tracey)
  • I like to wash dishes and tidy the kitchen (My wife likes that I do this, so I also earn major brownie points). I find it very calming. We have a regular schedule taking the dog outside, which in cold weather is something I love, and Sam seems to love too. Sometimes I’m in the here & now with Sam & the air, sometimes lost in memories. But walking a dog has always been a source of a natural high for me. (Leslie)
  • Quiet morning with my Bible and journal, bath and a novel, catnap, chopping veggies for a soup or salad, FaceTime with my granddaughter, a short walk if it’s not below zero, jigsaw puzzle, and a piece of dark chocolate (Artsyfaithchic)
  • Doing something for someone else. (Pamela)
  • My greatest joy is that a family of magpies have moved into my neighborhood. They bring me great joy and use my bird bath during the day. (Susan)
  • Dancing around my apartment to Kate Bush. (Kate)
  • A few of mine are walking by the ocean, dancing around the house to my favorite music, and watching silly cat videos on IG.(Cathy)
  • Birdsong, vibrant colors, fun designs, fashion, playing music on my piano, walking and listening to Art Juice podcast, prayer/meditation, drawing/cartooning. (Dawn)
  • Singing, walking in the woods, the smell of pine trees in the sun, laughing, good movies, soundtracks, lavender, getting lost in my art, anything by James Horner, Star Trek (new ones), Downton Abbey, Love Actually, Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, Big, 300. Hugs from my kids. (Sarah)
  • Walking outdoors. Painting. Reading. Puttering. (Hiro)
  • Reading a good book in my comfy bed, playing with my granddaughter, painting and art making, getting outside, hanging with my chickens, cuddling with my dog, and watching birds.(Susan M)
  • Snow! Cuddles from my pug! Good Chocolate! Hugs! (Amy-Lynn)
  • I agree with those who said birdsong is uplifting. Also walks in the woods and songs from my teen years like Lucky Star by Madonna. (Amy)
  • Doing anything creative. Being with young children or Dogs. Swimming. Music. Podcasts . Feel good movies. (Angella)
  • As for simple things that lift my spirits, I’ll add that watching the hummingbirds at our feeder is wonderful, even when some of them are running off the other birds to keep the nectar all to themselves! A walk through my local nursery is also a wonderful way to be in nature, if a botanical garden isn’t close by. (Monicathecreativebeast)
  • Snowshoeing on a bed of fresh snow. (Jeanne)
  • Skate skiing in the winter, riding my bike in the non winter months. I need to do more of these. They make me feel child like again. I will skate ski this weekend! (Suzanne)
  • Journaling, walking with my dog in nature, gratitude practice (including with our teen boys around the dinner table each night), date nights with my honey. (Lynda)
  • Music

I hope this adds to your repertoire of goodness. I found that just reading these musings soothed my soul! I hope they do the same for you. Let’s keep embracing what uplifts us and, as we do, keep lifting one another up too.

Returning to the Studio

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I’m back in the Studio! Last week I tiptoed in gently. Did a little tidy up. Caught up on correspondence. Lit the fire, so to speak. And I remembered how much I love my work.

When I left my PhD in drama incomplete, I had no idea what was next. I couldn’t have envisioned the creative coaching work I do or the online courses I teach because those things literally did not exist!

When I went to my perfectly fine day job, I didn’t imagine that one day I would be running my own business, helping people reunite with their creative spirit. I just went to work knowing my soul was struggling and there had to be ‘more’.

I want you to know that just because you can’t name what you want or see where you’re going doesn’t mean that something amazing isn’t ahead.

My journey started by my recognizing three things that had always been with me: the arts, a love of people and a tendency to do my own thing.

Then I found coaching and said yes.
Then I found blogging and dove in.
Then I began working with clients.
Then I braved teaching a class.

Now I run a successful online creative studio with coaching, classes and content that has made a difference in the lives of thousands of people around the world!

I am in the right place doing the right thing even though I had no idea where I was going for most of the journey.

Even if you don’t know where you are going, you can get there from here.

What do you love? What has always been with you? What brave action will you take next?

There are all kinds of creatives. Which are you?

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After almost 20 years of coaching creatives, I can tell you that there is no singular artistic ‘type’. We are not all flakey or flamboyant. We’re not all boho or beautiful or snobby or dramatic.

Artists can…

be left-brained or right-brained
be introverts or extroverts
be messy or meticulous
be dreamy or pragmatic
be shy or outgoing
be slapdash or perfectionists
be any age
be intense or laidback
be moody or even-tempered
be decadent or moderate
be pretentious or down-to-earth
be broke or wealthy
be sensitive or thick-skinned
be eccentric or conventional
be show-offs or recluses
be minimalist or maximalists
love nature or the city
love beauty or the ugly
love harmony or disruption
love to shock or to soothe
wear bright colours or black
thrive on stage or behind the scenes
make a living with art or never sell a thing.

Artists are any and all of these things and everything in between.

What matters is that you embrace the way the creative spirit shows up in you. If you are an outgoing urban 72-year-old who couldn’t give a damn what other’s think – bring that to your art. If you’re a sensitive nature lover with a pragmatic bent, bring that to your art. If your left-brain loves order, pattern and predictability – bring that to your art.

One of the greatest gifts of art is that whoever we are, whatever we love, art can hold it all.

Don’t listen to any limitations the world offers about being an artist. Be who you are. Love what you love. Create what’s in your heart.

Everything I do here in the studio is to support you in doing just that. In Devotion, you’ll embrace your artistic identity and immerse yourself in your artwork. With the Studio Yearbook, you’ll develop creative practices that will help you discover and awaken the creative you truly are. And in our year-end Planning Day, you’ll dance between structure and flexibility to design a 2022 that fits just right for you and your priorities.

I’ve spent a lifetime finding and embracing my own creative ways and have built a career helping others do the same. There is nothing more beautiful to me in this world than each of us showing up and sharing exactly who we are.

I celebrate the artist in you!