In the past couple of weeks I’ve gone back to something that I love: I started painting again. Let me be clear, I don’t paint because I think I’m great at it. I have no intentions of showing, selling, or promoting my painting. I don’t do it because art is my highest calling. I do it for the creative outlet, I do it to simply make art. There’s something soothing to me about putting paint on a canvas. About being creative, without any expectation of the creation. Put even plainer: making art makes me happy, and I think it makes me better at all of the things (both creative and non-creative) that I do.
I’m a big fan of us all doing the things that make us happy; there’s something to be said for something that brings you joy and serves no other purpose. And I’m a fan of art for art’s sake. Being creative serves us in all ways, and not all art needs to be “art”. (More on this in more eloquent ways can be found in Elizabeth Gilbert’s book “Big Magic”). I believe that we all need a release, and this happens to be mine–having a place I can just create makes me a better actress, it makes me better at fashion, it makes me nicer. Throughout the week I try to allow myself places where I can just let go: the gym, living room dance parties, and art. As much as I love to see art, museums and matinees, making art is good for me. So, without expectation, without fear, I let myself paint.
Like you, the past few weeks have been many things: scary, overwhelming, and simply a lot. Turkey, Nice, Dallas, Alton Sterling, Philando Castle. It can leave us all feeling helpless and yearning for peace. I have no answers. But am a firm believer that love, joy and faith are the ways to heal. That we need, more than ever, to come together. I believe that art and creation can fight destruction. Do I think my simple ocean painting does anything? By itself, no. However, I think that being peaceful and joyful makes me a better person, and by being my best self I help others do the same. And I think that is powerful. So my encouragement? Let’s get out there and make art, whatever that means to you. Let’s be our best selves and love each other. Let’s give ourselves permission to make art, just to make something.
I’d love to know: what’s your creative release?
Wishing us all a week of creative joy and amazing shoes! XO RA
