Feeling Pretty, or…

Why do we do this? Why do we paint our fingernails? Why do we want them long and pretty? When we paint our nails, we are trying to feel more feminine. We go to salons and pay a lot of money to make our nails amazing. Women and men get their nails done to feel […]

Trying new Media

What’s the worst thing that can happen? I love to try new mediums of art. It’s a blast to discover new ways of making something beautiful, while having fun doing it. Let me just emphasize the fun part! It’s about having fun, not what the results will be. When something turns out nice, all the […]

Creative Rebellion

“All will be well. What do you hope for? In fearful day, in raging night, with strong hearts full, our souls ignite, when all seems lost, in the war of light, look to the stars, for hope burns bright!” —Blue Lantern (DC Comics) I am an over-educated, arrogant, self-righteous Creative, who struggles with a few […]

Useless Art

What is Art for?

Emotions: I CAN/NOT

Whether I “Can” or “Cannot” really does not matter. Not if I’m talking about making art, or overcoming a debilitating CRPS or EDS flare up. I need to focus on what I “Can” do at that moment, and place my “Cannot” where it belongs. Problem is, it can be really hard. When I hear myself […]

The Creative Roller Coaster & the Sturdy Rock

Jana’s Sketchbook No. 8 Being an artist can be difficult. We artists endure a wider range of expression and experience than many. Our ups are higher than words can express, and our downs go deeper than we would ever wish for others. Add in a few loops and spiral turns and we just want the ride to stop. Does […]

Stuck Between the Past & the Future

I was at lunch recently with a friend and somehow we got on the subject of twin whirlpools. I had never heard of them. She mentioned that people kayaking experience them in rivers, and that the only way out of them is not the logical way out. One would think to paddle forward or across, […]

Clear the Way for Creativity

“Less is more.” > Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (The best design and art work is simple, straight to the point, has one concept, a single idea, is focused, etc.) I always start any project with my sketchbook. I immediately write, scribble, and/or doodle. I consciously try to let go to allow creativity to happen. […]

Step 1 for Creativity: Be Still

Be Still & Listen I have several creative projects going. These projects are things that I have been wanting to do, but haven’t. They are things that I know I should do, but haven’t. And, they are things I don’t even know I need to do yet. When I add these things to my already […]

Find Creative Freedom: Scribble

Many of us are bombarded daily with various levels of chaos. We may have a difficult time finding quiet, yet it is in the quiet, the calm, and the stillness that we can create. So, I scribble. I scribble without fear of judgement. Without fear of getting it right. I just scribble. I scibble to […]