I know several artists who've done some pretty amazing stuff in the past. Just search #InkTober on Facebook or Instagram for a visual treat! I think I found the idea intimidating - both to commit to producing some art every day, and to be able to produce something 'worthy'. Worthy of what, exactly? Some misguided perfectionism and judgement?
You know, I am blessed to be able to teach the Zentangle® Method to wonderful folks, who sometimes claim they don't have a creative bone in their bodies. I tell them that I believe we are all creative. That being able to create something, just for the sake of creating, is what sets humans apart from other animals. I tell them I believe all children are 'artists', and that somehow we lose that confidence in our ability to create, as we grow older. That I believe every time you try, you get better. And I'm not just giving them a spiel...I do believe that about each and every one of them. But if I truly believed that - to my core - wouldn't I believe that about myself too?
So this year, I decided that I will participate in InkTober. And that I will be gentle with myself. I may not get a drawing done every day for 31 days, and that will be okay. The art I do get done may not be perfect, but it will be worthy. Worthy of the time I take to get in touch with the creator in me and practice my art.
These are my ink drawings for the first seven days
