create something new every day

I’m starting right away with a polymer clay project. I do my best work at night, so projects will be started between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. and completed, then photographed after midnight. For large projects, I will post my progress, to show the parts I have completed that day. I will post my first creation October 13th, 2009. I chose this date because October is my favorite month, 13 is my favorite number, and fall is a great time to settle in to a warm spot and create.

I have many reasons for choosing this goal.

My first reason: I have not created anything in months, and fine arts and crafts are my passion. I feel like part of me is missing at the moment, and want very much to have it back.

Secondly, I am sort of a jill-of-all-trades. If it has to do with art, then I’ve probably tried it, or have solid plans to do so in the future. I’ve tried many things, but have not fully mastered a single venue. I have strong skills in vector illustration, sculpting in polymer clay, and jewelry design. I will be focusing on these throughout the year, while working on my photography skills in order to showcase my creations.

Thirdly, and perhaps the most important reason, especially during this episode of my life; Art is therapy. I feel better about myself when I create. I can take my mind off the chronic pain that I experience, for short periods of time. I can better focus my moods and emotions. Also, something I am very excited about; I will be creating a record of my days, in a way that my memory can no longer. This goal will make me a more grounded, more confident person then I am now, and through it I will endeavor to transform myself into something better.

just do it

A guilty conscience needs to confess. A work of art is a confession. – Albert Camus

I had an idea a while back when I happened upon an old guitar in the garage -

Go to flea markets, farmer’s markets, yard sales, etc., and buy up old acoustic guitars – no matter how old and busted they are. Then take ‘em home, sand the finish off, and paint them with all sorts of designs and stuff. Maybe even paint the WHOLE THING – neck, frets, and all. Maybe even RESTRING them, and then PAINT THE STRINGS! (Might not wanna use actual guitar strings for that, though. Maybe fishing line?)

Anyway, that’s my new idea. When I can get my hands on some income, I’m gonna try it.

Make.

Make words on paper. Make words on screen. Make words rhyme (but not all the time). Make words form phrases and clauses to form sentences to form paragraphs to form chapters to form stories. Make words that no one has ever made before. Make lines on paper. Make colors on paper. Make lines and colors form pictures. Make shapes. Make forms. Make sounds. Make sounds form chords and melodies. Make chords and melodies into songs. Make music. Make noise.

Make people laugh. Make people cry. Make people think. Make people dance. Make people want to make their own things, too. Make people wonder what the hell you’re doing. Make the neighbors call the cops.

Make it happen.

Every day.