Traveling without a map
Has the question “What the h… am I doing?” ever popped into your mind while painting?
Yes?
I am very happy for you, although I know asking yourself this question doesn’t feel comfortable.
So why am I happy for you? Why do I think you should be thankful each time this occurs?
Cause this question is a sign that says you are entering unknown territory. Your creative journey (regardless of the stage) leads you through known and unknown territory.
Known parts feel comfortable. You head straight toward your destination and follow the map you have drawn before. You are self-confident and in charge, the master of the game. Cool.
What about unknown territory?
When you enter it, you don’t know your next creative destination yet (this is already strange enough, isn’t it?). And you don’t possess a map of this territory, so you could feel a bit lost. Scary? It can be.
It may sound strange, but your creativity thrives each time you let yourself enter unknown territory and explore it.
It feels awkward at first. No destination, no deadline, just some sort of curiosity. So you play with what’s at hand and explore…
And suddenly, everything falls into the right place. As if you had had a map all this time.
And THAT is exciting!
That is when you discover and create something new.