how to become an artist Archives

Dear Wonderful, Creative You:

Can you tell I’m super excited to share this post with you? I always say I’m more excited about my current post than ever before, I know. But even though I say this every time, it’s true. Isn’t that the way it should be? Shouldn’t you be in love with each new creation you bring to life? Isn’t that a great way to honor the creative energy flowing through you?

This blog is the coolest outlet for me. I get to inspire and empower other artists to make art, learn new creative skills, and share other artist’s insights about art making – and it’s my job. It’s pretty cool, right? Well today, I’m brining you a wonderfully inspiring interview with Roxanne Coble of http://bybun.com.

I’m not exactly sure when I became aware of Roxanne Coble and her amazing art, because the minute I did, it felt so familiar, like I’d known it all along. (You’ll see I referenced her in my post on artists who inspire me last year.) I think it’s Roxanne’s authentic, emotionally-open style that breeds that sense of familiarity. Invite you to listen in on our conversation about art, having the courage to create and express, and how she uses art to manage fear.

(If the Soundcloud app pops up asking you to download, you can just “X” out of it and continue playing the podcast here.)

Will you welcome your fear with open, shaky arms? -@bybun Click To Tweet

Let’s Make Some Art!

If you enjoyed my conversation with Roxanne, you will definitely enjoy her April Art Challenge, which you can find here @ByBun on Instagram. You’ll also find Roxanne’s new class, Creatures, and it will not disappoint!

You can also find me on Instagram @AmyMaricle, and join my mailing list and get your free Guide to Creative Self-Care.

Online Art Classes

You can find my art journaling classes and connect with me about how to bypass your art fears as well. Isn’t Roxanne amazing? Drop into the comments and tell us how you liked episode #2 of the You Are An Artist Podcast.

So many people get in their own head. Get out man. Just make art. - @bybun Click To Tweet

I hope you enjoyed our chat as much as we did. Painty hugs to you.

Creatively Yours,

Amy

How to Push Past Fear in Your Art

03.11.2016 by Amy Johnson Maricle // 12 Comments

(If the Soundcloud app pops up asking you to download, you can just “X” out of it and continue playing the podcast here.)

You can now access the replay from Art Journaling Freedom. I’ve created a classed called, Freeing the Muse. You can find out more here.

The only difference between you and an artist, is that the artist knows they are creative, and you don't know it yet. #couragetocreate Click To Tweet

Please drop into the comments and let me know how you liked the podcast, and if there are topics you’d like to hear about here. You can find episode 2 of the You Are an Artist Podcast, my interview with mixed Media Artist, Roxanne Coble: Welcoming Fear with Open, Shaky Arms. She talks candidly about how she uses art to confront and explore her anxiety.

Creatively Yours,

Amy

Take some chances for your art. Be willing to be a beginner again, and see the worlds that open up to you. Click To Tweet

Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at http://incompetech.com for our theme music, “Carefree.”

Just Keep Creating

11.12.2015 by Amy Johnson Maricle // 5 Comments

Create Because You Must

I want you to believe in your art. No matter what others might say, or how much self-doubt you might feel, you ARE an artist. If you are reading this blog, chances are, whether you indulge this feeling or not, you feel the need to create in your bones. Do you want to paint? Write novels? Create music? Dance? Don’t worry about the outcomes, every art form is a practice. The process matters. Create because you need to. Create because you love it. Create because you must. Click To Tweet

Fueling Your Creative Dreams

When I was in college, I discovered the books of Isabel Allende. I’ve been an enthusiast for years, reading her interviews, buying her cookbook, watching her TED talk on living passionately, and of course reading her novels. By the time I was studying abroad in Spain, I could read all her books in Spanish, which thrilled me.

Many of her books have changed my perspectives, made me laugh, and helped me creatively in one way or another, but no book moved me more than Paula,* an extended letter to her daughter who died. I was moved by her love for her daughter, and all of the candid and magical stories she was willing to share about her own life. I was inspired by the way she found hope and love over and over again despite adversity.

I wrote to Isabel Allende to share a bit of my own story and tell her why her book moved me. It felt important to give back somehow. One afternoon I got a letter from a California address with no name. When I opened it, I saw she had written back. Exhilarated, I jumped around my apartment like a lunatic. Ever since then, I’ve dreamed of meeting her.

Last night, I was lucky enough to see her speak in Cambridge, MA and cued up with about 15 others to ask questions. When it was my turn, I felt really choked up, almost 20 years later, this letter still moves me. I introduced myself, and told her how receiving her note was one of the most meaningful moments in my life. Being able to thank her personally was powerful, and I could see her expression, and I think it meant something to her as well.

Her note made me feel special because she took the time to write me. But it speaks to me for many reasons. It speaks to me about the importance of taking creative dreams seriously, and having the courage to reach out. I didn’t have to take the risk of writing a famous author, but I did. Isabel Allende didn’t have to write to me, but she did. Art can connect people who have never met in a very real and powerful way. That gives me a lot of hope about art and humanity.

Isabel Allende dreamed she could write a novel. She’s written 20. I dreamed I could share my art and help others believe in their art, and I’m living that dream through this blog. No, you won’t always succeed, you won’t reach everyone, but sometimes you WILL reach people, and that’s worth taking chances for. What’s your dream?

You and your art are worth taking chances for. Click To Tweet

What Happens When You Take Your Imagination Seriously

I’ve been wanting to share this TED talk with you for some time. The artist, internationally renowned sculptor, Janet Echelman, was rejected by every art school to which she applied. Her story is inspiring because she dared, and continues to dare, to take herself, her art, and her dreams seriously. I can’t wait for you to see the wonder that happens because of her creative courage. I’d love to hear your comments on creative courage, art’s power to connect us, and what happens when you believe in yourself.

Janet Echelman: Taking Imagination Seriously

*This is an affiliate link, if you click on it and purchase, I will receive a small commission. If you do, I hope you love this book as much as I do.

If you are moved by this post, please share it with someone you love with one of the social media buttons or by copying and pasting the link. I share all my latest art inspiration and projects on Instagram @AmyMaricle if you’d like to join me on an art journey. You can also be sure to find out about recent posts and special goodies for my mailing list here.