Starting Again: Embracing the Journey of Creation

After my last exhibition ending this past March, I find myself in a familiar yet invigorating position: beginning again. I sold quite a few encaustic pieces; I am now in the position of rebuilding my body of encaustic artwork. Yet, balancing my job and my art can be challenging: the path to a finished piece is often longer and more winding than I envision.

Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland offers a whimsical piece of advice through the words of the King: “Begin at the beginning, and go on till you come to the end: then stop.” This simple, yet profound, directive has recently been resonating deeply with me. It's a reminder that each journey no matter if it is the beginning of a new journey or even the continuation of the same journey starts at a beginning. Each journey has new paths to be taken, new directions at which to look, new vistas to inspire the imagination. Each step takes its own time, embracing both the struggles and the triumphs along the way. This simple advice has been echoing in my mind lately. After my exhibition, I find myself in the exciting yet daunting position of starting again, continuing what I am doing in my body of work, but exploring new ideas, compositions, and inspirations.

Every morning, I wake up bursting with ideas, eager to dive into my creative pursuits. The thrill of building a new body of work is invigorating, and inspiration flows freely. However, balancing my art with my job means that time is a precious commodity, and the journey from idea to finished piece often takes longer than I'd like. In my mind, I imagine holding a large handful of tiny little threads, each one brightly colored and enticing––the only thing I need to do is pull one thread and follow it to the end, always curious about the path it will take,

and finding peace in it’s length. The only problem is, I am intrigued by all of the colors and want to follow them all at once, and fearing I will never find the end.

The process isn't always smooth. There are kinks to work through, paths to discover, and moments when the vision in my head doesn't quite match the reality sitting on my studio table. But that's part of the beauty of art – it's a journey, not just a destination.

So, here I am, at the beginning once more. Embracing the challenge, cherishing the process, and finding joy in every brushstroke and creative burst. Starting again is an opportunity to grow, explore, and create.

As I embark on this new chapter, I invite you to join me on this journey. Let's find inspiration in the everyday, focus on what truly matters, and take the time we need to create art that speaks to our souls. What inspires you these days? What sparks your curiosity?

Stay inspired,

Tiffany