“I have no fear of making changes, destroying the image, etc., because the painting has a life of its own.”

–Jackson Pollock

I end many of my conversations with people these days with the words, “Be Brave. Be Audacious.” When others admonish me to, “Be Safe,” it makes me cringe. It goes against my philosophy for living… and making art. My life’s path beckons me to stretch my experience, to push my boundaries of what I can still accomplish as a soul living in a physical body and as an artist.

Being safe, is playing it safe. Take no chances, be conservative, do not offend, drive the speed limit, create art that will sell. What I am writing about here is the concept of risk. Being fearless doesn’t mean doing something crazy. Sometimes being fearless is saying I love you, or picking up the phone and talking to someone you had a falling out with. Being fearless can be facing cancer or moving through a divorce. Driving your vehicle a little over the speed limit is a small risk, however speeding at 100 mph with other cars around you is taking a risk that could end tragically.

Every time I make art, whether it is drawing, painting or digital I confront my fear of failure. I have developed techniques to overcome this feeling of being judged. One of these ways is to let spirit take over the process so the end result is not mine! Another path is to distress the image with paint, sand paper or do something randomly with the digital tools to break the logic. Allowing the art to dictate more of the happy accidents allows me to wander in the serendipity, without getting too precious.

It is easy to play it safe and remain in a limited mindset. Let go of everything not aligned with your purpose and start listening to your intuition, even when it’s uncomfortable. Silence the inner critic, so you can step into the power of finding the truth within your art.

You are the master of your life, and can decide to live it carefully, safely, and uneventfully, or you may live it mindfully with a healthy dose of adventure. As an artist we have this choice in how we approach our creations. Life is short! Whereas, art can be long! What makes art worthy to leave a lasting impression for generations? I believe it is a commitment to the fearless power of ideas combined with a mastery of craft. The art spirit is infinite… and fearlessly tenacious.

Be Bold. Be Brave. Be Audacious.