When you realise that you’re in a groove – oh what a thrill! The excitement! Joy and Delight!!! So let me tell you about it 🙂

Not long ago I was NOT in a groove. As an artist, that is when you feel like giving up and have a pity party all to yourself. As a matter of fact, I almost had one of those parties just last week. The best thing I can do for myself then is to take a break from my work in the studio. Maybe even turn that #!*^*!# piece of ___  against the wall so as not mistakenly let my eyes wander over to its mayhem! 

Today, as I was cleaning up after hours of mess-making and creating… I let my eyes glans over to that lonely piece of “wannabeart” and felt sorry for it… and a bit frustrated with myself for not knowing how I can redeem it. But I didn’t feel to bad because I have been in a GROOVE for two days! Ha!  So how did I get there? I wish I knew – because if I did – I would do it all the time! Maybe it happened because I dared to attempt a painting that really scared me. How, you might ask? Well, it scared me because the likelihood of me failing yet again seamed HUGE..as in HUMONGOUS! But I quieted that fear knowing that if I didn’t attempt to create a piece of art from this photograph of my daughter, I would sorely regret it. Now, as I look at it (and I wish I had made it bigger!) I stand in awe at the miracle that took place. – How did I create that? …  I love this more than any other in the whole wide world… Thank God I did it…I caused THAT to come into being..

Well, THAT FEELING has carried me along as I started THREE more paintings in the last 24 hrs, and I love what I see BECOMING as an outpouring of the spirit of me, Life, oil, colour and application tools.

 I AM IN A GROOVE. It fills me with gratitude, joy and wonder.

I know it can’t last. At least not at this intensity ( I would burn out! Even as I do it with a huge grin on my face :)) But that is okay, because I know it can come back.. that GROOVE… and the feelings that accompany it. Maybe all I have to do is find that special scene, that scares me half to death, and smile, as I pick up that paint brush and attempt yet again the impossible, knowing that even if I fail this time, the next time the miracle shows up, it will be worth all the failings. Yes, so be it.

May You find Your groove in whatever area your heart desires, and maybe one day we can have a celebration party – together. So face your fears, as this ragamuffin…stumbling artist…Kerstin Maxwell chose to do…because when something does not turn out, it’s not failure, it is just a SPEEDBUMP on your way to magic.