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Do you have expectations about what your art practice should be?

I do. I often get stuck in my tag line, printmaking without a press. Hmm? So does that mean I can’t draw, paint or make books?

I am trying to shed that limiting belief. It is challenging.

What does it indicate when I don’t feel like printing and would rather draw or paint?

I am trying hard to roll with the different interests and to trust that it will lead to a new artistic expression. I am embracing the idea of trusting the process and that the product will be revealed.

It is hard to be in between things, not knowing the end result.

I have tried to force myself to do old practices to see if they could stimulate interest and desire to print, but they have not worked that way. I think the important action I can take is to keep trying different approaches and to embrace an attitude of patience with the process.

If you are in between things, sometimes taking a class can give you a boost. Check out the current workshops that are available.

With the busyness of today’s world, it can be hard to hear the voice inside you. I know I go to my phone constantly for answers and ideas.

This does not have to be a good or bad thing. It is just a way of finding answers or information.

I would like to trust myself a little more and be better able to move forward without needing to check the weather or the surf cam first.

To help me quiet the outside world and be able to hear my intuition, I go into the woods. But even there I have my phone to measure my pace or photograph a shadow.

Writing helps release some of the chatter. I often do stream of consciousness writing, as described in The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron.

Willingness to not know the answer yet and be in a state of uncertainty is helpful. It takes time and practice to hear and listen to your intuition. Little by little you will get better at knowing what is right for you.

What does this have to do with printmaking?

Well, I think much of art making is learning to play with tools by learning to listen to your intuition. Of course there are physical skills and maybe even design principles that are necessary.  But the magic happens when you trust yourself to try it and see what happens.

As a teacher, I am always trying to foster both the physical skills and the trust in one’s self. I think of learning as a cycle of hard skills and experimentation. And only the student knows if she is ready for hard skills or it’s time to play.

If this approach to learning sounds interesting to you, then check out the Gelatin Print Project. It is a 3 part online printmaking class that starts soon.

Sometimes it is time to do nothing and really rest. This can be challenging for a maker. But it might be what your body, mind and spirit need.

I have had those times when I tried to push through and just do it. That can be frustrating and counter-productive.

If you are not sure whether you should push on or take a rest, you try a little of both and see which one feels better.

Often a rest can fill you with new energy and ideas.

What is a rest?

• a short walk or nap
• a week long retreat
• a day in nature

A rest is specific and personal. It all depends on what your body, mind and spirit need. I think you can tune in and rest as much or as little as you need.

Other times the energy and stimulation of a class helps. If that is what you need then check out the 3 part Gelatin Print Project.