This is the final post about how much I loved this book. Thanks for hanging in there. If you missed Part 1 and Part 2, I hope you’ll check them out.
The book is Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative
“It’s so important to have a hobby. A hobby is something creative that’s just for you. You don’t try to make money or get famous off it, you just do it because it makes you happy. A hobby is something that gives but doesn’t take.
Don’t throw any of yourself away. Don’t worry about a grand scheme or unified vision for your work. Don’t worry about unity – what unifies your work is the fact that you made it. One day, you’ll look back and it will all make sense.” p. 72
In making decisions for redecorating our house, I have been trying to keep things unified. But what if I simply select things that I like and put it all together? Would it all look ok because they are all things that I like? Hmm.
This canvas …
… looks totally different from this canvas, but they are both about discovery and both created by me.
I think hobbies don’t necessarily have to make complete sense. The importance is in the focus and the ability to tap into a different part of ourselves. If your hobby is reading, music, yoga, photography, art, or race car driving, when you are enjoying it, you are immersed in that one activity… focused.
I have been so loving the mixed-media canvases that I’m creating because it really is just for me. I am usually not thinking of anything else. I am not trying to sell them. It’s just as Austin Kleon says… “it gives but doesn’t take.”
And maybe one day I will look back and it’ll all make sense. 🙂
Please share your response to the quotation above!
I like the idea of a hobby being something that is not for profit, but just for fun. I seem to have a natural inclination to ALWAYS think about “how can I turn this into an income stream?” which is really dumb, because 1) I don’t need the money, and 2) Lord knows, I don’t need the stress. I think it stems from the obsessive nature of my hobbies. Once I’ve filled my house and given gifts, selling it seems the natural progression if I want to make more. I need to get over that, and learn to donate, or, maybe now that I’ve discovered art journals, I’ll just house my creations in a smaller space!
janet forrest recently posted…“Happy” Art Journal / Flower Month Day #29
Janet, we are so similar that it’s scaring me. 🙂 I, too, have that natural inclination, and I remind myself that I don’t need to create unrealistic expectations on myself just as you tell yourself that. I totally dive in to these hobbies too. With photography, I thought so much about making it into a business before I even realized that I don’t enjoy taking pictures for other people as much as I love it as a hobby and as creative expression for myself. It’s as if I think if I do something, I have to do it “all the way” or that I’m seeking external validation somehow. Sales = success? Who knows. I’m glad I’m not alone in doing that!
We really do have a LOT of similarities, but the big difference is that you are much wiser at your age than I was back then! You’ve figured out things already that I’m STILL working on! I am so grateful for your constant support and wisdom!
janet forrest recently posted…“Happy” Art Journal / Flower Month Day #29
We are all works in progress. No rush. 🙂
I too am so focussed when I paint, so immersed and the FLOW can be so amazing when I truly let go of the outcome and be playful! I do paint for money sometimes, but mainly it is a hobby and if I get a bit of cash to support my need for more art supplies or my desire to buy art from others, BONUS!
By the definition given though, I think going to the beach may be my most true form of hobby!!
christy recently posted…hummingbirds (and new art supplies) taking flight
Don’t get me started on art supplies!