• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

CLARA NARTEY |Unlock Your Creative Potential

Creativity, Thread Sketching, Art Quilters, Fiber Artists

  • Start Here
    • The Artist
    • Artworks
    • Exhibitions
  • Work with Clara
    • Hire Clara
    • Take a Course
  • Media + Press
  • Blog
  • Contact

The Beginning is Hard

February 19, 2016 by Clara Nartey Leave a Comment

The beginning is hard. The beginning is uncertain. The beginning involves so many decisions – sometimes several at a time. The beginning is scary.

The beginning of every new project is always tough. Today I tried to begin another piece for real. I say for real because I’ve been thinking about it and designing it in my mind for two months.

the beginning is hard for everyone

I have the sketches ready but I moved to start work on it in earnest today. After I’d laid everything out and made the mental decision to start, I found I couldn’t start.

Some part of me wanted to run away. I made an excuse to get another cup of tea which I surely didn’t need. Oh, anything to keep me from really starting.

The beginning is hard, indeed and I’ve said that before. Starting is the toughest because it is the point at which the least number of decisions have been made, – so many questions remain unanswered.

It is the scariest because who knows if I can successfully translate my mental vision into reality.

It is hard because I don’t have the advantage of seeing it started. (How will you get that if you don’t get started, you ask.)

It’s hard because who knows if my mind’s eye will line up with my physical eye.  Who knows if the risk I take to commit my art supplies, to dye fabrics and to spend countless hours on this project will pay off.

As silly as it may sound, this happens with the beginning of every big piece I create. The longer I chew on it in my mind, the more invested I become in it and the more invested I become in it, the harder it is to start. I can feel the piece calling me to come work and play, yet I find myself finding every excuse in the world to run as fast as I can away from it.

This idea has been percolating in my mind for two months. Shall I start or shall I stall some more? Who knows if the gamble will pay off?

Yes, who knows indeed? We’ll never ever know if I don’t start, will we?

Warmest Regards,

Clara's Signature

 

 

Here’s what happened when I overcame my difficulty to start.

UPDATE: (The Beginning is Hard for Many People)

About a month or so after I wrote this article, Michael Hyatt said this in an article he wrote on his blog.

“I experience the greatest doubt and anxiety at the start of something big. Whether it’s good or bad, I’m usually fine once I’m going. But until then, I’m like the person on the tip of the high dive, overlooking way too much blue.”

Indeed, the beginning is hard for lots of people. It sure feels good to hear other people’s experiences.  It makes you see how not uncommon your experiences are. And also, it makes you feel connected to something bigger than yourself.

Get behind the scenes and learn more about my art practice, events, exhibitions and release of new artworks


JUST ONE MORE STEP...... Success! Now you need to check your email to confirm your subscription. The subject will be [confirm your subscription] Once you click the link in this confirmation email, you will be on your way to receiving exclusive C-Letters meant for Clara's Friends only. Don't forget to confirm your email. Warmest Regards, Clara

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

I won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time. Powered by ConvertKit

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Why join textile Art Organization
Next »
Return to menu
teach art workshops
« Previous

Creativity

Professional Development

Creative Confidence Boost

Thread Sketching Videos

Thread Sketching Techniques

Surface Design

Textile Art Collector

Textile Art Business

 

Let's Connect on Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest

Copyright © 2023 · All images copyrighted by the artist, Clara Nartey,
and are not to be copied or reproduced in any manner.
Privacy Policy|Terms and Condition|Disclaimer

Copyright © 2023 · Aspire Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in