Saturday, August 4, 2007

Speechless (well, not really.....)

Class last night was amazing. I have so many ideas spinning around in my head, I am truly on a swivel today! Even better, I picked up the new issue of Somerset this morning. I feel like a child on Christmas. There are so many fantastic ideas, so many projects to try.

I think that the blogging community gets caught up in “techniques”. Have you tried the “yada yada” technique? How about the “jibber jabber” technique? (Although, I may patent that technique as I find the words jibber and jabber my new vocabulary staple..) Did you see Annie Artist's “blahbity blah” technique?

I am throwing out the instructions. I am going to let the art come from my heart and soul and see what happens. That’s right. I think that if I get caught up following the steps to something, the project does not flow easily out of my fingertips.. Sure, I can add some Julification to it, but even after the Julification process, I feel that all I have is so-and-so's mucky muck technique with added Julification. Not happy.

In another effort to concentrate on my own personal happiness, I am taking it easy with "challenges" as well. I was completing so many challenges that I found myself always focused on someone else’s inspiration. Making things was starting to feel like a job, and since I am not collecting a paycheck…you know what I mean.

I hope you continue to visit without a project posted every day. Luggage Land has amassed over 20,000 blog hits since February and we’re a little tired. I don’t regret anything I have tried (well, maybe that floor wax technique…yuck) but I really have enjoyed the growing process. When I started the blog, I thought no one would read it!

Enjoy your Saturday… ohh… part two of last night’s class is tomorrow. The projects require a lot of drying time, so they are not finished.

14 comments:

Hazel said...

Julie, I'm so glad that you had a good day at your class. It's true that it's so easy to get lost in the technique and not produce anything you feel pleased with. It can be a good starting point, but if you are not inspired it does seem a bit too much like work. But I can't wait to see your now-drying projects, and you don't *have* to post every day. Just when the inspiration hits (and I hope it hits often! :-)) And sorry about the floor wax, it does smell!!!

Tami Bayer said...

I'll visit even if you post once a month! I think you have all the basics, and that's what all those techniques and challenges helped you learn. Now you just keep on creating your beautiful art any ole way you want. I was so inspired by your autobiography that I did my own version of it today. Take a little peek on my blog. Thanks for always inspiring me!

K Hutchinson said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
K Hutchinson said...

Tami,

I can't wait to see what you have learned in your classes this weekend! I completely understand- I feel the same way right now with to many challenges, swaps, and CJ's. Once I'm done- then I will work on things I have wanted to try for a while- creating from the heart. When I do this - I come with much better ideas. They are so wild they wake me up in the night.

I got the new somerset studios and have many things that I want to try too!

Can't wait to see what you do in your class!
~K

M!ssPr!ssy said...

I've been feeling the same way lately. Creative block. I think it's because I read so many blogs by the time I am done I can't decide what to focus on. It's like overload. So I spent the day dabbling in my own space. Nothing finished but I inked some stamps and experimented with them.

Anonymous said...

Has someone been holding a gun to you head to complete challenges? Maybe it is not for you but for those of us that like to participate it sounds like you are putting us down and insulting our creativity. Technique is important but from your comments I don't think that you see the importance of learning.

Zorana said...

I can't believe what I read in the previous comment! Oh dear... people react in such "interesting" ways. I understand completely what you said. I was actually having a 'chat' with myself last night and almost decided to stop blogging and reading blogs and trying to get back to myself and creating from the heart and soul. Having said that.... I can't stop reading blogs and I can't wait to see what you created and where will it take you. xo

Heather Grow said...

Hey Julie, I can't wait to see what you made at your class. Don't stress so much. Art is supposed to be fun right? I make whatever I want to. Sometimes, I have an idea of a stamp I want to use but that's it so I might peek around for a sketch to borrow. Other than that, I go with my mood. That's why I don't think my stuff goes with any one style.

So do your thing. I like it but it's more important if you enjoy it.

Godelieve said...

Julie, can't wait to see what your next project will be! I always love seeing what you come up with, for a class, a challenge,.. whatever. I really like the inspiring Julie twist (Julification) in your work.
Have a great Sunday!

emilia in Taiwan said...

Wow!! Very tempting!
Can't wait!

Julie Prichard said...

Anonymous- Seems that if this is my blog, I should be able to express my feelings in whatever way I want....Whether I am putting you down or not.

Anonymous said...

You are right. You should be able to express yourself any way that you want. I hope that you and your readers will forgive my poor behavior. We all make mistakes and sometimes let outside influences cloud good judgement. I apologize.

Kathi said...

I'm really pleased that you enjoyed your class and look forward to seeing how you "Julify" and apply what you've learned.

Artists With Artitude said...

Hi Julie!! I came by to visit via Francesca's blog and I am so glad to read your post here. There is a fine line between real inspiration and just run-of-the-mill-everyone-is-doing-it kinda stuff. Thank you for being honest and please join our blogging community too!! You have a sharp wit and and exquisite taste. Love your blog :)