So I was listening to a programme about increasing productivity last night (I need all the help I can get!). The presenter, Perry Marshall, was saying that you should be 100% sold on a project before you get into it, as in, don’t get involved in something you aren’t truly passionate about. Yeah, I’m thinking, good idea.

And the host, Rich Schefren, said, To put it another way, When in Doubt, Don’t. And again I was nodding my head in agreement. But then I stopped short. That doesn’t work when it comes to creating art.

Artists are always in doubt – will this be the right colour for this shape? should I redo that hand? can I add more texture without totally messing my painting up? If we Didn’t, if we listened to this way of thinking, we’d never put a brush to canvas. Doubt is our world! And it’s reeeeaaaallly scary. I think for artists, we might live by the motto, When in Doubt, Do. Take the risk! How else do we discover new directions, new techniques, new wonders?

Without pushing through doubt, I wouldn’t experiment and it’s only by having the courage to experiment that one can grow artistically. That’s my story anyway.

What do you think about this idea? If you have things to say, please leave me your comments.

I sure look forward to hearing from you.

~ Gail