During dark times, there is an incredible risk one can take. That risk is seeking beauty in the midst of pain and suffering. There is an incredible resiliency required to embrace the pursuit of beauty in the face of heartache. But the truth is that we were made for beauty. Our hearts long for it, because we were created by the Beautiful One.

Something God has been impressing on me lately is the seed of choosing life. We often think of choosing life as having a simple meaning, however it is deeper than that. We can choose life by simply being alive, or we can choose life by truly living. By choosing to grow everyday through the pursuit of learning. By embracing each day as a precious gift. The way forward is having a growth mindset. The Bible specifically says to choose life. In my understanding, you can choose stagnation, which is spiritual death, or you can choose life, which is growth. All living things grow. In order to not spiritually die, we must grow. I think this translates into creativity as well. If we cannot get to a place in our personal lives in which we are continually invested in personal growth, we will not be able to invest in our creative growth.

I have committed myself to learn something new everyday. Whether it’s personal development, an art class, a sermon, or a new skill, each new day is an opportunity. I have been making a list in the notes app whenever I come across a video that I’d like to watch later, so that I have a quick reference and don’t have to waste time scrolling when I’m deciding what to watch. I also made a note for my art practice of focus items so that I have a quick reference for that too.

Another way that I have tried to streamline the learning process is by curating my art supplies. I’ve made a bunch of premixed acrylic colors in squirt bottles which has been really convenient. I also premixed a bunch of tube watercolors and stored them in half pans in some empty mint tins I had saved. I have been working on making several handmade journals as well so that there’s no excuse not to do some art journaling at night. Though it will likely take a while to fill all of these!

Recently I watched a Helen Wells class about finding your art style. She did a watercolor demo in her art journal, and I took the time to try it myself (which I often don’t) and I’m so glad I did! It’s become a new obsession, and I decided to dedicate a whole art journal to messy watercolor play. If you haven’t checked out her videos on youtube, I definitely recommend it!

I hope you find some ideas that help you and as always, thanks for stopping by!