I learned that...it is scary to "put my work out there". It's one thing to have those who know and "love" me tell me how great my work is, but it's another to subject my work to others, especially to those people who have been doing this a LOT longer than I have.

I learned that what one person considers "art" may not be what another considers to be art.

I learned that some people, even people that I have never met like what I do. (What an encouragement!!!)

I learned that maybe I just need to be a little less sensitive. It's hard to hear people criticize others work without being afraid that maybe they feel the same about my work, even if I did follow all the "rules" of the swap.

And I learned that in spite of all of this, I want to continue...I am having F-U-N and can't wait to participate in more swaps.

AND...
I learned that I like seeing what others do! I received the cards from my first swap today, and although all three were different, I loved studying each piece and seeing how differently we all interpreted the concept. "1-2-3" One background, one picture, and one word. I think that I am "hooked" and although after reading some comments on one of the message boards, today, I considered not participating in other swaps.

I learned:that what most people want are cards that look as though some thought has gone into the piece. Everyone sees things differently, but since the ATC's are going to part of a personal collection, quality counts! (And I need to get busy if I am going to get my "Name Swap' cards finished on time.)

But most importantly I learned...that people are basically good, and we are all in this together!!! When I was ready to give up today, perfect strangers sent personal words of encouragement my way...and that really meant a lot. Who knew?

We really do learn new things everyday!

Tags: atc's, kindness of others, lessons learned, message boards
Current Mood: determined

Okay, so I know now that school is rapidly approaching, I know that I will not make my daily challenge. I have only created two new ATC's this week. So, I guess I need to just forget the daily challenge, and just try to do the best I can each week. So, stay tuned to see what new things get posted each week.
Now, I just had dinner with Laurie, my niece, whose husband and daughter, Jessica, are both artists. She mentioned that her husband, Jeff, would like to just quit work and  paint all the time. I told her that I would love to share a studio with Jeff and Jessica. She looked at me like I was CRAZY!!! I would love to have a place where I could set up all my "stuff" and share space with other artists who would encourage me, and me them. La Vie Boheme!!!
I think I feel an ATC idea in the making...

Tags: atc's, creativity, la vie boheme, rent
Current Mood: contemplative
Current Music: Soundtrack from Rent