My husband has been working in print making for more than seven years. When he first started he was testing the waters, and now has an accomplished set of skills. He studies and has spent time learning his craft and has created an impressive body of work. He was organizing his linocut blocks today and I happened to catch this peek into the drawer. I am blessed to know the story and the work behind each and every one; I am very proud of him.
It is amazing to see your own work progress. Time is a gift, and it provides ample opportunities to learn; we simply have to take advantage of them. It is not very often that we are given a glimpse into our own progression, or are reminded of the way our skills have improved. My very first instructor told me to always keep my first piece. Put it somewhere that I could access it. When I feel unworthy or think my skills do not cut the mustard, pull out that first piece and remind yourself of just how far you have come in all the years. That was great advice, and I tell people the same thing.
It takes time to create a body of work. Time spent alone, time pouring your heart into what you produce, and time away from family or friends. Time spent producing is also time invested in yourself. When we are working to get our ideas out of our head and into the real world, time can stand still or race by too quickly. There never seems to be enough time for all that we want to produce. So this is a reminder to take advantage of the opportunities time provides, and invest the time you need to get your ideas from your head into reality. One day you too will be organizing and be impressed with the body of work you have produced.
Ann Art Gallery Blog 