I know we’re going to see each other in a few weeks. I know when we do you’re going to ask me if I’ve been throwing a lot. You’ve asked me before, and quite honestly, I never know how to answer. I know you want to throw a lot and I don’t want you to feel badly when I answer that I have.
But you have to remember I’m at a different place in my life than you are. My kids are bigger and more independent than yours. And I’m taking full advantage of that. My evenings are spent on clay, yours, on bedtime routines. Your time will come. But when it does, don’t be so quick to give it away. Guard your time with your art. It’s as fleeting as your time with your kids. And like time with your children, time with your art needs to be acknowledge as the gift that it is and defended.
But I can see that’s only part of the problem. Fear also holds you back. Fear of not being good enough. Fear of having your art open to public criticism. And the most stifling fear of all- the fear of having no excuse for failure other than your own shortcomings. I see that all the time. It’s why everyone makes excuses about why they don’t have time to do their art. If you really want to do clay, then do it. Let go do the fear and excuses. Make the time. Make art part of your habit. Make art part of your life.