Monday, June 9, 2014

Eight of Pentacles - Practice increases confidence

Crystal Visions Tarot  Eight of PentaclesNo, I didn't write “practice makes perfect” because I think aiming for perfection is aiming for fear. In this Eight of Pentacles from the Crystal Visions Tarot we see a woman at her spinning wheel in the shadow of an apple tree laden with apples. I suspect she is humming because from here I can sense the peaceful flow she has entered while spinning her yarn. It looks so simple but looks can be deceiving. Spinning takes hours of practice before you can spin a fine even thread without breaking it too often. And once you've got the hang of it spinning becomes a dance between the wheel, the wool and the spinster's hands and it can be as serene as a meditation. That is what strikes me the most of this depiction: the peaceful tranquility of the scene. This is of course enhanced by the green pink and yellow colors.

Since I've picked up my art again I've been practicing daily in small bits and pieces: putting a layer of paint somewhere. Dripping some ink somewhere else, sketching little things etc. This way it will become more easy to take the leap and create something and I am practicing my skills on a daily basis which will improve them eventually. Hopefully I will be able to incorporate my art into my daily life and it will become as approachable as writing. The biggest challenge is not to create but to keep creating!

8 comments:

  1. Practice makes progress (not perfection!). :) So glad to hear you are dipping your toes back into the water. I think I would much rather practice something I enjoy (even if I'm not really good at it), than something I feel I must be perfect at.

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    1. Yes gradually the fear of failure is diminishing. Hopefully my growing confidence will become more resilient. over time :)

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  2. Hi Dear Ellen!!!! I love your drawings! and you have a great gift! You inspire me and I'll try to pick the drawing again :) Thank you for sharing your art with us! A big kiss for you, my friend and Muchas Estrellas!!!!!

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    1. Perhaps witnessing someone's struggles is even more inspiring then watching their finished work
      I would love to see a drawing of you sometimes, Las Magas
      hugs

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  3. Good points Ellen. Practice does increase confidence and this motivates a person to continue to create.

    http://catherinemeyersartist.blogspot.ca/2011/08/just-continue-to-create-and-out-of-this_06.html

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    1. "not necessarily because you have to, but because you want to,"
      It took me long time to realize the difference.
      Thank you

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  4. I like this version of the 8 of Pentacles. It conveys the idea of working diligently and patiently toward a goal, but I love the inclusion of the wheel. In fact it reminds me of my daughter Isa and her sewing machine… she's always trying new things, and in the process learning more and more about sewing. Maybe some day she'll be a clothing designer! :)

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    1. It is a wonderful thing to watch your child develop a new skill. It is like experiencing our own trials and errors and most of all our first successes all over again. I remember being so proud and happy when my girls had baked their first bread. The most difficult thing for me was not to hover over them but let them learn form their own mistakes.:)

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