The newest journey: a search for my creative process
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom” -Anais Nin
My first painting, fall 2013
Here is the first painting I completed in October 2013
This was the very point when my life charted off in a completely new direction.
Dream big. I’ve reminded myself to keep dreaming every single day since that morning in October.
Do I dare to dream:
- about what I truly want to do with my life?
- that my artwork might be meaningful to others?
- I have what it takes to run a business based on my creativity and passion?
Yes, I do dare.
And the path I’ve taken over the past many months has been the most transformative of my life. I never imagined that I’d spend so many countless hours learning how to run a business, reconnecting to my favorite art supplies, and feeling such pure, intense, genuine inspiration from discovering other artists.
My life lit up when I rediscovered art and took control of my dreams.
And along this path, I have also begun to heal: my inclination towards extreme overwhelm, anxiety, and stress. My low confidence. My inability to listen to the needs of my body. The journey is not over (is it ever, really?), but I’ve tasted moments of pure peace, paintbrush in hand.
When I was in such need of peace and comfort, when life felt boring and uninspiring, I have always turned to art, novels, and poetry. There is such beauty and simple joy to be found in creative work.
Now I want to share my discoveries with you.
The process, triumphs, and challenges. My inspirations and creative process. The strategies which have kept an achievement-oriented, too busy, stress-prone person like myself strong and moving forward.
Will you join me? If my art provides you moments of peaceful reflection, if I can help to spark your creativity or lessen your stress, then I have done my part.
When we help each other to explore, to think outside of our comfort zones and dream as big as possible, then the world is better. We are better.
Welcome to my (creative) world!
xo,
Maura McDonnell
Congratulations, Elizabeth! Your passion shines through in your art. I wish you all the best and have to say, you inspire me to dream too. The first step really is the scariest, right? Lots of love!
Elizabeth McDonnell
Thank you, thank you! Yes, the first step is totally scary, but when you push forward anyway, that’s when you know you’re on to something good. :) Love you!