As many of you may know, we have been so honored to open our blog to guest writers!
We believe this is a unique opportunity for our handmade family to find creativity in another outlet and to expand their audience and reach!
Meet Kari van den Eikhof, the amazing talent behind Karing Vibes. Her blog submission was our very first and it could not have been more perfect. Writing from the heart and with such a definitive voice, Kari’s tip this week tells us that “letting go of expectations and rules has changed my artwork and has opened the floodgates of creativity.
Follow Kari and her amazing art on Instagram: @karingvibes
Hello Handmade Loves!
My name is Kari van den Eikhof, and I am the artist behind Karing Vibes. I am so excited to be featured on a blog exclusively for creative spirits! You are my people, and I am lucky to be walking with you on this journey.
My post today is about how letting go of expectations and rules has changed my artwork and has opened the floodgates of creativity. Before I start, I have to credit Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of Big Magic, for changing my view on creativity and leading me to this revelation. If you haven’t read Big Magic yet, I suggest you do. I’ll wait…only kidding. Read this first, and then go get it.
In Big Magic, Elizabeth talks about how our self-criticism, expectations, and projection of how we think our art will be perceived causes us to hold back and over think our work. She challenges us to stay curious, open, and have FUN!
I have definitely created mental traps for myself in the past. We tend to be our biggest critics, and we can say some pretty nasty things to ourselves in times of struggle. If you ever find yourself here, just breathe and relax. Remember why you started creating in the first place? Because it’s FUN!
I know I’m making it sound simple. Many of us are trying to start a business, and business is stressful. But let’s try to separate the two. Don’t let your creativity stress you out and become a chore. I’ve been there too, and it’s pretty stifling.
I used to think that my creativity was so elusive. Sometimes I would get on this creative kick and want to paint my brains out. Other times, it would feel as if I had no creative bone in my body. That’s what happens when you get stressed and put expectations on your art—you scare creativity away!
Since my revelation, I have opened myself up to new creative practices. I’ve been dabbling in photography, floral arranging, wreath making, and after I finish this post, I have a macramé date with my girlfriends! Do I have training in any of these areas? Absolutely not. But I am having fun. And flexing my creativity has helped my painting, mental well being and business.
When we relax and let ourselves enjoy the process of creating —without any expectations of the outcome, we open ourselves up to receiving inspiration. So the next time you are feeling stuck in your artistic work, I recommend you flex your creative muscle in some other capacity. Just for the fun of it. Who knows, you could have your biggest breakthrough yet!
Let go and let flow, fellow creatives!
With Love, Kari
