Taking Creative Risks

[nuanc]

What kind of creative risks are you taking?

A creative risk can be going outside your comfort zone within your usual activities, taking on a whole new kind of creative activity or putting your work out there to be viewed, read, seen, bought, [judged] by the world. For some of us self-promotion always feels risky. And yet, it's essential if we want our work to be appreciated by others.

here's mine:
Yesterday I sent out a short story to a literary journal. It's never easy for me to do. I started getting it ready before the end of the year and it took me until January 22 to actually do it. But I did it. I have another one almost ready to go.

What have you risked this year?

[Mandi]

Hey Nancy

Well done for your productivity so early in the year!

Creatively speaking I am just more confused than ever. I think it's risky me just leaving the house and going into Uni where all the 'advice' just makes life ever more complex for me! Hehe!

I will bear in mind your courage and conviction in your abilities! You are a hard act for me to follow.

Let us know how you get on?

M
xx

[nuanc]

Thanks, Mandi. Believe me, I'll post it pronto when I get an acceptance (note: 'when', not 'if'). Just don't hold your breath. ;-)

Hang in there,
Nanc

[Jan]

Hi Nancy,
This past year(2008) I entered the Hoffman fabric challenge, seeking the discipline of a challenge that was not my own. Because I also teach elementary art, it seemed like a good idea to be on the receiving end of an assignment for once. It was fun but it was really, really hard. Altho I did not win any prizes, my work was selected to be a part of one of the traveling shows.

This year I am trying it again. Already the subject is a struggle - seeking SOMETHING to hang my ideas onto is the hardest part for me.

I'll upload a pic or two of the traveling art quilt, titled "Bird," after Pablo Neruda's poem by the same name.

Daily? I should do something daily, too. Like maybe sketch in the sketchbook....

Jan

[Mandi]

Hi Jan

I loved your work! Beautiful!

Good luck with the 'daily' challenge! I spend so much time thinking of reasons not to do stuff ... tragic, hehe.

M
xx

[nuanc]

wow. it's just gorgeous! Good for you!
Is there an online link to this Hoffman fabric challenge? Someone else might be interested.

(btw, you can past your photos right into the posts by clicking on the tiny picture icon in the tool bar.) ;-)

[Mandi]

Well that's great! Go for it.

Arlee, will you let us know how you get on? It won't all be good news probably but I, for one, would be happy to cheer you on to further glory, or lend you a hankie.

M
xx

[Dawn Gordon]

Learning CSS coding, and learning a new collage program called Picasa 3, I have also hurdled making movies for Youtube and Godtube a few weeks ago,

so I have moved out of my "comfort" zone, and dived into new things! It also helps with self esteem, when you do not have any of it LOL

[Dawn Gordon]

I have also learned that you can use public domain clip art, any way you see fit, so any backgrounds I make, or patterns, I will be submitting to public domain, because clip art to use is so hard to find!

I dont draw, but I can do a variety of animations from certain programs that I use. With public domain, let us say you find a photograph of flowers, you can cut that flower out, stick it on a backdrop, and add fonts or glitter, and it is legal to do!

[Julie]

hi Nancy
Hope the writing is still going strong!
I'm using my camera more. It's always been a useful tool for recording work, but I'm really getting into using it for its own sake now.
Anyone else?
Julie :)

[nuanc]

Thanks for all your responses, kids. I thought I'd update...even though I haven't heard back yet about the story I submitted.

I did manage to get another one sent off. I think it was in February. So that's about twice the number of stories I usually have Out There. I've got another one that is still being edited but I hope to have that finished and to have found a possible market for that by May. Goals! We have to set goals!

Anyone else?

[Dawn Gordon]

I tried to make my own paper, and it worked! I just need larger screens, and a larger bucket. I did a very small piece. It is very thick like ancient paper used to be. Now I want to make it with crushed dried flowers. The only thing is you can not print on it from a printer. Without soya ink right now anyhow I would not want too. Huge environmentalist here. Anyhow, I am going to try to make stationary for my business! All non virgin tree products, on all recycled paper. ONLY. Newspaper turns grey from the ink, even if it is colored with ads, let me get you a photograph of one I made.

And we planted our garden! I just need to start my herbal garden still, but would like to do it in some old unrecycle plastic. The containers that berries, and some tarts come in, can not be in the blue bin, so I got the idea from another greenie like me. Use them as pots for small gardens!

[Dawn Gordon]

Now my next project is starching fabric, because on twitter I am in art groups, and a photography group. I love photography, however framing can be unenvironmental if it is virgin wood, or non recycled frames.

I thought to starch drapery, make it like a curtain. Also strips of old ripped jeans, and sew them in a square. But starched so they are hard. You can buy organic twine to hang the material up, I am just trying to figure out an organic solution to attaching the photograph to the framining