I am starting to realize that simply *doing* the work is more important than trying to make *perfect* work. . Most of my art career I was obsessed with trying to make perfect work... . But underneath the surface what I actually was saying was “Hey everyone! I’m an insecure person and I want your acceptance and validation! So I’m going to spend hundreds of hours making artwork just so you’ll notice me and give me praise.” . My identity was so wrapped up in my ability to create good art. I didn’t feel like I was worth anything unless I was able to make amazing artwork. . The reality is nothing could be further from the truth. . My worth is not determined by my productivity as an artist. . My worth is determined by the one true God who created everything. The God who breathed life into my nostrils. The very God who blessed me with my creative abilities and provides me with opportunities to use them. . God says that I am more valuable than anything else in existence, and that nothing in this world could compare to my value. . He even said “I love you so much that I’m going to kill my son, Jesus, just so you can live and I can have a relationship with you.” . When I am focused on the meaning that God gives my life, I am set free to fearlessly create, knowing that my life is valuable even when I’m failing as an artist. . The pressure to make *perfect* work is gone, and is replaced by the ritual of simply showing up every day and *doing* the work. . Making good art becomes an overflow of the joy in my heart, knowing God loves me regardless of my performance. . So if you are depressed, struggling, uninspired, or feel like there is no more magic left in the world... then try fixing your eyes on the overwhelming love that God has for you. . The literal creator of the universe loves you and wants to have a relationship with you. . Life is a difficult and messy thing, but today I have joy. Today my heart finds peace. Today I am free to create, for today I worship the one true God. . . . (at Ringling College of Art and Design)







