Why Your Art Adventure is Like Foreign Travel — Caryl Fine Art

You Need to Say Goodbye and Let Things Go

Is there anything as horrible as starting on a trip? Once you’re off, that’s all right, but the last moments are earthquake and convulsion, and the feeling that you are a snail being pulled off your rock.—Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Don’t call me the day before I leave on a big trip—I’m a wreck at that time! So many decisions to make, like what to bring and what to leave home. I find it hard to leave behind some of the things that are part of my daily routine. It feels like I can’t live without them!

Not only that, but I must leave my pets behind, as well as the friends and relatives whom I see on a daily basis. 

When we travel, we need to only bring essential items and we say goodbye to our routines. While this feels scary as we prepare for the trip, it’s remarkable how we find we get by just fine with what we brought! It’s a good way to learn which belongings are truly essential and valued.

During our art journey, we may find that we’ve “overpacked.” Our studios are bursting with supplies that we’ll never use. It’s helpful to offload art supplies that no longer fit our art practice. In fact, we’ll find that we get more use and appreciation for what stays.

We also need to say goodbye to thoughts and perhaps even negative people in order to enjoy this art adventure unencumbered. 

Be Open to New and Unfamiliar Things

One major reason that travel is so stimulating is that it exposes you to people, customs, ideas, sights, smells, and tastes that are new. I love traveling to places that are drastically different from my hometown—I return with my creativity on fire!

It takes the right attitude when you’re in a foreign land and you’re confronted with the unfamiliar. Keeping an open mind and a loving spirit will allow you to drink it all in and have a great experience.

In your art journey too you need to leave the familiar from time to time. This can include looking at new art, trying new mediums or methods, and exploring new color palettes. It’s true that these efforts may be uncomfortable at first, but in the end your art practice will be enriched for it.