The Pure Joy Of Creating Something New

I never really thought about my art. I just do it. Why? Because I enjoy creating. I do not think about anything else. At such moments, I am happy just doing. It is also the finest way to finding my joy.  

Recently, I read a book titled ‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle. The premise is simple; Being present, every moment is good for you. How to stay present though is not that simple. 

Most folks are preoccupied with the past, tomorrow, and everything else but the present. I must admit that I was like most folks; thoughts mindlessly drifting in and out without a by-your-leave. 

Since reading ‘The Power of Now,’ I have been spying on my thoughts. It is a curious thing, but the constant mind chatter is like a virus, a creativity-sucking parasite. It takes and takes and continues taking until nothing is left but an empty shell. A shell just waiting for the next ‘talking head’ to come along and fill that space. 

So is there any hope for the creative soul to flourish? A resounding yes!

One way to put a stop to the endless conversation in my head is to do something that I enjoy doing. And to my surprise, I realized that when I am creating, I am living in the moment, in the NOW.

Creating art puts a stop to the chatter, and that is powerful!

Some might think that ‘art creation’ is for others, not me, but that is another mind chatter.

So, what is art anyway? 

I am a self-taught artist and my interpretation of art is simple.

Art is ‘that’ which makes my heart swells with joy, appreciation, and love; yes, love! It can be a color, a leaf, a stone, a person, a sound, and so much more.

Why make art complicated? 

Do I have to appreciate a Van Gogh to enjoy art? Do I have to understand the styles of a Picasso to love art? Of course, not! 

The pattern on a leaf is art. What about the textures on that thousand-years old oak tree? How about the patterns on a seashell?

Art is everywhere if only you allow yourself to see. It is all around you! 

Create Your Happiness Challenge 

Collages are always fun to do. There are no rules (my personal opinion). Anything can be a collage, but for this challenge, I wanted to do something that I had not done before. 

It had to be easy, that even a child, (eight years old and up), can do. The creator is free to choose colors and textures while learning coordination at the same time.

The Idea and Plan

Project title: Abstract Landscape Collage

Project parameters: 

1. Easy to make

2. Budget below $50.00 

3. Use at least one thing that is recycled

4. Can be done in less than an hour 

5. A child, eight years old and up, can do it 

Supplies:

1 Board - recycled raisin box 

2 Pencil, markers, acrylic marker pens

3 Ruler

4 Glue

5 Tissue papers - five different colors

6 Scissors 

7 Foam brush, Mod Podge, and Washi Tape (optional)

Step 1 

Cut the cardboard to the desired size using a paper cutter or scissors. 

Step 2 

On the board, draw simple lines of the landscape. Less is best. 

Step 3

Use the pair of scissors to cut the tissue papers in the shapes of the landscape. This does not have to be exact. Leave room for the glue application.

Step 4 

Position the various pieces on the board. It is easier to start the layering from the top to the bottom. However, you can also start from the bottom up if that is easier for you.

Step 5 

Starting from the top, apply glue to the board, position the first piece of the landscape and press down. For the next piece, apply more glue to the board plus the back of the second piece. This piece will overlap part of the top one. You will repeat this process until all the pieces are in place. 

Cutaway tissues that go over the edges of the board.

Step 6

It is time to paint.

For this landscape, I used dots only. However, feel free to add textures in any creative way you want. The paint colors are partly dependent on the background color. 

Since this is an abstract landscape, have fun exploring color combinations that make you happy. 

If you like your work, then you are done. 

Optional: Finish and Framing

If you want a quick and easy way to frame your work, check out the various washi tapes available online. Your local craft and art store might carry them also.

Mod Podge is another ‘must have’ handy addition to your art/craft toolbox. It acts as a glue, sealer, and finish for your art project. 

Conclusion 

Next time you find yourself bored, confused, sad, overwhelmed, or in a million other undesirable space, stop and allow yourself some downtime.

Be creative. Paint a rainbow, a leaf, a face, anything! Have fun.

Rediscover the joy that embodies the act of creating something new!