This past year, I took a drawing class in which I drew portraits. It had been more than half my life ago the last time I spent time sketching. Being the sentimental sucker that I am, I almost exclusively practiced on photos I had taken of people who I knew and who meant a lot to me. I sometimes would capture their essence, but often there would be several flaws, and often I would leave drawings unfinished, fueled by frustration or disappointment at their lack of perfection.
One day I sat down to work on a portrait of my sister, which I intended to give her for Christmas. My three year old bounded over and hopped up on the couch next to me. “Draw me, mommy!” She requested, unabashed. I chuckled and consented. Instead of working on my sister for yet another attempt, I found a photo of my daughter and started to sketch.
It came easily, as I had nothing to prove. I felt relaxed and had fun with it. I kept it simple, with lots of white space for the viewer to fill in with their own imagination.
Of all the drawings, this is the one that I find worthy of a frame. I captured her so beautifully.
This is what happens when the creator has nothing to prove. When the reason for the creation is not esteem or wealth or attention. The final product only exists because of an amused kind of curiosity. And instead of frustration, it is motivated by love.
I’ve learned this in other ways throughout my life, but with this drawing it’s a visual reminder when I see it every day. Success comes from putting time into something. Being willing to fail and fail a lot. Trying again. But success doesn’t have to be so strenuous and agonizing. It can also come when we don’t overthink things. When we just go for it, with amused curiosity. And the most sublime creations of all are born by love.
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