The Joy of "Mistakes"

One of the things I love about the types of art I practice is their forgiveness - when mistakes are made.  For example, last night, VERY late at night, I was working on what I was planning to be my "favorite" creation so far.  And, guess what?  I made a mistake.  Now, it could have been due to the late hour, or perhaps it was just because mistakes happen, and what is envisioned doesn't always come out as planned.  The first disaster involved gesso.  Yes - I was decoupaging and accidentally used GESSO instead of modge podge!  AGGGGGHH!  Though I was at first tempted to give up on the project all together, I worked ahead on ways to salvage it.  I learned that a tiny bit of Windex on a paper towel can remove some gesso, and what still remained actually gave my project an interesting bit of texture.  As I took a closer look at my project, and decided I just didn't like several elements of it, instead of giving up, I continued on.  The advantages of working with mixed media and modge podge allow you to remove some items.  Yes, there may be tearing in the process, but decoupaging is all about layering anyway.  But I went ahead, removed what I didn't like, found replacements that I DID like, and covered up any tears in the paper in the process.  Meanwhile, any of the gesso that was still left behind actually gave the project a  nice, aged-type look.  In the end, I exceeded my hoped for the project in general!  So - NEVER GIVE UP!  Whether it be your life or your art, it's ALWAYS in process, with many options to try!!!

Embrace the creative life!

~Rebecca