What happens when you neglect Sharing

My ex's parents were both artists. They were brilliant and prolific. Their styles and mediums were different but they shared a great respect for the creative life.

Neither of them cared much about exhibiting their work. So, inevitably, the artwork piled up—on walls, in closets, in basement storage. When they passed away, their heirs had to decide what to do with their work, much of which was damaged by mold.

They both inspired me in many ways. They taught me how to honor creativity no matter what. In the end, they taught me how important it is to let your art go. Sell it, give it away, whatever. Just let it go.

Believe me, I understand the impulse to keep your art—I've done it for years. It's like fostering kittens. You get so attached to them, it feels impossible to say goodbye. But if you don't, you end up with 22 cats in the house (which I did once, although that's another story).

Or you end up with a house full of art that no one sees.

You can create beautiful work, make connections within yourself and with others… but if you don't complete the final leg of the journey—SHARING—it remains incomplete. Unappreciated.

Sometimes, that means exhibiting your work. Or shopping it to galleries or agents. Or putting it up on a website. Or creating a public mural. Or sending out a weekly newsletter.

Sometimes, that means giving it away. Too many times, people have loved a painting and I didn't make it affordable enough for them to buy it. I wish I had.

My mother just had a big retrospective, and she listed each piece for $100. The show sold out. That's not for everyone, but she feels strongly that her art should be accessible (and she doesn't rely on that income).

If you can't bring yourself to share your work, maybe it's not ready. You might need more training, more confidence, more resources. Perhaps you need to hold onto it for awhile for emotional/spiritual soothing. Or maybe the work is evolving and you need to wait until it matures.

Perhaps you are like my ex's parents, and simply want to create for your own amusement and curiosity. Or to heal yourself, as I did for many years. In that case (and I'm speaking from experience), I hope you have plenty of storage room!

Here's what sharing does.

It gives others an opportunity to appreciate what you've created—to bring it into their homes, to be transformed over time by the same creative energy that flowed through you. In that way, you let go of ownership and trust the Muse more.

It builds your confidence. There's nothing like seeing someone's face light up when they view your work. That shot of praise keeps you going through the seasons of doubt.

It allows you to practice letting go. In his book The Way of Transition, William Bridges said, "...life runs a perfect curriculum, and the tuition is modest...it offers us a correspondence course in letting go, Introductory Letting Go, Intermediate Letting Go, and Advanced Letting Go." Releasing a precious work that you've toiled over for months is like saying goodbye to your foster kitten: heart-wrenching but necessary. Just like youth, loved ones, and mistaken dreams. We all have to learn this lesson in time for the ultimate letting go.

It fuels you to create more!

It all requires faith. Faith in the process, in the Muse, in yourself.

Where can you share your art today?

Art Heals

​Cindy Wood does beautiful, rich paintings of nature, birds, owls, and spiritual energy. She recently attended one of my workshops on creating a Signature Series, and she had a breakthrough that led to a new line of work incorporating her mother's writing. When she sent me the first painting in this series, I was so moved I cried.

With love and light,

Maggie

P.S. If you'd like to work with me, check out www.parrcreate.com for upcoming workshops, online classes, and private instruction and mentoring.