Escaping comfort zones

A comfort zone is a curious thing.

I am comfortable in the world of color. So when I was asked to collaborate on original art by interior designer Diana Wagenbach of Studio W in Hinsdale, I was honored, curious and challenged by the idea of painting solely in umbers and earth tones. In preliminary images, I kept trying to sneak in indigo and violet. I did not get away with it. I am happy to report that I somehow managed to step outside of my comfort zone and discovered that I can change and grow, and it was really fun.

Thank you, Diana. Thank you, Tiger’s Eye Umber.

Since February, I have been way outside of my comfort zone learning Photoshop. I am now able to create images like this banner (with so much encouragement from my agent, thank you, Marcy) for a tradeshow booth for the Surtex (think surface textiles) next month in NYC.

I am teaching adults a year long course I created called Heartwork at my hometown library. All of that, like ALL of it, was previously WAY outside of my comfort zone.

Here is what I am learning: everything that I want is outside of my comfort zone. I have decided I am going to get comfortable being uncomfortable, and have some fun with it along the way.

Making art is a continual process of being comfortable with change and discomfort. I wonder if you ever feel the same way in your life, and what that looks like to you. If you write back to me with your own experience, I will respond.

Let’s go out on a limb together, remember that we are alive, and get very uncomfortable. It begins with saying yes and all of the fun is on the other side.