“What is your biggest art fail?”

A few weeks ago, a 10-year-old asked me this question while we were working on a fluid painting exercise together at my workshop. We were both covered in paint, silly with the floaty feeling that comes from being so openly and joyfully absorbed in creating together.

I answered quickly and reflexively. “Not painting.”

Bella was surprised at my answer. She thought I would have told her a story about messing up a masterpiece.

But my biggest art fail is all the times I decided not to make art.

I’m actually really good at coming up with excuses not to paint or draw or make music. I’m too tired. Right now’s a bad time. I’m in a bad headspace. I need more time to let my idea marinate. I’m too hung over. I don’t have enough focus, time, skills, money, art supplies, inspiration, qualifications, etc. You name it, I’ve said it.

Sure, I’ve messed up plenty of paintings. I’ve spilled the “wrong” color on my canvas. I’ve overworked florals that I should have left alone because I doubted myself and didn’t know when to walk away. Heck, my cat even ran through a wet painting not once, but twice! But I don’t consider these accidents and missteps failures.

I see all the times I decided to paint as a huge victory, regardless of the outcome.

Because I made something from nothing. Because it required bravery. Since I did something positive with my energy instead of sitting on my butt. If I painted (or picked up my guitar, or snapped a picture with my iPhone), I still created something truly original. Even if it’s just a few loose magenta brushstrokes on cheap paper. Even if everyone else thinks my art sucks. And even if I think my art sucks.

Because in the end, it’s just paint.

If I hate what I’ve created, I can just gesso the shit outta that painting and start over. And the layers underneath the white gesso will serve as an interesting, textured foundation for the do-over.

This kind of open acceptance in my art practice – of saying yes to things both within and out of my control-  has transformed the way I live my life.

It’s helped me detach from outcomes I might otherwise have tried to control. I’ve learned to bend and flex and not take myself so seriously. It’s taught me to “woman up” and just do the damn thing.

Like having a vulnerable conversation with my partner even though I’m afraid of being rejected. Or saying “yes” to teaching a workshop even though I’ve never taught a room full of people before. Knowing I’ll awkwardly fumble my way through the unknown because that’s part of the deal when you breach the wilderness, But still knowing in my gut it will be worth it in the end because I’ll grow throughout the process. And maybe even have fun along the way.

What’s one action you can take this week to combat the negative voices in your head discouraging you from taking a risk?

Set a timer for fifteen minutes and do that one thing. Learn a new guitar chord. Call that friend you’ve lost touch with because of your busy schedule. Write a haiku. Put your unique mark on the world’s blank canvas. Life’s too short to hold back.

Looking for even more support and inspiration? Every last Tuesday of the month, join me for a night of saying “yes” to your creative urges in my Art + Yoga Embodied Fluidity workshop. I guarantee you’ll leave glowing: smiling from head to toe (and possibly covered in paint!).  You’ll feel proud of your creations, amazed at what you are capable of, and glad you said yes to your creative urges and took a risk.

You’ll pour paint, meditate over water bowls filled with turquoise ink, and jump and dance. Together we’ll reclaim that childlike boldness we’re all born with.  You do not need any art or yoga experience to participate in this workshop. Everyone is welcome! 💜💕💙

The next Workshop Date is Tuesday, July 31 from 6-8pm! Register now, because there are only 6 spots left!

The Details:

• Every last Tuesday of the month.

• 6-8pm at The Studio—Old East Durham

• 2112 Angier Ave, Durham, NC 27703

• $50 per person

*The workshop fee covers all painting materials and refreshments. Yoga mats provided.

Breathe. Let go. Enjoy the flow of art + yoga.

Your Instructors for the July 31 Workshop

Courtney Potter is a self-taught abstract artist who believes in the universal power of creativity.

She began painting as a way to process her emotions after experiencing trauma. Opening herself up to access a deeper well of her creative power literally saved her life.

Potter has built her career around expressing herself through art and helping others cultivate and celebrate their unique voices. She believes painting is a powerful tool that anyone can access at any time to transform their pain into meaning.

Potter is a member of Artspace, Visual Art Exchange, and the Wedding Photojournalist Association and has exhibited her art along the East Coast. You can view her work at her solo exhibition at Hagersmith in Raleigh until the end of June.

Laura Nickerson  has taught yoga full-time since 2012.

In that time, she has created programs for military veterans, athletes, and teenagers. Laura has experience and expertise in anatomy, yoga for athletes, and yoga for trauma survivors. Her initial certification is through Sonic Yoga in New York City, and she has trained with David Emerson and Sage Rountree, as well as other teachers. In addition to public classes, Laura offers private yoga lessons, Thai Yoga Therapy, and Reiki.

Laura started yoga for the workout. At that time, she was unable to touch her toes and was much more interested in yoga party tricks than meditation or spirituality. Although she is now passionate about yoga philosophy and a dedicated anatomy geek, her most marked attribute as a teacher is the heart of a healer. Laura considers the yoga practice an act of love for self and world, and she brings that to her teaching.  All humans are welcome in class with Laura; this emphatically includes all races and genders.

Outside of her teaching and bodywork practices, Laura is a Boston Qualifying marathon runner, two-time Spartan Race World Championship–qualifier—and a recovering survivor of domestic violence.