When I first began contemplating the idea that I should be an artist, I found myself fraught with paralyzing perfectionism. Instead of actually painting something, I would sit and think for hours about what I could create, to the point that the creation was so complete in my mind, that I felt no need to bring it out into the real world. Doing so felt like following the assembly directions on an Ikea piece of furniture, knowing full well what it should look like and eventually does, only after enduring much pain and torture, and possibly homicide if one is within reach of an innocent bystander who tosses out well meaning suggestions. So when I happened upon the art form of collage, for some reason my mind freed up and I could actually create something. I learned to create in the moment in a feverish intuitive fashion without any plan, just me responding to the images and the ground they were adhered to. I virtually tricked myself into creating by saying silly things to myself like, “it’s only a collage”, “I never have to show anyone”, or “I can rumple it up and throw it away”. But what happened is I got out of my own way. I produced about 100 tiny collages that were my best friends and confidants in those early stages of finding my creative voice. During the collage years, I noticed that whenever I thought too much about a composition, I would begin to freeze up again. So I came up with a slogan to put above my desk that said, “Just glue it”. This reminded to me that for some reason I may not be aware of, the piece of paper that I found in my hand in that moment, was the perfect piece of paper to be used, and I should ”JUST GLUE IT”. Sorry Nike, I hope this isn’t copyright infringement.
So after many years of gluing, and an eventual transition into painting, (I still have a collage element in all my paintings, and I still work intuitively) I enjoy a fine-art career that I completely support myself with. Now, I’m feeling the time is right for me to add in writing as part of my creative outlet, and this blog will begin serving that purpose. I don’t actually know for sure what I’m going to write about, but I’m figuring if I don’t start typing, I won’t ever get started. I need another slogan. “Just type it” seems to be the obvious one, but is it clever enough to make me do it? Anyway, I have some ideas and subjects that I’m perennialy interested in like synchronicity, systems theory, the business of art, group dynamics, entrepreneurship, leadership, and paradox, but I’m more interested in seeing how this writing evolves organically. My original idea was to blog through the process of writing the book I am working on which combines all of the above topics into a theory I have regarding the occurrence of synchronicity and how it can be actively employed. So without much editing, I think I’ll JUST TYPE IT!
Thank you for joining me on this journey.
Cheers,
Lisa
I love your description of the “collage years.” I think I’m in my own collage years–but in writing. And those tricks do work! Not thinking too much I’m learning is important-at least for the way I work-not just in creative writing, but academic as well (gasp! all the intellectuals are writhing in my blasphemy). It’s not how others work and I’m having to accept that. It’s hard. If I don’t work the way I work, though–I do nothing. I’m so glad you’re adding writing to what you’re doing. That’s awesome! I love your humor (something not quite as natural for me).
Look forward to reading more entries.
Hi Melissa, Oh my gosh, I just published my blog yesterday, and have no idea what I’m doing technically, mechanically, and lets throw in emotionally or cognitively for transparency sake! I’m so green at this that when I opened my email today I saw in the subject line something like, “…please moderate wordpress…” and I immediately thought I was in trouble with the WordPress Gods about something I’d written…like I should moderate my flying filthy mouth or something. It totally did not occur to me that someone might comment on something I’d posted, even though I’m quite familiar with blogs and have posted comments many times! Geez – what a dork…it just goes to show you how your world view is “skewed” when you do something out of your comfort zone. I’m glad you are accepting the way you work…we’ll keep it our dirty little secret from the academic intellectuals.
Thank you so much for the comment – you have no idea how important it is! …or maybe you do 
welcome to the blogworld!
A lot of what you wrote resonated with me as well. I started out with collage as well. I call those years my “journal years”- when i started my business of selling handmade journals. I still make books, but have been transitiong to painting. But I think of those years as an integral part of my growth as an artist.
I’m looking forward to visiting here!
“Just Glue It” – now this is brilliant. Like you I have an interest in collage and synchronicity. Great to discover you today!
Welcome to blogging…I love this story and the concept of JUST GLUE IT! For me, so much creative opening happens when I release and just move!!
Looking forward to reading more of your posts!
Shannon
The Inspired Writer
Hi Lisa,
I just found you by way of your tweeting with Lissa Rankin and just sent you an email.
Good for you! I think you are going to make a fabulous blogger. Remember, sincerity, transparency, and diligence are part of the glue.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me anytime. I am actually working on another little project at http://www.blogwritingediting.com/blog to give people the confidence they need to “Just Glue It”, as you might say.
I look forward to your posts.
Susanna
P.S. I love your art!
Hi Lisa! Welcome to blogging! I found you through Twitter and I’m so glad I did. I love this first post. It looks like you are off to a great start here. I can’t wait to read more!
I recently joined the artist/blogger community and have found it to be very welcoming. It’s always great to find fellow travelers on the path.
HI Lisa, love your art.. love your blog. Your words will be an inspiration to many… Happy to link you to my blog! Just glue it is brilliant!
Hi musingsandmud! Thank you for the compliments. I’ve been locked out of my account for a while and couldn’t figure out the problem until today. I’m sooooo green at blogging – and with WordPress. I tried to go to your blog but I couldn’t log in…it asks me for a password, and then locks me out of my own blog or something bizarre! let me know if there’s a trick – or if I’m missing something obvious. Thank you!