From Hadar's Le Veritable Tarot de Marseille, the Ten of Batons; from the Greek Alphabet Runes, "Alpha:"
This is definitely not an RWS version of the Ten of Wands. In Hadar's card, there are two crowns on either side of the woven batons. The booklet speaks of a "crowning achievement," and Bursten's two labels are "creating" and "enough already." Have you ever finished a project (and been pleased with the result), but then couldn't leave it alone? I often find myself rewriting something I've written or trying to fix something that is already complete. That is my perfectionist side coming out to play, and the best thing I can do with that part of myself is put her on a bus headed out of town.
Alpha, the first letter of the Greek alphabet, is often thought to represent a new beginning. It is also used to describe the most powerful or assertive presence in a group. Perhaps the creative achievements I've finished will give me a confident push to start a fresh project. And that would definitely distract "Miss Perfection" from trying to stir the batter of a cake that's already been baked.
Miss Perfection that is a good name for that whining voice which is always nagging that I can do better. Every time when I've finished a painting, after the first enthusiasm, I start seeing the flaws...
ReplyDeleteMaybe if we didn't try to create something beautiful just to create a
a lot. she will eventually shut up!
Listening to that voice has caused me to mess up some things that were fine to begin with. Need to find some duct tape.... :)
DeleteI've struggled with my perfectionistic side all my life, so I fully understand. It's only in these last few years that I've learnt to know when to stop and call it quits. I've messed up a fair few art projects in pushing the envelop a bit too far. The disappointment of messing up a piece overrules the frustration of perfectionism.
ReplyDeleteYep, that's one good way to get rid of that perfectionist tendency - ruin something that you put a lot of time and effort into because of it!
DeleteIt's knowing when to quit. As an artist, I know I can certainly over work things, getting caught up in the final outcome, as opposed to the creative process, which is the important part. Being too precious about what I create is problematic. But learning to not be so precious, doesn't mean I don't value it.
Delete"Being too precious" resonates with me. I had a nature journal I wrote and drew in daily for two years. I remember the first time I had to scratch through something I wrote - I had that "I need to start over" feeling. But that would have defeated the purpose of the journal! :)
DeleteExactly!, :) One of my art teachers "drilled" the mantra, "stop being so precious" in my head. If I remember anything from those few years at TAFE, it's to stop being such a control freak over the final outcome and to trust in the creative process.
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