no fear

  • May
    2016
    25
    2016 / May / 25

    No Fear

    This collage illustration is very personal to me.  A struggle with fear stunts growth in my life and work.  In the last year, I came to realize just how all of my fears were holding me back.  I have been afraid of what people think, making decisions, creating art, letting my art be personal, including human characters in my art and even talking with others about my work.  And these are just the fears on my list that pertain to my art!  Creating this piece is part of the effort to cast away my fears so that I can move forward.

    Truth be told, our fears hold us back, whether you are aware of any fear you might have, large or small.  Whatever negativity you hold inside of you will hold you back from being more amazing than you already are.  It is important to acknowledge those concerns and find ways to overcome them if you want to grow in your life.  Identify your fears, think of a way that you might work to overcome them, and take action.  You don’t have to take giant leaps, like jumping out of an airplane.  What you are trying to accomplish may require smaller steps that build towards an end goal over time.  Adding a small habit to your daily routine, such as a prayer in the morning, or writing in a journal at night can be a wonderful way to slowly work on overcoming your fears.  For me, making this piece of artwork was attacking much of the problem in one project, but I have many techniques that I use on a daily and weekly basis that address my fears step by step.

    The process of creating this has been cathartic.  I forced myself to make decisions in the composition and color palette.  I chose the subject of water, because it is one of my favorite things, adding a layer of comfort to the idea of facing fears.  My fears tend to go away when there is a sense of adventure and exploration to be had.  This piece embodies the essence of that enchantment in the natural world–my favorite place!  Just imagine everything that is possible when you let go of fear!

    This illustration is on masonite and has an acrylic paint base.  Ink, cut paper, colored pencil and watercolor on paper are added.  The goggles are sewn onto the character’s face.

    I am so excited to hang this piece up so that I can look at it every day and remind myself to let go of my fears.

    If you would like to order a print of this illustration, please contact me at amydecaussin@gmail.com

    no-fear-web

    Amy DeCaussin specializes in cut paper art and animation.  View her work here, amydecaussin.com.

    For animation, image licensing, agent representation,

    and other creative projects contact Amy: amydecaussin@gmail.com.

    ©Amy DeCaussin All Rights Reserved.

  • Jan
    2016
    05
    2016 / Jan / 05

    My 2016 List with Joy

    2016-list-web

    Here it is, unedited.  My 2016 list.  Things I would like to focus on and keep in mind.  A list of my thoughts poured onto paper, unfiltered.  I am emphasizing the “unedited,” and “unfiltered” part because, if you notice, the list includes writing, journaling and blogging more.  What is the biggest hang up for me when it comes to this?  The need for all things to be polished.  The need for all possible responses to each post to be considered.  Too much time is spent holding onto drafts and editing, or never writing, creating or publishing at all.  Are you going to judge my ability to create by the fact that this page in my journal is not well composed?  Well don’t.  It is not included in the portfolio–where my best work is presented.  And that could really use some cleaning too–and just in case you’re an art director, an agent, or a fellow creative, I’m well aware that it needs a lot of work.  (but I am always open to suggestions on ways to improve.)

    Why is the word “joy” emphasized?  Because so often I write long lists of tasks and goals for myself and the farther down the list I go, the more anxious I get.  It is as if I am writing it inside of a box called time and the more I write down, the less I might be able to squeeze it in.  NO.  Dear 2016, NO.  I will write it down joyfully and do the best I can.  I will be diligent and work hard, but in the end, what will be will be.  This is a year of finding freedom in the ideas–not fear.  This is a year of positivity and less stress.  And look!  I am already winning!  I have already gotten better at dealing with my anxiety in the latter half of 2015 (something I have  struggled with all my life) and that’s a very positive thing.  I am also writing this post!  Another step in the right direction 😉  Hey now–there’s a progress parade going on over here!

    Why am I telling you this?  Am I being self indulgent, and all about how “the world revolves around me?” Well maybe–probably haha.  But more importantly, I know that creative magic happens when you loosen up and go unfiltered.  When you write and journal your thoughts, it is like a practice that feeds the rest of what you do.

    It feels good to just pour all of my thoughts out and let it go.  I hope you find joy and liberty in reading this too!  I feel better already.

    I’m writing this List with Joy.  My 2016 List:

    -add to portfolio
    -more time at the gym
    -more prayer & meditation
    -clean inbox
    -write more & more often
    -blog too!
    -journal too!
    -write letters
    -read more
    -play music
    -get involved with performance art
    -dance
    -be fearless
    -be forward thinking, approach things with assertion, confidence, positivity & no fear
    -less anxiety
    -more clarity
    -sleep more soundly
    -make work joyfully

    Amy DeCaussin specializes in Illustration.  View her work here, amydecaussin.com.

    For illustration, image licensing, agent representation,

    and other creative projects contact Amy: amydecaussin@gmail.com.

    ©Amy DeCaussin All Rights Reserved.