Episode 239: Trusting Your Intuition

The Messy Studio with Rebecca Crowell

As artists we all recognize that intuition plays a role in what we do, but what that role is can seem mysterious and elusive. Like many concepts in art, we tend to use the words intuitive and intuition loosely because they defy exact description. But a closer look may help you understand its place in your own way of working, and to better access its power. If trusting intuition doesn’t come easily to you, you are not alone. Today we will talk about what intuition is, why it can be challenging to trust, and ways to nurture it in your work.

The word ‘intuition’ has its roots in the Latin intueri which means ‘to look at or toward’ or ‘to contemplate’. This points to the foundation of intuition, which requires an openness, an awareness of your true self, your experiences, and emotions, that you can use in your work. When you have that base, the inner knowing that we call intuition can be accessed. Intuition also comes from being in the moment, and tends to motivate us toward action and decisions. It is motivating and energizing, but it can be counteracted by second guessing and hesitation.

Rational thought is important too of course, the need to step back to analyze how things are going. We need critical thinking to improve and evaluate our work. But in creative work, the original impulse is intuitive. When your work comes from your deepest self, that is rarely a purely rational or intellectual source. Left-brain thinking can support and help develop the original idea. But what gets you rolling, provides the excitement and energy, is generally not primarily intellectual, but instead emotional or experiential.

Many artists want to be able to develop and to trust their intuition but they feel inhibited by their rational minds, or by fears of being judged if they allow their inner selves to be more visible. Making art sometimes from as pure an intutive source as possible is a good way to develop your intuition. It’s important to honor and nurture intuition however you can access it, whether in small decisions or in larger, more inspiring ways that get to your deeper sense of self-expression.

Nancy Fletcher Cassell webpage mentioned--intuitive painting:
https://ericmaisel.com/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2011/07/ten_tips_for_intuitive_painting.pdf

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What's new at Cold Wax Academy?
Rebecca and Jerry have an exciting lineup of online sessions planned as they launch a new year of learning and growth for members of Cold Wax Academy. Winter quarter sessions, which began on January 4th, will feature help with technical issues, photographing your work, developing ideas for imagery, and advice on works in progress. And two special guests, well-known authors Eric Maisel and Shaun McNiff will be conducting interactive sessions with members. As a member, you can also access the private Facebook page and take advantage of the informed and supportive community there of artists who post their paintings and questions. It's never too late to join Cold Wax Academy! All live sessions are recorded and available in the member library. Please visit http://www.coldwaxacademy.com for more information as well as basic information about using cold wax medium.

Please visit http://www.coldwaxacademy.com for more information.
Here is what a member named Sandy has to say about her own experience with Cold Wax Academy:
"Rebecca and Jerry have presented the most professional, authentic and structured approach to a creative activity I have ever come across. Their selfless sharing of all their knowledge and encouragement is a gift in my life unsurpassed."

Also-- please visit https://www.espacioart.org to learn about Rebecca and Jerry's newest project, Espacio, dedicated to providing beautiful living and working spaces for artists and writers. Espacio's first offering is Casa Clavel, a modern, fully equipped house opening this September in the beautiful cultural city of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. A few booking openings are still available in 2023, so please incquire if you are interested.

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