A warm-hearted companion through the discomfort, joys, and possibilities of art-making.
Finding art + awareness
I initially wrote this book for myself.
When I first started painting and drawing, I encountered so many roadblocks!
I made my way forward with a practical mix of habits and awareness.
This book captures what I need to remember.
It is an invitation to me to simply keep going. It is also an invitation to you.
When you start to think differently about the process of making things, all sorts of possibilities emerge. You even begin to see the world more clearly.
I hope you will join me in the quiet joy of making things.
Old stories. These familiar old stories can hold us back.
We may not realize it, but we often believe unhelpful stories about talent, comparison, utility, and evaluation. These stories can keep us stuck. Taking a closer look at these common stories can help break their spell.
Creating a practice. Simple ways that make it easy to begin.
Sometimes, it can be hard to get started and keep the momentum going. Here, you will find encouragement and tips for starting and sustaining a little creative structure of your own.
Discomfort. Part of art-making, discomfort doesn’t have to stop you.
Art-making can provoke discomfort. After all, anything you make is suddenly open to judgment and scrutiny. It is not about overcoming discomfort but about learning to recognize it and maybe even appreciate it.
Play. Play is important + fun.
Play seems like it should be easy, because, well, it’s play, but it can be hard to do. Part of play is letting go, part is understanding its inherent worth, and part is simply allowing yourself to have fun.
Seeing. Looking and seeing aren’t the same thing.
Our brains are amazing! They help us navigate the world with ease, but this same efficiency can cause us to overlook much of what is around us. Making art can strengthen our ability to see more clearly. Looking strategies can help with both art and seeing.
It aims to jump-start your creativity. You can start at the beginning or wander your way through.
Throughout, there are suggestions of things to try and descriptions of helpful resources.
It is filled with encouragement and tips for incorporating a creative practice in your life.
It is about learning to see more clearly and discovering how making art, awareness, and attention all strengthen, enrich, and illuminate each other.
Woven throughout are concepts from awareness that naturally align with making art.
Always a Beginner is an invitation to approach creative work in a way that is accessible, fun, and helps you avoid common roadblocks.
About me
About five years ago, I started painting and drawing. It was hard to get started, but eventually, I did. I wrote this book as a sort of map of how I found my way. I knew there would be days when I would get lost and would need something to help me remember. I still use Always a beginner to guide me.
At various points in my life, I have been a creative director, a stay-at home mom, a volunteer, and a brand consultant. Most recently, I helped my husband Brian launch Electrify Now, a volunteer organization that aims to help individuals electrify their lives—a critical action to solving the climate crisis. Brian and I live in Portland, Oregon.
I am glad you are here. Thank you for visiting!