Leap into the unknown

If you've ever put your artistic work up for public comsumption before, you know it's not easy.  It's a heartpounding, exposed sort of feeling when you take a piece of yourself, wrap it in a package of your own creation, and then let the world take a look.  It's not always comfortable. 

However, if you feel any artistic stirrings at all, I encourage you to start exploring those impulses. You may shy away from being too raw, too funny, or too open...but go ahead and take the plunge anyway and see how it feels. Be courageous. Be vulnerable. Be willing to create something really bad in an attempt to produce something extraordinary. I know it's not easy. More than once I haven't realized a piece I've created is just plain awful until I've shown it to half the free world with unaccountable enthusiasm. But take that risk . . .because the practice of art can be magical and transformative.

And for those of you used to sharing your artistic endeavors and those of you who are professionals, I know it's still a leap of faith and an act of courage.  Thank you.

To everyone who makes their way here: I hope you are inspired to create, experiment, and try for that something extraordinary.  Take the leap.