Just what exactly is “perfect” and where do we formulate our notion of “perfection”?
I believe that perfectionism is the root of many an artist’s block.
I’ll never be good enough.
If I can’t do it as well as ____________, why try?
I’m not sure my idea is worthwhile.
What if I fail?
My project could never reach the beauty and perfection of the idea in my head.
We often talk ourselves out of doing something before we even get the chance to start.
I am reminded of something painter Agnes Martin once said:
“We cannot make anything perfectly but with inner contemplation of perfection, we can suggest it.”
I made this video because I’d like to invite you to pick up the reins of a project or piece that is waiting in the wings for the perfect time, the perfect place, materials, amount of money, the perfection of your skills, or whatever notion of perfection is preventing you from diving in.
See what happens.
And let us know, OK?
Responses to “What’s So Great About Perfect?”
Alain Dubé
Thank you Michele.
For many years, I thought that I’m not a real artist : after many years working with numeric tools, i felt that I did “too perfect” images, too neat ones. So I began to make art with my dirty hands researching for BEAUTY IN THE IMPERFECTION OF NATURE with its torn, crumpled, faded, frayed, rough elements.
In your video what you tell conforts me. Thank you! (Excuse for my poor English which is not my usual language)
Michele Theberge
Thank you, Alain! I’m glad you have found a process that opens you up to discovery and I appreciate you sharing it with our community.
Pam Reynolds
This was just what I needed during this time in my professional life when I need to stretch beyond my comfort zone. Thank you for the nature metaphor. That’s really true!
Michele Theberge
Thank you for sharing, Pam! I’m happy this reached you at an important time.
holly
thanks SO MUCH for this short video blog.. it really spoke to me on THIS day. I was thinking ( only an hour ago) about the same thing and how i have so many unfinished art projects around the house! and the fear of it not being of good enough or imperfect leaves these undone..or even insecure about the finishing process.. was so right on on for me..just assuring to hear that you have felt this way too helps so much.. thanks for putting it in to words.. I will be listiening to the blog again.. much appreciation for your honesty.
Michele Theberge
I’m so glad this spoke to you, Holly! I appreciate all of your kind words.
Peter Harris
Thank you Michele, I hope you did not miss your train. Yes as you I am a perfectionist, I have recently found though that perfection can be extremely limiting in that it is really only the construct of the individual, what may be perfection to one is not to another. The most difficult thing for me, an engineer by profession, is to forgive myself for those perceived imperfections and move forward without continuously trying to massage a result incessantly striving for something that really has no tangible benefit. Once again thank you for your insights. Peter H.
Michele Theberge
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Peter!
Pyeng
Michele, I love this! I sometimes tell myself as well as my students to just “write a bad song”. In essence I am just trying to invite the person or myself to allow creative energy to move, rather than make things overly precious.
Michele Theberge
Thanks for sharing! I think the act of just working and letting go of expectations is so important.
Rudolf
Thank you Michèle for sharing your thoughts – thoughts on a really hot issue for many: perfectionism, or the reign of the head over the heart. It’s been my struggle since I took up the brushes, and until now, though I got some more freedom these last years. Just one aspect of it: to stop working on a painting at the right moment. Devilish perfectionism always makes you think that it’s not O.K. yet. And you continue… until you paint it over with Gesso and start anew, often with something entirely different. The worst thing about it: it consumes my enthusiasm. Happy Christmas to you!
Michele Theberge
Thank you for your thoughtful response, Rudolf. Knowing when to stop is always a tricky balance. One exercise that can help when getting started with learning to let go of perfectionism is to give yourself an arbitrary guideline like a timer or a time limit to work on a painting. This will prevent you from searching for a perfect ending. When the time is up, you have to move on. Take some time to reflect on what you learned from that painting, instead of assigning a judgement of “good” or “bad.” Best of luck with your painting journey!