By Erik Peterson

If we know that discouragement is absolutely not a recipe for success, then why do we often resort to it in our art?  

We tell ourselves we aren’t good enough. We nitpick the smallest of mistakes. We say things to ourselves we would never say to a friend.

As a result, our art suffers and we suffer.  Isn’t...

by Erik Peterson

“Like all art, poems are only hints and guesses that draw our attention to something larger.” - Luci Shaw

Art is a window through which we glimpse the rays of eternity. In this way, all true and good art, whether poetry or pottery, music or mixed media, allow us to see out of our narrowness into an expansive...

by Erik Peterson

One of the biggest ways we sabotage ourselves as creatives is allowing our negative inner dialogue to dictate how we show up and what we carry into the process of art-making. 

If perfectionism has prevented you from creating in the way you desire, take heart. I think we all wrestle with this to varying degrees. The good...

by Erik Peterson

I have a question for you... which is more important - what you do as an artist or who you are as an artist?

Ok, that’s an easy one, so the singular question remains…

Who are you as an artist?

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Our Limited View of Ourselves

The issue of identity is one of the most crucial...

by Erik Peterson

Whether you are with others, with God, or with yourself and your art, asking better questions can become a transformational practice and way of seeing the world.

Asking good questions is an art form in and of itself, and one that we can cultivate to enhance our art-making and our relationships.

• When you are with others,...

by Erik Peterson

Creativity in the Cosmos

Before the Divine Artist created the heavens and earth, I imagine The Father, Son and Spirit in glorious creative communion, dreaming up what they would like to make together. Perhaps they huddled up excitedly like brilliant design thinkers ideating their plans on the cosmic whiteboard. Or maybe, with...

by Erik Peterson

Have you ever felt like you are merely scratching the surface of what you are capable of with your art? I am sure you have.

• You have a longing to create more (both in time and quantity), create deeper with more heart and connection to God (quality), and create in a way that is aligned with your soul’s purpose and...

by Erik Peterson

You are not alone in this thing called discouragement, 

Or frustration, or confusion, and doubt about your creative endeavors.

We are artists, so we must know 

That this is part of the journey. Part of being in the club.

But still, how long do you want to sit in the mud? 

It doesn’t need to last too long.

...

by Erik Peterson

There are two different paths artists often take and become when they carry the unnecessary burdens of joyless art-making (whether consciously or unconsciously.)

Two Kinds of Artists

The first kind of artist, the Preserver, scopes out the long arduous road ahead, and seeing only difficulty and downside, gives up rather quickly...

by Erik Peterson

Recently Mandy and I have been re-watching all the original Star Wars movies. Every time I watch these films, I am struck by the bold vision of George Lucas.

Despite overwhelming odds (all but one studio turned down the project), and a process that took five years to finely tune and complete the script, Lucas ended up creating a...