Hello! This is my last “Thoughts to Ponder” Newsletter. One I “should” have sent months ago, but I didn’t, for reasons shared below. I’d love to stay in touch, please see how at the end of this message, and I’m on Instagram and the new ‘algorithm free’ Bluesky Social app.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER…
Winter sniffles prompted a “redirect” for today’s plans, so I opened a beautiful book recently received called “Loft Laws, The last of New York City’s Original Artist Lofts.”
Not a personal-development book. Not a book on coaching. Not a book on entrepreneurship.
I’ve given all those away to make room for ART.
The last time I posted here was February of 2024. That blog focused on bringing awareness to how we convince ourselves that what we’re doing, or who we are is ‘the’ way. A belief driven by culture and upbringing and oh dear, “the shoulds.”
Almost a year later, the “unconvincing myself” process has come full circle. The last phase was inspired by lunch with two friends who don’t have desks (a desk free life was something I had been mulling).
I returned home and purged, dumped and shredded my way out of an executive size desk. Gone. Deskless living – now that’s me!
With immense gratitude to my clients, and to those of you who took the time to read, my “Thoughts to Ponder” email – THANK YOU!
Allow me to re-introduce myself…
Hello, I’m Suzy Carroll, an abstract artist who wishes she lived in a big loft with tall walls, and floor covered in paint.
Well, not really. I do love my home; however, I have tossed out to the universe the desire for a studio space on our property, and it is true, I’d love a floor that is covered in paint.
My artwork is exhibited at Port Townsend Gallery. My website needs updating, but I’d prefer to paint. Never-the-less, I’d be honored if you peeked.
How did I go from there to here?
Becoming an “artist” was not part of my plan. This speaks volumes to allowing guidance from what we cannot see; turning down (or off) the external noise, listening to your higher self, releasing what no longer serves you, and following the ‘nudges.’
It’s a process. One that took me 61 years (it’s true… you’re never too old).
Years of inner work, therapy, courses, certifications, and knowledge gained from all those books I recently let go of, led to no longer feeling inhibited by fear of criticism or driven by perfectionism (as much).
I began reading, watching, talking, and learning everything I could about cold wax painting—a medium that shines—when relinquishing the need to control.
Within 18-months, having started virtually from scratch, I sold my first painting, participated in a wildly successful 3-month long art show and soon after was unanimously juried into the Port Townsend Gallery.
An “overnight” success? Hardly. I simply (and finally) got out of my own way. Diligently clearing a path of anything that was a distraction, calling in joyful discipline and daily art practice.
Here are my five guidelines I follow for art and for life. *You’re welcome to borrow these or use them as a catalyst to create your own.
1. Create without attachment to the outcome.
2. Create from a space of joy.
3. Embrace Wabi-Sabi (imperfection).
4. Step away from painting the minute it begins to feel like “work.”
5. Go with the flow.
I am a reformed busyness addict, no longer pushing and planning my way through life. This ease is now the basis for my life and my art.
THANK YOU for witnessing my process, often shared in the “Thoughts to Ponder” newsletter.
It’s invigorating to once again be traveling the learning curve with years ahead of creative discovery. I’m just getting started!
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With Gratitude!
Suzy Carroll, Artist 🙂
PS. You can find me on Instagram @suzycarroll and Bluesky Social @suzycarroll
