16 Comments
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Erica Bennett's avatar

"Nothing you made was a mistake." That really hits with me because I'm constantly fretting about my previous artworks not fitting together cohesively and also pressuring myself to one-up myself on every new piece. There's literally no room for "failure" in that mindset. Probably best to leave that behind and embrace the soil I've created for myself 💖

Bone folder press's avatar

I do the same exact thing. It’s hard to grow as a creative when you are always trying to make everything look cohesive. It leaves little room for exploration. I’m working on that too.

twix's avatar

Wow I love this so much, I really like the analogy with composting. And it’s such a timely reminder that sometimes you can’t force something into fruition. “Let it become soil” is my new mantra. Well done!

Bone folder press's avatar

Thanks for your kind words. I first heard of the idea from a part of this awesome book called writing down the bones. It’s about writing but is also great for visual artists.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44905

twix's avatar

Definitely adding it to my reading list. I’m trying to build a writing practice so the recommendation is very timely. Thank you! 🙏🏾

celandine's avatar

i love this. it's funny how we typically use the metaphor of rotting in a negative way, when rotting is kind of an amazing process of transformation. maybe a "rotten" idea is the beginning of something new and awesome.

Bone folder press's avatar

Yes! Especially in nature. It’s beautiful in kind of a gross way lol

James Fae's avatar

Great writing. I think one of the hardest switches in mindset for me was reframing what I thought were failed paintings as growth and learning 🖤🖤

Bone folder press's avatar

The thing about the failed paintings is sometimes you look at the with fresh eyes and they aren’t as big of a failure as you thought

Kelley Clink (they/she)'s avatar

Thanks for this. I love the prompt to gather all the ideas that haven’t come to fruition, that are still floating around, and let them be. Nothing is wasted. Lovely.

Bone folder press's avatar

All you got to do is notice them, let the bits inspire you

AN's avatar

Happy New Year, Keila! And thank you for this zine. It certainly gave me food for thought, especially the part about using what's ready. That was helpful, so, again, thank you!

Bone folder press's avatar

Happy new year! No problem I’m glad it sat with you

Kraftkvinden's avatar

Love it! I have been feeling shame about projects that happened once but that I didnt manage to repeat og develope. Your sign makes me think of them differently. I feel like revisit my projects and see if they are composting or maybe parts of them are still wanting to grow. Thank you so much ♥️ and I love the idea of seasons theme. I have been doing podcasts each month with a different theme and I have also felt it to be short time to dive in. Just when I got into the theme, a new moon came, time for a new theme…

Bone folder press's avatar

It’s funny making zines is an idea that composted years for me. Somehow it always came back up.

When you are among things like podcasts or writing it takes time to edit and plan for the next month. It’s just not enough time for me. I figured I can always switch back if I get bored.

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Jan 3
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Bone folder press's avatar

That’s a great idea to keep the scraps in the folder. Shame isn’t good for creativity. Sometimes it’s just not the right time for that idea.