Dear Artists,

..and when I say ‘artists’, I’m speaking to every single one of you who is listening, from the established artist to the self-confessed non-creative person. You are all artists. Creativity is your birth right. You have the right to make stuff and call it art. I want you to know that the act of creating is a gift you can give yourself. It’s not ring-fenced for any one type of person, its free for anyone to claim for themselves. I see you feeling unworthy.. maybe of buying the expensive paints, or not knowing what to do with some of your materials. I see you hesitate before making a mark on your paper and wondering how to ever feel good enough. You might have worries and concerns flying around your head That maybe you’re not supposed to be doing this, that you’ll never be good enough, that you’re not welcome here, that you’re an imposter. I want to remind you that creativity is simply play, and play is simply an activity that is undertaken purely for enjoyment and has no other objective. Next time you feel the impulse to make art I encourage you to create purely for enjoyment, and resist deciding it has to have another objective.  Just play. Listen to the impulses you feel, follow through on them, switch your mind off and fall into the delicious experience of creating from your heart not your head. Give yourself the gift of creative play, you are worthy of playing and that’s all art is; the result of creative play. You do not need anyone’s permission and judgment to be worthy of calling yourself an artist. You have the power already. Indulge in creative play. Share it with the world, there will be people who love it. Don’t worry about the end point, simply play.

Best,
Kia
March 2020

Follow Kia’s Work

Website: www.sticksandink.com
Instagram: @kiacannons