When I step into my studio, I’m usually not looking for a finished project or a clear end result. As an abstract mixed media artist, I work intuitively, letting the process unfold rather than trying to control it. Each canvas is more of an exploration than a plan—and over time, I’ve learned that the most meaningful part of making art isn’t the final piece, but the enjoyment of creating it.
Not Being Too Precious
One of the biggest shifts in my practice has been learning not to be too precious about the work. I want to be free to experiment not overly attached to how I think it should look.
I don’t want perfectionism to take over, so that my studio time feels heavy instead of playful.
Letting go of that attachment opens things up. It gives me permission to take risks, to paint over something that isn’t working, to add some collage, or to follow a new direction entirely. Some of my favorite moments come from accidents, unexpected textures, or colors that I wouldn’t think to put together.
Working From Intuition
I rarely start with a detailed plan. I usually start by drawing on the canvas with a pencil, this takes away that fear of painting on a white canvas. Then I pick a color and start to put marks and shapes down. and let those elements guide the next step. I’m often asking myself simple questions like, What does this need right now? or What happens if I try this?
Working this way means trusting my intuition, which isn’t always easy. Some days it feels natural, and other days it feels uncertain. But each time I choose to follow that inner nudge instead of forcing an outcome, the work feels more alive and more true to me.
Choosing Play Over Perfection
Play is a huge part of my creative process. When I treat the studio as a place to play rather than perform, everything changes. There’s less pressure to “get it right” and more room to explore just for the sake of curiosity.
This is where I find Art Journals helpful. Being able to experiment in a mixed media book which is less expensive than canvases makes it easier to try new things and not be over concerned about the cost. These small pages can be used for inspiration for larger canvases later too.
A Gentle Reminder
This way of working—trusting intuition, letting go of perfection, and choosing play—is always evolving. Not every session is easy or resolved, but each one offers something valuable.
At the heart of my practice is a simple reminder: art doesn’t have to be perfect to matter. Showing up, staying curious, and enjoying the process is enough.
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