I saw a posting on facebook that sparked a pretty fun conversation between some miniaturists in the online community.
I so NEEDED to see this!! There are so many times, that I, myself, compare my work to the work of my wildly talented friends and I feel a bit deflated... but when I go back and look at MY OWN work from 4 years ago, when I started, I feel like a rockstar!
I started in June 2010 with a few little bits here and there for my mother-in-law's Westivlle and then finally started on my own Coventry Cottage. I dove in, head first, without really reading any instructions and right out of the gate was ready to bash and smash.
Here is the first house:
Such a mess!!!! There are things that I loved about this original house.... like the stonework and such...but where was my brain when I picked these colors?? Except for the Bittersweet Chocolate. That was love at first use. ♥ I dabbled with different things in this house, but didn't really pay too much attention to realism or final finish, nor did I have ANY sort of finesse....
And then I moved onto the NEXT house.... my Artply Highland that I found on Craigslist for a mere $20. And it was in sad, sad shape.
This was the first house I took my time on. And I took so much time on it, that I ended up starting other projects and got totally over this one. Was just ready to move on... and here is where I left off.
Truth be told, I would love to find another one of these and start from scratch. I'm pretty confident, with what I have learned in my 4 years so far, I could make this house a beauty. It really is a gorgeous, gorgeous house. I'm ready to pass this one on to someone else, for now, though. Let someone else discover untapped potential and love for something new. :)
And now, 4 years later, I have loads more experience, have won awards and contests and have been published in a foreign magazine! Yay perseverance!!!
In case the point was missed, this post wasn't for me to brag about how awesome I am (even though I totally am over flowing with coolness), but to share with those just starting out that might think they aren't good enough to keep going or to compete with the likes of us others.... NEITHER. WAS. I. But just like anything else in life, it takes time, dedication and PRACTICE. PRACTICE. PRACTICE.
And this is for any new skill that you will try in this vast world of teeny tiny things. I need to remember that when I want to try to flock my own animals. So far, the early ones have been sccaaaaaaaaaarrryyyyyyyyyy. ;)
Remember:
Great post! We are by far our own worst critics as miniaturists. I think its because we share our work publicly and swap around the world, always frowning and doubting our work and when others see it and get some pieces in hand they are astounded.
ReplyDeleteAlways remember we inspire each other and are always over the moon at each others work. You have done very well madam and I am awed by your minis!
Hugs~J
Thanks, Jane! Your work is definitely some that has me quaking in mah boots and drooling all over myself. I love the things that come out of your hands and your ability with clay is ridonk. I am in awe of yours, as well. ♥
DeleteReally cool post! I enjoy your work. I am new to this miniature world...started last year, so I can relate. Hope you don't mind, I may reference this blog post. (inspiring)
ReplyDeletePlease, do! And thank you. :)
Deletetienes toda la razon, todos mejoramos mucho con la practica , pero tambien es cierto que cuando empiezas te impacientas y quieres hacer cosas impresionantes a la primera , me encantan tus casas son geniales
ReplyDeletebesitos
Mari
Estoy de acuerdo! Al principio, me gustaría ver cosas realmente grandes que otras personas habían hecho y me dirían: "Yo, usted puede hacer eso!" y por supuesto no se vería tan grande como la obra inspirada, pero me encanta la forma en que todos empujamos unos a otros.
DeleteGreat post, I have a house I need to finish too and I can apply this to my diet and exercise program too. Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteSo true! Definitely need to apply that to my own diet and exercise program. ;)
DeleteNice post...we are always hardest on ourselves. You are very talented! Now, about that Highland...if you ever decide to come to Indiana, bring it with you. I'll be happy to take it off of your hands!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cyd! You are such a doll. I do have family in Indiana.... they would probably LOVE that.... :D
DeleteThat is an extremely good point, we all get down when we stare at other's work and then glance at ours. But then again, if practice got us here, practice will get us farther. I'm so grateful for you as well as others, without seeing your work and learning from your mistakes and wins as well as my own, I seriously would not be where I am today. Thank you, Lyssa. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sophie! And you are very welcome. I do think that the forthcoming in this hobby makes it so much easier to grow. And we do learn so much from one another. ♥
DeleteHello from Spain: great message. I agree with your reflection. Over time we better. Your dollhouses are fabulous. Keep in touch
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marta!
DeleteGreat post! I really needed to hear that! And it was nice to see how your skills have change over the years. Hannah
ReplyDeleteThank you! I really enjoyed the look back myself. It was a nice confidence boost for me, and everyone, it seems. :)
DeleteYour work is so inspirational! Don't compare but be inspired. I stare artistic details of your and others' work. Each time I do, it pushes me to a higher skill level.
ReplyDeleteThanks :-D
Agreed! I try to be that way. I take so much inspiration from my fantastic miniature community and I love to try new things. Most of the stuff I am great at now, was learned from another. We should all keep striving to a higher level!
DeleteI meant I stare at the artistic details. geez lol
DeleteGreat post Lyssa! I haven't even gotten the courage yet to start those scarrrrry animals :D
ReplyDeleteThanks, Debora! I have only done one. A skunk. And it was nowhere near as awesome as Steve's. HA! Practice, practice, practice. :)
DeleteWhat a great reminder...I was just being really hard on myself today. Thanks for the encouragement Lyssa!
ReplyDeleteYou have come a long way, good for you.
Great post and great advice. I think we all compare our miniatures to those of others. You certainly have come far in your four years. Your before and after pictures are great inspiration for all of us.
ReplyDeleteHi Lyssa! Your thoughts are felt by many of us during the different stages of our creative growth. It is always good to have something to aspire towards but it is no good to keep trying to be exactly the same as whatever your "Ideal" is. Everyone brings different skills, ideas, materials, experience, and finances to their projects. It is a blessing to be able to keep everything in prospective. If you are having fun and/or learning something new, then enjoy that experience. The next project will be different and you will be too! :D
ReplyDeleteelizabeth
Dear Lyssa! You have accomplished so much! I admire your work tremendously and also you! I don't know how you manage all this with two boys and a hubby! I have always loved your work and I do from time to time drop by for peeks! Take care and I always look forward to seeing what else you will come up with!
ReplyDeleteAs a newbie I TOTALLY needed to see this today. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!
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