I truly believe that this is one of the biggest things that can hold us back. The judgement of others and the judgement that we place on ourselves. I see it time and time again and I want to share with you how freeing it can be to release this perceived judgement.

By freeing ourselves of this feeling we are allowing ourselves to grow and develop in our own way, for our own minds, as it can open doors that you didn’t even know existed and feel life with so much more joy.
If you are feeling the heaviness of judgement right now, our Your Art Matters event may be what you need to let your mind and your art run free and have some fun with making again. We have a 5-day art challenge, drop in art sessions, inspirational talks and so much more!

It’s completely free to join in. I am on a mission to bring artists from all over the world together to find joy, have fun and get inspired with your art. If you want to join, it starts on 4th April 2022 and you can sign up here!

Noticing the judgement

When I look back to a few years ago, even when I first started United ArtSpace, most of my decisions were based on the judgement of others and what I perceived their judgement to be. When I had the idea of creating United ArtSpace all those years ago, my babies were both really young. I was trying to juggle being a mum, working on projects when I could and being present for my kids.

However, I still had the burning desire to create this space. I had no idea how I was going to create it. I didn’t even really know what it was I was creating. Just this overwhelming feeling and desire to make a community for artists online.

I was fighting with this constant judgement from myself that I wasn’t going to be seen as a ‘good’ parent for taking time out of my week/day to work on this dream of mine.

I’d tell people about this idea and I could see the look on their faces and the judgement that then followed. I then put this immense pressure on myself to achieve. Failing wasn’t an option and all this judgement was surrounding my dream before my dream was even really a thing.

Letting the judgement go…

Over the years I started to notice this in myself and the people around me. People in our community will say ‘I am not feeling the joy with my art making anymore’ or ‘I really want to make art with oils but…’. The list is endless.

When I noticed this pattern with my thought making I realised that a lot of the decisions I was making weren’t necessarily for me. They were for other people with the fear of judgement looming in the back of my mind.

So when I had to make a decision, a big decision, I started to ask myself “If I was on a desert island, would I still be making this same decision? Would I be bothered by the thoughts of my neighbour three doors down or some of the parents at school?” If the answer was no, then I am not making the decision for myself.

The release!

You need to become selfish with your decision making. When you do this you will slowly start to release this feeling of judgement from yourself and others. It is one of the most freeing and liberating things you can do for yourself and your art.

So, next time you have to make a decision or you feel judgement creeping in, ask yourself “If I was on a desert island, would I still be making this same decision?”
Free yourself and your mind.

Much love,
Michelle x