Emerging, 2014 – Michaela Harlow – 15″ x 20″, pastel & pencil on paper (19″ x 24″)

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from thirty-in-thirty, it’s that getting into the studio and getting to work is the key to creating art. Surrounding myself with my materials is the only inspiration I really need. Even under ideal work conditions —bright, indirect light, quiet surroundings, focus— I may not always produce something that I will want to show. But that isn’t the point. The point is to keep working and growing. I’ve learned that showing up is 95% of the battle.

I’ve also learned that the conditions need not be perfect in order for me to create work that I am happy with. Take today for example: the studio was dark, the dog was restless, and the interruptions/distractions were relentless and myriad. I was ready to give up and admit defeat; throwing my pastels and pencils into the air.

And then, from the chaos, this happened . . .

Emerging, 2014

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