Catch & Release

Multiple prompt action going on here ... started myself with a background color I don't much like, then marks in another color I don't much like, then a focal image that made me feel edgy & uncomfortable. My original idea was wanting to write down my fears at this point in my art-making journey, and I wanted a page that reflected that. Anyway, I wrote them on strips of equally indifferent, rather ugly paper and created the grid to 'pin down' the icky focal image.

My fear strips say:
I'm afraid of being unoriginal.
I'm afraid of always being just a copy-cat.
I'm afraid of looking stupid.
I'm afraid my 'voice' is too strong!
I'm afraid of judging myself too harshly.
I'm afraid of revealing things about myself that even I'm not ready to see.
I'm afraid of making dishonest art to hide behind.
I'm afraid my family will never be interested in my art.

I'm curious to know what some of your fear strips might say.

I used 2 birds die cut from an old French textbook to overlay on the fear images/words, because the birds are a personal symbol for me, rich with sensations of freedom and ability and play. I chose the French textbook because I know a different, bolder ME comes out when I speak French, or read it. At the bottom is a phrase, on PRETTY paper, that is me giving myself permission to make art in spite of fear. That strip says, "I gave her my ticket and passport." What could possibly be more perfect?