Refrigerator art

When we're learning something new, it can be discouraging to compare ourselves with more established artists. 

It can almost make you want to put down the guitar, step away from the watercolors, or get off the stunt motorbike. 

The first thing to do is close out Instagram or Facebook or wherever you're watching people make art instead of doing it yourself. Social media can be great for inspiration, but it's easy to overdose on consuming instead of creating.

And then, embrace the concept of refrigerator art. 

Refrigerator art is a great metaphor I got from my uncle, who is good at trying new things and sticking with them until he's mastered them (and encouraging others to do the same). 

You know how little kids make things as easily as breathing -- and often find it easy to be proud of what they've made? You're proud and delighted when your child makes something, no matter what it is. It goes on the refrigerator. 

Whatever you're making something, whether it's music or handcrafts or a meal, be like that little kid. Let yourself start with refrigerator art and just play.

You may come up with something only a mother could love. Maybe it's something so terrible, so far from what you envisioned, that it makes you chuckle. Great! Put it on the fridge -- literally or metaphorically. 

Write a silly song. Stitch ugly fabric together. Throw in an herb that may well ruin the sauce. Daub a color that probably isn't the right one, using a technique that you haven't quite mastered. Have fun. 

Let yourself be a preschooler again, scribbling and experimenting. Eventually, you'll get better -- and you'll look at your refrigerator art with fondness. Everyone starts somewhere.