Joey O'Connor's Blog, page 13

Art, Life & Faith Question of the Week #3

Welcome to the Art, Life & Faith Question of the Week #3.

As a writer, most of my work is done creating by myself. I have good days and bad days with whatever I’m working on. So, I’m always curious what a good day looks like for other artists like you? I’m interested in the rhythm and flow of your day. What is going on in your heart and mind? How are you interacting with the work you’re creating? How do you deal with creative challenges? What does the integration of your art, life & faith loo...

15 Simple Reminders When You Feel Overwhelmed as an Artist

I don’t know about you, but the older I get, the more I need simple reminders when I feel overwhelmed. As I write, I have several reminders on little yellow sticky pads on my desk: Call Marty. Double-check rooms for Grove artist retreat. Pay Visa. Floss. Okay, delete the floss one.

If you feel discouraged, overwhelmed, or distracted, I hope these simple reminders will be helpful for you as an artist. In recent days, I’ve felt overwhelmed. I’ve never written so many checks to cover taxes and t...

3 Ways Parents Can Develop Creativity in Children

I think every parent likes the idea of developing creativity in their children. Who doesn’t want creative kids? The problem is many parents don’t always how. Creativity and innovation are admirable qualities in kids and adults alike, but if you were raised in a home where creativity wasn’t valued, developing creativity in your children or grandchildren can be a challenge. Two weeks ago in the first Question of the Week, several of you shared stories of being raised in homes where creativity w...

Art, Life & Faith Question of the Week #2: How do you define success?

You offered a tremendous response to last week’s Art, Life & Faith Question of the Week #1. It created the most comments of any post on this blog’s short history. It was wonderful to read everyone’s insights and encouragement to one another. (Click here if you missed it!) Thanks to all of you who participated.

Today, I’d like to offer you a question that I hope will provoke a similar response. I believe how you reflect and respond to this question can make a tremendous difference in your life...

Art, Life & Faith Question of the Week #2

We had a tremendous response from last week’s Art, Life & Faith Question of the Week #1. It created the most comments of any post on this blog’s short history. It was wonderful to read everyone’s insights and encouragement to one another. (Click here if you missed it!)

Today, I’d like to offer you a question that I hope will provoke a similar response. I believe how you reflect and respond to this question can make a tremendous difference in your life and work as an artist. Here is Question of...

What Can Artists Learn from Soldiers, Athletes, Farmers, & Craftsmen?

As an artist, what can you learn from soldiers, athletes, farmers and craftsmen? If you look closely, artists can have a lot to learn from yes–soldiers, athletes, farmers and craftsmen. I know these are four diverse occupations, but there is one artful theme woven into each one. The beauty here is that it’s not rocket science. It’s doable and completely achievable for you, the artist. And there’s simply no substitute for it. Read on…

I know many hardworking artists. Some are very successful....

Do It Anyway: Thoughts from Mother Teresa

One of the most popular posts here on Art, Life & Faith is this poem written by Mother Teresa. When facing difficult people and an often-harsh world, Mother Teresa’s challenge to Do It Anyway offers a refreshing perspective of what it means to walk intimately with God. Mother Teresa’s simple and profound thoughts on the love of God, service to others, and living a simple life of faithfulness to God continues to inspire millions worldwide.

Her inspirational thoughts of what it means to love oth...

Art, Life & Faith Question of the Week #1

Welcome to the Art, Life & Faith Question of the Week. Starting today, I’m going to offer you a Question of the Week because I want to hear from you. If you haven’t noticed, I love to ask questions because good questions are a great way to start stimulating conversations. They’re also a great way to create community in order to learn and grow together.

For the past few weeks, I’ve been writing a story about a struggling artist who has a peculiar encounter on an elevator. And here’s where I ne...

Art, Life & Faith Question of the Week

Welcome to the Art, Life & Faith Question of the Week. Starting today, I’m going to offer you a Question of the Week because I want to hear from you. If you haven’t noticed, I love to ask questions because good questions are a great way to start stimulating conversations. They’re also a great way to create community in order to learn and grow together.

For the past few weeks, I’ve been writing a story about a struggling artist who has a peculiar encounter on an elevator. And here’s where I ne...

7 Hard Questions for Every Artist

I believe there are seven hard questions every artist must answer if they are really serious about their craft. Are these the only seven? Of course not, but I think it’s important that we ask ourselves hard questions. The easy questions have never moved me out of comfort or complacency. You and I grow only when we ask ourselves the hard questions.

Take 30 minutes today and write down your responses to these questions. (I’d love your feedback!) Your responses may seriously improve the quality...