Have you ever done a 100 Day Project?

Artists from all over the world start this weekend, you in?

Imagine for the next 100 days you commit to do this one thing. It could only take 15 minutes. But you show up - every day. I did my first one two years ago. I was looking to find my artistic style. I had been a graphic artist for decades who never used my art supplies anymore. And when I did, a whole world opened up to me that I had left behind in art class long ago. I knew I loved drawing nature. So I committed to taking a walk every day to find one thing in nature to draw. Then I would experiment with styles and mediums. By the end of those 100 days, I had learned about what I loved and why. It was like a science project. It was a daily exercise to explore what kind of lines and colors felt like me. It was all in there, I just had to carve out the time to find it.

I purchased a little sketchbook (less intimidating) to do my daily artwork. It is fun to look back at all the things I tried. This sketchbook gave me the confidence to make larger pieces. It is where I began.

To discover your art, you have to show up. Even if you have no idea what you are going to make. Even if when you show up, you are frustrated with what you make. You show up anyway - every day. Try the same time. Make it a habit.

Mornings are my golden time. I have a ritual. It always begins with a walk outside. I usually take a photo or write down a thought. Something that inspires me. Back at home, I light my Palo Santa wood or incense, make coffee, put on some low music, sit at my desk, and crack open a journal or sketchbook. Then I begin. It is when I am my most creative.

This year was a rough start - the fires in Los Angeles, the horrible flu that hit our home soon after, and then a health issue with my daughter that turned out not to be. My intentions and schedules were all forgotten and I felt like I was lost on a road and didn’t know how to get back home. And once I feel that way, I must pull over, get my bearings, and slow down. My intuition knows the way back. Life can usher in chaos as easily as it can good fortune. One day can change everything.

I had no idea where the 100 Day Project started. I just knew around February everyone started talking about it on Instagram. I discovered this week two artists host it every year. You can find the substack here or on Instagram here if you want to dig in and learn more about it. They have many resources. It begins on February 23rd. That is this Sunday. So start thinking about what you could do! You can join an entire community of people and share your progress. Or not. It is up to you. I find a bit of accountability and support is a good thing. But if you prefer to do this in solitude, there is nothing wrong with that. Just begin.

My project this year is Tiny Things. It is my word of the year. I want to shine a light on all those little things that delight me. It can be anything. All those tiny flowers I keep noticing lately - made into tiny folk floral motifs. Paint. I have all these small canvases I’ve collected. I want to paint them. Found foliage. I love to collect it on my walks. All those little things that inspire me to create. That makes me present. They make me feel grateful to be a small spec in this big universe. This big beautiful universe.

Note that your project can be ANYTHING. You just have to show up for yourself. Pick something that would delight you. Maybe you want to write one poem a day? Maybe you want to create color palettes? Or play with watercolor? It does not need to be grand. It can be a mindful practice to bring you a little bit of joy each day. Pick something that excites and delights you. Don’t pick something you think you SHOULD do. Let it be something that generates some little kid excitement in you.

I will share some of my Tiny Things in Notes here on Substack and my experience in future posts. I would LOVE it if you shared your experience as well. Please comment below if you have done one before or plan to start one this month.

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This movie. There are no words in it. You follow a cat, a capybara, a labrador retriever, a lemur, and a large bird band together when their world begins to fall apart. I don’t think there are enough movies that truly move us anymore. Many movies have become formulas. They remake the same stories with different actors and tweak the plot. But this movie - it is not that. Warning: tears might be shed. But don’t let that deter you. I call this one a MUST SEE.

Until Next Time ✨,
Kim