As a designer, I have a deep-seeded desire for everything to be “pixel-perfect.” While my career is a great outlet for my OCD and Type A tendencies, that mindset can sometimes get in the way of creativity. Creating art for the sake of art is a good way to get those creative juices flowing. However, sometimes when I paint, I can’t help but imagine where the finished piece will be hung, which then influences the colors I use, the composition, etc. I’ve been trained that all the elements in design should be intentional and work together to solve a problem or meet an objective. Whereas with art, the more unattached to the outcome and the more risks taken, the better the work becomes.

So, in an exercise to “let go” of my attachment to outcomes, I decided to collaborate with my kids. I had spent months working on layering the textured background on this painting; then I handed my 4 and 6-year olds black sharpies and told them to draw whatever they wanted on my painting. (Deep breaths!) Initially, I couldn’t help art-directing them with where and what types of things to draw. But, quickly they rebelled against my directives and I loosened up. I soon realized how much better (and more fun) it was when I just backed off. Then, I let them take paint to the piece. (Black and red only—I couldn’t totally cede control!) But, once I stopped hovering, I found that when I checked back in, I was really happy with their additions. They were free in a way that only kids can be. I even used one of my daughter’s illustrations as the inspiration for the big spray-painted face in the foreground. Now when I look at the piece hanging over our fireplace, I not only see a reminder of the fun day we spent together; but I see a true collaborations and the benefit of letting go of my attachment to the outcome and how sometimes allowing other visions to change the original plan just might create something unexpected and inspired.

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