Acceptance.
“My medium is ballpoint pen, marker, and acrylics. I used to feel a little weird about the ballpoint pen; that I should be using something more “artistic” like graphite, but when I would try, it never felt right. As someone quite clumsy, I didn’t like something I could accidentally wipe off with my hand. And it didn’t look right to me. Another artist once asked me if I worried about ballpoint pen being archival. It took me AGES, after years of trying different things, to accept that I just love drawing in ballpoint pen. I don’t CARE if it’s archival or “fine art.” I love it, and have learned to accept that it’s just my style. I draw in ballpoint pen, add lots of fine crosshatching and shading, color in Prismacolor markers or Sharpies, and fine-tune in acrylics. That’s what makes my heart feel warm and fuzzy. Another way “acceptance” is big to me is in allowing my 4-year old daughter to add to my illustrations. Acceptance, to me, means not worrying about what WILL or COULD BE, but just enjoying the beauty of things, things while they ARE.” 
Well, “I need to do it be better… I need to be the Best” … I think those are thoughts that very often conquer our mind. This is also because of our high competitive society. We ought to accept US with our boundaries and desires. The importance is that we are aware, we love and accept the choices we made.
When I read Mica’s story my mouth opened in a softly exclamation of ‘woooow’! This is very brave! I was amazed by the fortitude of Mica, her courage and acceptance to share the few precious objects…. the ones that are not allowed to anyone else. I remember that my brother (when he was 5) did not even want to share the sofa (so not even a ‘special’ object) with me; it was HIS sofa. My mum told him that it was not, because his name was not on it… She should have never said it! The next day my brother wrote with a green felt pen in capital letters his name… F E D E R I C O! 🙂 Well, my mom was not happy but I had the ownership of the sofa for quite a while. After that I think he learnt how to share at least the ‘common’ things … Everyone has to do it sooner or later… Share it! Of course, it is much easier saying it to children, for adults this is very scary and much more difficult ‘simple’ action to do.
Mica tried it; she shared her personal world with her daughter and what came out are very interesting, genuine and surprising artworks! As you can see… collaboration creates new outruns, strengths relationships and sparks feelings. She also sent out a contest, where the only rule was to ‘collaborate’ with someone else. So many different funny and amazing ideas! This is just a peek.
Mica Angela Hendricks is a busy illustrator and graphic artist. She started the “Busymockingbird” blog as a place to share all the random projects I get myself into. A place where she shares ideas and inspires creativity. After all, like our friend Pablo once said:
Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.
Mica’s project is very inspiring and opens up our imaginations! Check it out! ©Mica Hendricks
