Marion Milner On Not Being Able To Paint Pdf
Introduction
Marion Milner was an English author, artist, and psychoanalyst. She is known for her book "On Not Being Able to Paint" where she explores the creative process and the psychological barriers that prevent people from expressing themselves artistically. In this article, we will discuss Marion Milner's ideas and insights on why people struggle to paint and how to overcome these obstacles.
Fear of Failure
One of the most common reasons why people struggle to paint is the fear of failure. They are afraid that their paintings will not be good enough or that they will be judged by others. Marion Milner suggests that this fear is rooted in our childhood experiences, where we were praised for doing things right and criticized for doing things wrong.
To overcome this fear, Milner suggests that we should focus on the process of painting rather than the end result. We should enjoy the act of painting and not worry about the outcome. She also recommends that we should not compare our paintings to others and accept our own unique style.
Self-Doubt
Another common obstacle in painting is self-doubt. People often doubt their own abilities and feel that they are not good enough to paint. Marion Milner suggests that this self-doubt is related to our inner critic, which judges and criticizes our every move.
To overcome this self-doubt, Milner recommends that we should practice self-compassion and treat ourselves with kindness and understanding. We should also challenge our inner critic and replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations.
Perfectionism
Perfectionism is another common obstacle in painting. People often strive for perfection and become frustrated when their paintings do not meet their high standards. Marion Milner suggests that perfectionism is related to our desire to control and order our world.
To overcome perfectionism, Milner recommends that we should embrace imperfection and allow ourselves to make mistakes. We should also focus on the process of painting rather than the end result and enjoy the experience of creating.
Conclusion
In summary, Marion Milner's book "On Not Being Able to Paint" provides valuable insights into the creative process and the psychological barriers that prevent people from expressing themselves artistically. By understanding these obstacles and following Milner's suggestions, we can overcome our fears and self-doubts and enjoy the process of painting.