Jessica Sanchez, LAc

About a year ago, I decided to participate in the #100DayProject, a project where you commit to doing something (creative or not) for 100 days, consecutively, or not. For example, my friend, who I found out about the challenge, was attempting one handstand each day for 100 consecutive days. (Um…yah, you do you!)

Professional artists and amateurs alike can participate, and the hashtag allows for an instant network of people all over the world creating alongside you. I attempted to create art for 100 days with no judgment and no expectation. Just. Get. It. Done. This was a pretty hard challenge for me, because we can literally judge ourselves quite harshly on everything, especially by the art we produce.

I was able to complete the 100 days, although not consecutively, and it led to commissioned works, making art for social and environmental causes, purchased art and a public art show. It also warmed my heart to see others inspired to pick up the pen or brush again, which, for some, it had been years since. Most importantly, I let go of the fears and expectations of wondering if my art was going to be “any good.” I thought, if I can commit to 100 days of making art, what would 200 days, 1 year, 5 years, 10 years look like? I assume most people want to create art for a living, and for a short while it was fun to get pretty close to this dream of mine.

Much like yoga or journaling, I find art to be a time to tune in, let go of expectation and, every once in a while, gain some insight. The magic is also in the accumulation of the practice over time.

I am still making art, although not as consistently these days. I’m open to commissions or art for activism. Get in touch if you have a project in mind!