An Introvert's Studio Diary: Time to Give Up? | Atelierovo Art

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With the changes we're welcoming into our lives, we both often pause and wonder whether it's time to "grow up" and let it go. The workshops, the art, the search for a new studio space. Honestly, I'm sure this thought comes to all the people close to us who love us and want a life for us where we don't constantly have to struggle with something - and that something, in our world, is of course money.

We encounter this "mantra" everywhere - and maybe that's exactly why it's so hard to overcome.

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But what if this is just some old, peculiar curse that no longer has to hold true today?

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And then there's one simple fact that we both just have inside us: we cannot stop creating. We love it. Both of us. Creating is what puts blood in our veins and keeps us sane and trusting that things are happening exactly as they should.

When we paint, spray or guide you through the creative process - we experience transformation alongside you. The letting go of ideas about what can't be done. So often we have a lump in our throats, we're moved right alongside you, we rejoice in that click in your head and above all, in your heart.

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WELL. WAIT!

Isn't this exactly the same challenge we're facing ourselves? Letting go of the idea that things can't be done - that we're "not managing." That we were always hopeless and "don't know how."

OMG, IT IS!

And the time has come to do for ourselves what we do for others.

To believe in ourselves a little more, lace up our boots and keep going. And keep it colourful and free. With lightness and the determination to create what we know, in the time we are given.

These ideas about how unchangeable things are - they're etched into our rational, fear-filled minds almost like stone. We're working on being more flexible in our imagination and in the things we dedicate ourselves to. We're just learning how to navigate the waters of entrepreneurship. We stumble, some things stop us in our tracks, while others give us wings and fill our sails with fresh wind.

THEN IT HIT ME.

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In many ways, we're simply learning how to walk.

It's all new to us, just like it is for children taking their very first steps. They don't give up just because walking doesn't come naturally on the first try. They keep going. They adjust. They grow stronger. Their bodies slowly learn what it takes to find balance, until one day walking becomes second nature.

And when they fall and get hurt, they don't think, "That's it. I'll never try again. It hurts too much.”

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NO.

They brush themselves off and keep going.

They learn. They refine their movements. They trust their curiosity, their playfulness, and their joy to guide them forward. So that's the approach we're choosing from now on: the mindset of children learning to walk. 🙂

And yes, sometimes we cry (mostly me). Sometimes we complain because we're disappointed. Sometimes we need to hide away for a while and let ourselves feel it all. And when the time is right, we laugh so hard our stomachs hurt.

And when things finally click, we savour every single moment.

Giving up isn't the plan. Doing everything we can, then surrendering with trust - that's a different story.

We dream with open eyes. We see places, things, opportunities.

And I quietly know that all of it requires only time, patience, courage, surrender and trust.

That is my version of adulthood.

Time to surrender.

Connect.

Create.

And one last thing...If you know of a beautiful space where Atelierovo Art could find its new home in the heart of Banská Štiavnica, please let us know. We'd be so grateful.

With love, and heartfelt gratitude for every message of encouragement you've sent our way,

~ Ivi & Wašo

~ Atelierovo Art

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