The Messy Middle of Creativity and Life

By Lynette Melnyk

“Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties.”
— Erich Fromm

Sometimes, the hardest — and most beautiful — part of creating is the messy middle. That uncertain space where nothing looks quite right, yet you keep showing up anyway. Life imitates art: the marks you make, the choices you try, and the small steps forward all build something new, even if you can’t see the outcome yet.

I’ve been exploring this idea in my studio lately, working on a series of abstract collage pieces. As I move from one mark to the next, I talk myself through the process: “Keep going. Try something new. You don’t have to like it yet.” Each stroke, each color, each experiment adds to my confidence, even when the piece looks chaotic in the middle.

I love working on multiple small pieces at a time. Not all of them will turn out the way I hoped, and that’s okay. The ones that do resonate are stronger because of the exploration and courage it took to make the messy ones. Each moment of uncertainty — each mark that feels risky — contributes to the growth of the work. You can see the YouTube video here. “Abstract Collage Art - Beginning to Final Art”

This is not just about art. Midlife, career shifts, personal reinvention — life often puts us in our own messy middles. We may feel stuck, uncertain, or frustrated. And yet, just like in painting, these moments are full of possibility. The key is to keep moving forward, to try one more mark, one more idea, one more small step toward what feels alive and meaningful.

One of the things I notice most in both art and life is how powerful it can be to pay attention to what you love. Colors, textures, sounds, or experiences that catch your eye or heart can act as gentle guides. Lately, I’ve been mesmerized by the soft sage greens as summer fades, autumn leaves with the warmth of raw sienna, and the deep cerulean of the sky. These same hues found their way into my paintings — a reminder that what brings joy in life can inspire action and direction.

If you’re in a season of uncertainty — especially in midlife — I encourage you to look for the small sparks that light you up. Try them out, explore them, make little “marks” in your own life. Not everything will feel perfect immediately, but each step matters. Each small act of curiosity, creativity, or courage builds momentum toward something new.

Art has reminded me that messy middles are not failures — they are invitations. Invitations to explore, to play, and to trust that the next step, even if small, is part of creating something meaningful and alive. Life imitates art: every choice, every mark, every moment of curiosity moves you forward, often in ways you cannot yet see.

So today, notice one thing you love — a color, a sound, a small action — and follow it. Make a mark. Take a step. Keep moving forward.

💡 If you’re ready to rediscover your spark, gain clarity, and explore what brings you joy in life, I’d love to help. Schedule a free Clarity Call.

Some photos ©Lynette Melnyk. Other photos are from years collecting many images from magazines, saved and printed from Pinterest, etc. If I have used a photo and you know of the person that should be credited, please let me know and I will put that in this blog. Thank you.