When I was in kindergarten I remember taking some sort of aptitude test. It required me to cut a circle out of a piece of red construction paper.
I started cutting. The sides looked uneven so I snipped and trimmed again and again until I had a red circle in my palm the size of a cherry. I remember being disappointed about the smallness of that dot. It still looked uneven. I wanted to start over.
Perfectionism stems from being a people pleaser. It is a behaviour that attempts to control other people’s perception of us. It’s not striving for excellence, nor is it healthy.
Dr Brene Brown refers to perfectionism as armour; “Perfection is, at its core, about trying to earn approval. Early praise for achievement and performance has become a dangerous and debilitating belief system.” She says that overall it’s not a mechanism to avoid shame, it’s a function of shame itself.
Most of my life I tried to control the way other people saw me when actually I was preventing them from seeing the REAL me. I feared that if people saw me in all of my brokenness than no one would like or love me.
Today I am comfortable in my discomfort. I like being different, difficult, strange, or as my lovely husband calls me “complex.” He says; “Complex different from complicated because complicated is hard.” He loves a challenge and life with me is never boring. I take it as a compliment.
This relates to creative pursuits. To use another cliche, perfectionism is the enemy of creativity. In order for me to create, my goal cannot and will not ever be ‘perfection.’ How could any of us possibly master a craft without making mistakes first? Mistakes are the best teachers (and trust me, sometimes the things you do to cover up mistakes offer the most incredible discoveries).
My daughter has this book called, Beautiful Oops. It’s about turning your drips, rips and tears into something lovely. We now refer to any artistic mistakes as ‘a beautiful oops’ (she’s already like me in that she’s hard on herself when she screws up). I highly recommend the book for mini perfectionist kiddos (or anyone really).
Be different. Be weird. Be messy & imperfect.
Art That Refuses to Shrink
Dawn Noelle is a Melbourne-based artist creating bold, expressive mixed media art, oil paintings, textile works, and contemporary portraits that celebrate individuality, colour, and unapologetic self-expression. Inspired by feminism, identity, and the beauty of taking up space, every artwork is created to be felt—not to quietly blend into the background.
Looking for an original artwork to transform your home, a meaningful gift, or a statement piece that reflects who you are? Browse this collection of original paintings and fine art prints in Dawn’s online store. Every piece is created in Melbourne and shipped safely to collectors across Australia and worldwide.
Lusting for something created just for you? Dawn also accepts a limited number of art commissions throughout the year. Whether it's a portrait, a large-scale mixed media painting, or a deeply personal piece for your home or business, every commission begins with your story. Simply complete the commission enquiry form, and co-create something that couldn't belong to anyone else.
Alongside original artworks, Dawn regularly exhibits her work through Melbourne exhibitions, galleries, art fairs, and selected group shows. Follow along for upcoming exhibitions, new collections, behind-the-scenes studio updates, and works in progress.
You were never meant to blend in. Your walls shouldn't either.
Browse original art, discover museum-quality fine art prints, enquire about commissions, or simply find the piece that reminds you who the fuck you are.
I acknowldge the traditional owners of the lands where I work, dream and create, the Wurundjeri people. With Love, Dawn.
glad you are back in all your perfect imperfect glory.
It's good to be back. Hoping to ditch the perfectionist stress. x