Studio Note #5
It’s a perfectly overcast Fall day here in the Pacific Northwest. The air is just crisp enough to call for some warmer clothes and hot coffee. I’m taking this lazy Sunday to reflect on the time that has passed since the last studio note.
I had planned to spend a lot of time in the studio over the Summer. You know what they say about making plans, so here I find myself wondering where the time went and what I have to show for it. I did take a couple of workshops and spent time diving deeper into the contemplating part of my practice. The physical part of my practice was on a bit of a hiatus.
It would be easy to reflect on this long break from the studio and feel some frustration. It may even be tempting to feel like I wasted a lot of time. I don’t feel either of those things. The break was needed, and it was a good reset. I’m coming into Fall feeling more re-charged. The creative nudges are stronger and it’s exciting to feel that spark.
I have managed to get the nerve up to enter some pieces into a local art show. I should hear back soon if the pieces will be accepted. It was a good experience to go through the process of what it is like to enter pieces into a juried show. I am also finalizing the first pieces that will be available for sale in my shop, as well as doing some last minute things to my website. These are things I had hoped to have completed by August, but here I am still working on it. None of the steps I need to take will actually take much time, but I’ve been dragging my feet. I realize that I have been afraid to take that final step and make the website store active. I have decided to drop that fear and push forward.
The dance between creative work and busy work can be tricky. What helps me is to break the busy work into small, doable steps. I love a good checklist and the satisfaction of marking things off. My plan for today is to create a checklist for what needs to be done the next few weeks. Once I create the checklist, then I can play. That is the best part of being an artist!
I do want to get back into the habit of regular blogging. That will go on my checklist!
