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Confession Time
I have a confession to make, I have a clean desk.
To some individuals, a clean desk would be a good thing, an accomplishment. But to an artist, a clean desk is normally not a good sign.
In my case, the desk was actually quite messy for a couple of weeks. But it was just the same pastel dust that had collected. So one day by the prompting of having company over for dinner, I cleaned up the desk, and there it stands. Nice and clean, but very blank.
For once, it’s really not an issue of artist block. I’m sure I could come up with something interesting if I tried. But lately, I’m more obsessed with watching tv during my free time than anything else. I suppose I should take the antenna down. Maybe even hide the tv in the guest room. But in a way, it’s been a nice. We all could use a couple of weeks where we pass our free time in meaningless activities or as my husband referred to it for us artsy folks, a creative lull.
I suppose a creative lull would be better spent in an art gallery or at Borders in the arts section. But is it really that bad to take a mental vacation from our art? It is often said that the greatest ideas come when we are least expecting it, in the shower or maybe during the afternoon commute.
So where does one begin after those mini vacations, those creative lulls? To some, it might be a difficult transition. To pick up the paint brush where you left off is not always an easy task especially if you feel driven by purpose. That is, you must have a goal in sight, a plan of attack.
When it comes to art and even life, there is a fine art to balancing the need for having a plan and going with the flow. There are some that dream of the perfect
painting. Then there are those that experiment. When you can have the best of both worlds, knowing the rules and yet transcend the rules, that’s when you
got it made.
It’s a balance that not everyone can achieve. As Mari Messer, author of Pencil Dancing: new ways to free your creative spirit, points out:
The creative process is the trip, not just the destination. It’s the ability to go with the stream, make changes as you go along and be in intimate contact with the unfolding of your work without losing sight of your destination.
Really nice post!
My desk is electronic and still real messy…
Sure could use a lull but passion is pounding.
Love your work and your attitude.
~Alex
Your desk is clean?
Shame on you.
Get out those paints and make a mess you artist!
You are totally right about that. My is a total mess I have my daughters pictures, crayons and coloring paper everywhere. You have a great site and a great attitude.
- Debbie
Creative lulls, as your husband calls them, are wonderful “refreshment interludes” for me - I always come back to my clean desk, blank canvas, watercolor pad or blank paint program canvas with new ideas, enthusiasm and passion.
As artists, art requires passion and our inner-all - we can not give that indefinitely without re-charging our batteries at some point. Knowing that about oneself is a step toward better art in my opinion.
I love your art and your musings … it strikes a chord of recognition and depth of soul that shines forth - no mediocrity here - I believe those creative lulls inspire you to new heights with your art.
Watch TV, read, play games, walk in the park or take drives in the country - enjoy - all of them will come pouring out as passion into your art when it is time for you to create again.
A wonderful post! My desk and my studio is a complete mess, and it seems to be migrating thru the house. Must keep that in check.
I’m past my creative lull, but am now struggling with too many ideas, and not enought time to put them all down. I’m thinking I’ll have to work some thumbnails not to lose what’s in my head.
I hope your creative lull passes soon. Those are very important to ones creativity, and even though I struggle when going thru one, I know the benefits of letting myself get carried away, adrift, before standing on firm creative ground again. :o)
hmm, maybe I should have confession time more often? such a wonderful response in comments!
in pondering the post further this week, I think part of the hesitation is in deciding where to go next in my art.
it’s time for something different, something new. but I haven’t quite decided what yet…