Going with the flow is way harder for me than I care to admit. After reading Tracey’s Blog post this morning I was thinking maybe I have control issues? Her post is exactly why clay and I are no longer going steady. Clay and I are currently legally separated. I have certain expectations, schedules and rules and unfortunately they spill into my art making. Her post also reminded me of when she wrote about a comment Chuck Close had made about inspiration. I wasn’t aware of the quote so I Googled it and found it here. I thought for sure his statement would be validating my finicky artist ways… According to Chuck I’m a real amateur! Saying "Amateurs look for inspiration; the rest of just get up and go to work. Baa humbug! I don't believe it -I WON'T! I’m aware of “most” of my issues, and as for the rest I’m sure Daddy-O could fill you in but my issue this week is coming off a break, my inspiration has momentarily left the room (or studio)… But of course my inspiration has left the room because now that I have time I have no real inspirational spark. I had plenty of inspiration last week when we had a house full and then my installation was cancelled and production plans got all goofed up. I’m not sure if it’s lack of motivation or it’s the lack of inspiration that creates the lack of motivation. Anyhoo, I’m enacting a couple of my rules, first to “do at least something productive every day” and second “contribute to my art every day.” Trying to be a responsible, motivated, effective time manager, self-employed artist who wishes to continue as such; I've knocked off
several business housekeeping to-do’s on a list by my computer, ran household errands, shopped, wrapped and boxed our out of state Christmas gifts and I just cleaned out the refrigerator. While this is abiding by my Cindy-Lou-Who rules it doesn’t make me very happy. In fact, when I’m not creating I can get pretty Grinchy –even while I have Christmas music playing!
6 comments:
Wonderful post! I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who can loose that moment of inspiration...Bah Humbug on those who just get up and Work!
Normally I don't lack for inspiration, but motivation at times, and last night after attending the guild meeting I was re-energized. I think sometimes life gets in the way of all the work and time an artist must do to be successful.
Oh Cindy Loo- all the Whos down in Whoville understand about this.
I go like crazy- delivered that tile project Monday and now I am sitting on my thumbs.
Both of them.
I have not even walked out to the studio today and here it is 4 pm- why can't- don't want to-- just need to power down........
I am coasting........
so ,I like you, are finding things to do other than....
I have tried to "quit" that clay but like a sneaky lover he calls me back.
I think you are doing just fine with the metal, but you could still sneak in some clay there if you wanted to. You wouldn't even have to glaze it. Since I really hate glazing, I have found other options that work great for non functional work. I'm glad you agreed with me on the CC quote, I have read so many blogs where people are cheering for that quote and I still don't get it. I have finally figured out that my lack of inspiration usually signals that I need a break, so I just go with it. I'm not of the mind that you just "get to work" it's not like that for me. However I can find plenty to do while I wait for the spark. I still wonder if the quote was taken out of context, Chuck is a pretty brilliant artist. Hang in there Cindy Lou :)
Cindy -- you have been so busy and completed so many (art) tasks recently. I think it's a natural human response to want to take a break after accomplishing our tasks. As self-employed artists though we feel guilty or unproductive if we're not working in our studios -- but I think 'feeding the well' or looking/waiting for inspiration is a necessary part of being creative. And that 'spark' can come from anywhere. A fun laughing lunch with friends -- a long walk -- or a nice break from our studio.
This is a wonderful post -- and a spot we all find ourselves in. Merry (Grinch-less) Christmas!
I'm with you. I'll stick to my Cindy-Lou-who rules as well and MAYBE inspiration will strike.
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