Are you blocked? Have you ever been blocked? Sometimes I think I am. Why do I think I’m blocked? Because I come up with every excuse possible not to paint. I use every excuse to not pick up a paintbrush. Starting a painting is hard for me at this time in my life. But, I am able to do other artistic endeavors such as write this blog. At least that is something.
At various times in my life I have been blocked. I was blocked for many different reasons such as, my job situation, my children’s schedule of activities, divorce, disappointment over the failure of work not selling, etc.
I found out something very interesting at these times. When I had a deadline, I produced. During two very trying times in my life I was able to put together enough work for two one-woman shows of my watercolors. I focused. I forced myself to go to my studio. I made a commitment to have a grouping of work and I followed through. I guess I work better under pressure.
*Note to self: Need pressure! Need deadline!
Have I lost my mind? Is this the secret to getting back in the studio and painting?
I have read many books on creativity and getting in the productive mode. Sometimes I get inspired, go into the studio, paint something I am not happy with, and get discouraged and disgusted. Then it will take me weeks to go back in to try again. Sounds like I am a little hard on myself. You think? Aren’t we all? I am expecting a masterpiece each time I paint. Sound familiar?
Now, it seems I have a new and improved reason for not painting. I have too many interests and projects I want to do. I have all these brilliant ideas which include photography, writing, jewelry, bookmaking, web design and teaching. I could do this, or that, or this other thing. (You don’t expect me to tell you my ideas. Remember, they are all brilliant!) Each of my ideas is a valid artistic endeavor, it just doesn‘t include painting.
Well, that isn’t really the whole truth. I do have painting ideas in my head, lots of them. I just have other non-painting projects that seem to have my interest right now. The problem —- I can’t choose which non-painting project to work on. So, I do a little on this one and a little on that one. Or I do nothing at all because I am overwhelmed. So, what is the intelligent thing to do? Shut down, do nothing, and feel guilty!!!!!
What a sob story! Give me a break!
I am writing today. Writing this blog is being creative. But………… Shouldn’t I be using this time to produce my wonderful watercolors? Probably. But at the moment, I am excited and interested in writing about creativity and the artistic process. I guess the struggle to create is a major part of the process. I guess I need to jump on whatever interests me.
Since I am actual being productive in some manner, I will continue to write and try not to be so hard on myself. Baby Steps. I may be frozen in the non-painting mode; but I am moving and growing, like a single fern frond unfolding. There is so much to learn and do in life. I have to realize I can’t do it all.
I figure there are thousands of people in the world like me. I figure we all have a story to tell. We all have advice. We all have experiences and techniques that work for us. There may even be people out there that think being blocked is a crock.
Anyone have a calendar?