Creativity is an energy that I have found to have an ebb and flow dynamic. When flowing, ideas are plentiful, energy is high, and my work appears better and comes seemingly easier. During these times, I tend to push myself, working myself into a pleasant exhaustion. Painting dominates my thoughts, and I often hibernate in the studio enjoying the flow. Then...there is an ebbing. I seem to forget how to paint. Nothing, absolutely nothing works. I begin pieces and loose enthusiasm, sometimes trashing a piece. During these times, I have found that to continue painting daily is paramount. Discipline, not mood, should dictate my schedule. In the past, I would allow depression to overtake me during these slumps of discouragement. However, I am learning to give myself permission to simply wait until the creative energy flows freely. Often I will focus on tasks that are related to painting, such as gessoing panels, cleaning studio, studying art books, magazines, DVD's, etc. In the meantime, I continue to paint; I show up at the easel. Today, I began this piece, although I didn’t feel like painting, and I certainly wasn’t in the mood, but I did show up.
Comments
Post a Comment