Confession: In January I was in a bit of a slump with my art. I just didn’t feel motivated or interested like I usually am.
My art mentor Marianne helped me understand that feeling creative blocks is normal for artists, and that winter may have something to do with it.
This is certainly something I’ve seen with my clients and friends. We can feel an undeniable pull to rest and retreat during the dark days of winter, and in any other season as well. The problem comes when we make ourselves wrong and freak out about it. I accepted Marianne’s reminder and released the pressure on myself.
Finally, inspiration returned and I went back to the studio. Around Valentine’s Day I decided to do 30 paintings before my travel schedule heats up on March 13th. 30 paintings in 30 days.
Unexpected boons from fallow time
When I went back to my paintings, I was amazed to see that the quality of my work had taken a quantum leap. (Okay, maybe not quantum, but definitely discernible.)
I’m focused on a few key elements of painting. When I pinned my paintings up for review, Marianne noticed the improvement immediately. She pointed out how important that fallow period is for people who create. I know this intellectually, that writer’s block isn’t always bad. But to experience the beneficial impact of it personally was profound.
I was happy that the improvement was evident to her. It was also clear that there is still plenty to work on. In our session yesterday, I got a lot of good homework. Some old challenges – perspective and some new ones – shadow and light.
I felt a slight twinge from showing work that’s not 100% great. But only slight. I like sharing my art here with all its glory and imperfection. I love working to improve and seeing improvement. My hope is that seeing my creative process in action inspires you to reach toward your own creative expression.
I’ve got my homework for the month. I’ve completed 16 out of 30 paintings. Two weeks to do 14 more! I am not sure I can do it, but I will give it my best try.
Has this happened to you? An unexpected boon following a creatively fallow time? Tell us about it!
I’m visiting family, friends in Florida Nashville and short hop to Nashville Indiana. All v
Oops. Hit button. So – all very different from LA. I’m anxious to get back to my desk to edit photos and write. Not exactly a block but a time lapse and fresh inputs for my creativity.
Also thanks as always for sharing your process. Quite helpful.
Bobbi,
I know that feeling. I consider it more eager anticipation than block. The time lapse, as you know, does spark more creativity.
Hope you’re enjoying your travels!