Soon

 

For some time now (like 5 years, or so) I've considered myself to be in a bit of an artistic slump.  Some may consider 5 years to be more than what qualifies as a "slump" but I'm calling it that anyway.

Ironically enough, I've been an art teacher for the duration of this "slump".  My slump has not included the ability to be creative on other peoples' behalf.  In other words, I think my work with students has not suffered.  My work with students has been what I want it to be (more often than not...), which may in fact be why my own personal creative outlet has not been what I want it to be.

Now I find myself the mama to one sweet little muse, in the springtime, not working, reading all sorts of creative blogs written by all sorts of creative women doing what I want to be doing.  On top of all that, I'm totally sleep-deprived === and most of us know that this is often the state of mind that great ideas appear.  So I've got that going for me.

I'm not going to make any promises that what is on my creative horizon will knock your socks off and I'm not going to start my etsy shop just yet, but I finally feel like I've got some ideas and motivation at the same time.  And that's big for me.

For the time being, you'll find me holding the little babe, daydreaming about sewing and painting and crafting and creating. It's easy enough to blog with one free hand while the other is holding a baby, but threading a needle is another story. But, soon. 

  

surry, eets long

Surly post coming on. I'm feeling a tension that I have to vent about some more (more than the long conversation I just had with Gabe). To some of you left-brainers (read: organized since birth, focused, efficient, unswerving, logical, orderly, methodical) this post will confuse and confound you even more about my kind (read: flexible, random, artistic, indecisive, emotional, unhurried).  

To preface, this evening was the last art show of the school year.  It's kind of the pinnacle for the art programs in our district.  High school students "compete" for college scholarships.  It's the cream of the crop, the best of the best, pick of the litter, creme de la creme, etc., etc.. It's a k-12 show in a real gallery, with actual frames and mats and wire on the back.  Teachers bring the finest art their students have created during the school year, so needless to say, for an art teacher, it's a great show.  (side note: one of my 8th graders had a conversation with one of the college recruiters admiring her piece and was given some tips about creating a digital portfolio and how to prepare for art school--she was beaming.  I was so proud of her :)

I was completely impressed with many of the high-schoolers art. Some amazing talent! I was inspired... and convicted.  By the time I walked out the door, I was emotionally pounding myself done to the ground. I love art.  I love to be around art.  I love to make art.  I almost never make art. Why don't I make more art?  Why is there this thing that I love to do, that I get completely lost in, this thing that makes me oblivious to the constructs of time and space, this thing that I almost never do?  I spend my weekdays devising and facilitating ways for large groups of kids to make art, and yet, when I get home I don't follow suit.

Doesn't it make logical sense that a person would do what they love to do?  What is wrong with me?  Through talking with G I think I've come to the sorry truth that I've been lazy.  I've honestly, though subconsciously, been waiting for the inspiration lightning bolt to strike.  I've thought what place do I have making uninspired art?  There's enough bad art in the world, I don't want to contribute to the stock pile of tasteless, tacky, kitsch in the world.  Therefore, if there's no bolt, there's no art.  Saying it out loud, and typing it in black and white, I see how lazy and presumptuous it is to think that way.  

I know there are people (hi Brooke G. ;) who self-admittedly don't "get" art. There are a lot of people that don't understand what the big deal is.  You're wondering why I'm making such a fuss and writing such a seemingly endless post.  Some of you understand where I'm coming from and (hopefully) have been here (and will offer some wise words).  What is the deal with wanting to do something, and not doing it day after day?  What's the solution?  Here is where you left-brainers are rolling your eyes, thinking, "Just do that thing.  How hard is that? What's the problem?" I don't know. Your wise words would probably prove helpful, too, so lay 'em on me.  Please.   

Right-brainers: How do you break through creative blocks?

     How do you motivate yourself to work?

Left-brainers: How are you so productive?

  How do you avoid procrastination? 

Any of your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.  I genuinely look forward to what any and all of you have to say.