This is the door down to my studio space. It looks innocent enough, and yet it has become my nemesis. You see, I just can’t seem to get myself to open the door and head down to my studio. I’m in a slump, feeling sort of blah and creating absolutely nothing. If you’ve read my blog much, you know that I get derailed from creative work pretty easily, but this has been a rather extended slump.
I just can’t make myself cross the threshold. I think about it. I resolve to spend time just puttering around the studio, cleaning up or something. No pressure plans. But I stay rooted to my chair in front of the computer. I come up with other tasks and busy myself.
I think I am coming to the end of this particular creative block however. Maybe it’s because I’ve been thinking about writing this post, and talking about it is a step toward resolving my problem. Maybe it’s because we had a guild meeting yesterday, and I always feel revived in the company of my friends. In any case, this morning I had an idea for a mixed-media wall piece that I want to try. I need to go shopping this week for some fiber and fabrics so it may take awhile for me to really start on it. Still, the feeling of this idea building inside me may be enough to get me to open that darn door.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Libby,
I’m reading an interesting book called “Standing at Water’s Edge” by Anne Paris. It’s all about the creative immersion process and how artists encounter blocks to that. One of the points she brings up is how important it is to have a support network – people who praise your artwork, artists who you look up to (heroes) and people who are going through the same experiences as you. It sounds like your guild has inspired you to immerse yourself again.
Have you ever heard of Kaizen? It is a process by which you take teeny tiny steps towards your ultimate goal. I’ve found it very helpful when I get in a slump with my projects. Perhaps you can open the door and sit at the top of the stairs and see where that leads you?
I hope you find yourself immersed in your new mixed media wall piece project very soon.
Be well,
Karen
Libby–I’m not one to give advice . . . . But your photo screams out the solution to me. Make the door funky and inviting–can you incorporate your new piece into or on to the door? If there is a stairwell, decorate it too. Right now it just looks sad–I wouldn’t want to open that door either.
Sorry if I’ve overstepped. It is hard to communicate online. I want you to make more wonderful things. Good luck.
Karen & Dee, Thanks for responding.
Karen I will definitely check out the resources you’ve mentioned. I am always interested in new books and the concept of Kaizen sounds interesting.
Dee, I chuckled when I read your response because I had something of the same reaction when I was taking that photo. I really do need to find something cool to put on it! But the door is truly just a metaphor for the blocks I encounter so regularly. You haven’t overstepped. And while my roadblocks are about more than my boring studio door, I really really need to jazz it up. Thanks.
Libby, I had the same reaction to that door! Much too sterile and uninviting to be the portal to your work area. Particularly knowing how you like color.
Or…. you need to put that computer in the same space with the clay and metals. Then at least you’d be in the same space with it. I’d bet you’d look up every once in a while and something about the clay or metal would call to you strongly enough.
Or even… while I believe you’ve said you work better in the quiet of being along with your muse, maybe you should invite someone or two over to your space for visit. I’m sure they’d be curious and excited and delighted and some of that would rub off onto you.
Should I mention that I volunteer to come? *innocent blinking*
Debbie
Ah Debbie, you are welcome to come and play in my studio anytime! As for moving the computer down to my studio, that would be a god idea except that my studio is pretty cold. It’s not a problem when I get working, but sitting in front of the computer the chilly atmosphere could be a problem.