Note from Libby: I wrote this post several days ago, meaning to get back to it and revise a bit. I have been hesitant to publish it because I don’t want this blog to come across as whiny. Creativity has an ebb and flow, and while it is harder to write about, I think examining the ebb periods is important too. This post really isn’t about any need for support or encouragement. This is just where I am at right now.
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So, I suppose you could say that I have fallen more than a bit behind on my blogging. LOL The truth is I haven’t felt like I had anything to say lately. For most of this fall my creative pulse has been very low, to the point that lately it’s been barely detectable. It’s kind of like sitting on the sidelines. I’ve been watching, soaking up some of what’s going on around me, but not participating. Oddly enough, I’m not worried about it. Deep inside me I know it will come back, but for now I am taking in the view from the sidelines.
I do think about projects I’d like to start, but most of my ideas have been the kind which require step “A” and “B” before proceeding to step “C”, and I am only really interested in step “C”. For example, there’s a bead embroidered bracelet design I want to play around with one of these days, but I need to make polymer clay cabs for it, and I can’t quite visualize what they should be. It’s interesting to note, though, that the farther I step away from my creative side, the fewer ideas I have. The flow of design ideas has definitely slowed to a trickle.
Meanwhile, I’d like to thank everyone who commented on my post about whether I should continue the Studio Snapshot series. It’s encouraging that you’ve enjoyed the Studio Snapshot series as much as I have. I’d especially like to thank the artists who have written me to volunteer their studios for a tour. I will be sending out the interview questions soon. I may wait until after the holidays since everyone is busy right now.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
It’s so strange, when i come to a point my mind is empty, and the muse is somewhere else, i come to see your work
maybe this is the way it should work…thank god for www and the internet….
Iris, thank you! And you are right, thank heaven for the internet, and for the community we create here online.
Hi Libby,
Thanks for candidly sharing your thoughts about your creative process. It’s much appreciated. I always enjoy reading your posts and looking at your beautiful work.
There definitely is an ebb and flow to our creative lives and I totally agree with you that it’s important to talk about our ebb times and what they’re all about. Challenging as some of them are, the various places in our cycle, ebbs and flows, should be embraced because they are all a part of us. Your words resonate with what I’m feeling lately, especially at this winter hibernating, busy holiday distractions time of year.
I hope that you and your family have a safe and wonderful holiday season!
Hi Libby,
I think it is a good thing to talk about the fallow periods in our creative lives. To me (in hindsight) they can be a most important time. I know I usually go into a panic initially and then try to remember to take a deep breath and tell myself that it is “okay”. I try to keep the fires burning thru looking at books etc and keeping little notes in a journal of things that catch my eye or are interesting to me (even if I have no clear idea why at that moment). I can look back on some of those non-creative times as the start point of a big new exciting idea. Looking forward to getting the Studio Snapshot questions from you! Happiest of New Years! Dayle