I thought about titling this post “Deadlines Flying By” because I’ve let a number of exhibit entry dates go by without entering any of my work. Deadlines used to cause me to intensify my focus and create new and better work. Now they entice me and then as the date approaches and then disappears, they frighten me and cause me to despair. Lately, I feel like I am afraid to work in my studio because I’ll be disappointed in what I create. I’m thinking too hard and I’ve misplaced my voice.
So, I am making a conscious decision to change my intent. For the time being I am going to create pieces just to play and have fun. I am going to focus on what intrigues me without any pressure of expectation. I think, heck I know, I have been too caught up in trying to push myself to do ambitious pieces, and in doing so I’ve stopped working altogether. For the foreseeable future I’m going to think smaller, not necessarily in real size, but in my intent.
Little is the new big. Short term goals: fun and time in my studio.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Do it for the fun of it, for the joy of creating, for the expansion of the idea.
Or it’s just work (a 4 letter word *G*)
Libby, You are singing my song. I’ve been doing exactly the same thing and now you are inspiring me to PLAY!!!! Thanks for the kick in the butt.
Hi Libby, I was just talking to my art dollz group about this very same subject yesterday – creating art without any deadlines or concrete goals other than just playing and experimenting and having fun. It’s my favorite way to spend time in my studio. Enjoy following your playful muse! Great post.
Hi Libby,
This may have something to do with an upcoming “anniversary”. I have felt the same way, and I have the same anniversary coming up this Friday. Honor your feelings and your direction, and go easy on yourself.
Sherrie
Libby, I learned a valuable lesson in a class with Gwen Gibson. Embrace the road that goes nowhere in our work. You never know when it wil lead you somewhere. The time spent experimenting isn’t wasted…it is planting seeds.
When I allowed myself to do that it opened up a whole new world.
If you stop having fun then it becomes a chore and creativity goes down the tubes. Open your heart to the joy of playing. You never know what will fly in.
Yeah you! regards, nt
From Polymer Clay Daily to your blog. Need to bookmark it again. I hate it when I have to get a new computer. I have been procrastinating all over the internet about cleaning out my studio. Now I am going to go back to your Studio Series to see what it is supposed to look like! I have had short bursts of creativity followed by “I really need to clean thisup”. Consider me motivated.
Boy do I know that feeling! It’s reassuring to discover such a talented creator such as you gets it as well. I call it “analysis parylsis.” haha. Funny thing is though, it happened to me with writing too.
I too try to change my intent…tell myself to create something just for fun, something for me.
I love your stuff, it’s very unique and eye catching. Keep up the awesome work.