Mar.25.2008
2:31 pm
by Libby
Creativity Homework
I haven’t been in much of a creative mood lately. For some reason, it’s been hard to dredge up any enthusiasm for any of my usual creative pursuits. I’ve channeled a bit of creative energy into the blog re-do, but it’s not the same. Rather than wallow in this downer, I’m giving myself some creativity homework. My assignment for the next few days is to do at least 2 creative things a day. I’m not going to put any other parameters on this “homework”. Part of the fun is leaving myself open to different options.
Why 2 creative things? Resolving to do at least one creative thing a day seemed too easy, as if somehow I could cheat myself on the process. Two things a day isn’t so much that the responsibility will weigh me down. I’ve already done one creative thing today which was to design a new blog banner. (I don’t think this will be the final version, but I like it for now.)
As for my second creative thing of the day, if M, who is home sick from school today, will let me head down into the studio, I think I will work on blending a spring palette of polymer clay colors. I know that’s a bit mundane for a creative task, but it’s a jumping off point.
Filed in creativity, polymer clay |
Creative inertia- I like that. I always called it “creative constipation”.
Two creative things a day makes sense- I did something similar (to get myself out of one of those bouts of creative inertia).
I made a schedule, and stuck to it, for a week. Planned time with my sketchbook everyday, like scheduling a meeting. Made time just to condition clay, getting my hands in it. Nothing creatively “demanding”, or intimidating, but things I did daily. I stuck a copy of the schedule on my fridge (the place I was most likely to see it), and followed it.
I aslo decided that before I sat in front of the computer, I would plan how long I’d be there. I discovered that if I spent more than 45 minutes online, I’d get sucked into the net.
Turns out, I run on a 45 minute cycle… 45 minutes of sketching, 45 minutes of sanding, 45 minutes of building canes… you get the idea. If I spend more time than that on something, I lose my focus.
I don’t stick to that schedule too much anymore, but it definately made a difference. After a 3-month hiatus, I can’t wait to get into the studio now.
I always make time to be creative. And, I just created a new blog header, too!