Ok, so I dropped the ball on my “Creativity Homework” yesterday. I never went down into the studio to blend a new palette of spring colors. I let the imaginary invisible force field keep me out of the studio and rooted to my chair in front of the computer. I have this mental image of myself trying to open the door to the basement and being bounced back down the hall until I come to rest in my comfy chair. I think a more accurate image would either be hands reaching out from my computer screen holding me in place, or chains binding me to my chair. And since this is a mental cartoon, imagine me with those cartoon swirly eyes on springs. LOL
I really need to ration my computer time. I’m not exactly sure how I can do that, but it’s probably the only way I’ll develop better creative work habits. And I desperately need to get my hands in some colorful polymer clay soon. It has been way too long. The last time I touched clay was weeks ago, and it was all black and white. Color! I need color!
Today is the last day of Metalsmithing class. I need to check the calendar to see when the next session starts and sign up. Two weeks ago, I quickly sketched out a design I’m pretty excited about, and I’ve done zip about it since then. At the very least I hope to get a start on sawing out the basic shapes today. If I get anywhere, I’ll take a quick photo so this blog isn’t swallowed up by word heavy posts.
Meanwhile, go check out Lindly’s blog. She’s always got something colorful to talk about.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Barbara Forbes-Lyons 03.26.08 at 8:40 am
Libby,
I get ’sucked in’ by the computer, too. I finally put a kitchen timer in my office and I’ve started to use it. 15 minute increments, then I have to get up and go do something else but I try not to do more than one hour’s worth of PC time in the evening. The result? I’m actually accomplishing more, getting to bed before 11 PM and feeling more rested and creative.
Give it a go!
Barb
Kathi 03.26.08 at 10:00 am
I swear, computers can suck our guts out if we aren’t careful. I know mine is like an addictive drug sometimes. I finally stopped taking my notebook into the clay room, because when I did, I would turn around every two minutes to see if I had mail or something utterly stupid. Whatever did we do before these machines became time suckers in our lives? I like Barbara’s idea about the timer. nothing like a 2×4 upside the head to get us moving doing something else. I find when I actually turn off the laptop and move away from it the “call” from it gets damped down by my desire to create. this is a good thing.
good luck cutting your computer chains!
Amy Crawley 03.26.08 at 7:37 pm
Hi Libby,
I, too, can relate to the sucking sound created by the computer that keeps our butts stuck in that chair. First, don’t beat yourself over it. You recognize it and that is a good first step. I find sometimes that sitting in front of the computer and surfing is part of my preparation process. My head needs something “brainless” to do. In some ways it can be regenerative.
Because my computer is in my studio, the first thing I did was turn off the bell that would ding whenever an email arrived. That eliminated distraction number one.
I use Outlook and decided to set up blocks of time dedicated to specific tasks in the calendar section. I set reminders for most of them which cues me when to get moving on that task or into the next task. And for that 30 minutes or hour or whatever, that is what I do for that time period. This is similar to Barb’s recommendation using a timer.
I’ve learned that I need some sort of structure in my day, especially when it comes to working in the studio. And I’ve found, as Barb said too, that I get more done when I target 3-4 tasks during the day and put it on my calendar with reminders.
I’m sure you’ll find an approach that works for you.
-Amy
ps: I like the site redesign.
Lindly Haunani 03.27.08 at 12:33 am
Thanks for mentioning my blog! …and I will be waiting to see just what your new spring palette of colors looks like… (and mine too…when I get off the computer).
Libby 03.27.08 at 9:47 am
Thanks for all the suggestions. I do think some kind of time management trick is the way to go. I’m just going to have to ponder what will work for me. Having said that, I am stepping away from the computer and heading to the studio.