Pondering
I’ve not been doing well with Art Everyday Month, have I? I don’t know what it is, really, but I haven’t been enthusiastic about blogging or visiting blogs lately. Maybe it’s blog fatigue?
Well, I don’t want to leave 9 Moons Ago in the lurch, so it’s time to think about what I can do to re-inspire myself.
When I first launched into this site I was heavily inspired by Loobylu and Danny Gregory, and I still like those blogs a lot, but I don’t get the same feeling about them that I had back in February of 2004. Along the way I discovered other blogs, some of which I’ve yet to link to, and they’ve all proved to be inspiring as well, yet lately I don’t do much more than drop in and quickly read them. I rarely comment on any these days. Perhaps I’ve been relying too much on other blogs as my main source of inspiration for my own, when there is so much out there that I’m not looking at.
I know that before I had my bipolar episode this year, I was reading and writing with much passion, and doing artwork that I was proud of. Had ideas in the works and felt that I was ready to tackle bigger artistic projects. Before and after the hospital, I began writing some strange entries, and then out of nowhere came poetry. Some of it good, some of it not. And as I recovered, I felt that my regular writing began to be more matter-of-fact, boring even: “Today I did this. Tomorrow I might do that.” And I felt I’d lost my way with creating, even though I did some art on the computer, and a little bit of sketching here and there.
I know that I can get back to a place of inspiration and motivation again, but right now I’m not there yet. Forcing myself to draw every day is not the answer. Although Art Everyday Month isn’t about forcing the work, it just feels forced to me if I’m not excited by what I’m doing. So I’ve decided to have a good think session and see what ideas I can come up with to jump-start my creativity. It might be doing the Artists Way or Vein of Gold (creativity workbooks), but it might not be. I have a problem with starting things and not finishing them, so it might be better to come up with a plan of my own. Completion being one goal.
Perhaps the answer won’t lie in doing artwork right now, although I know I’ll still be making art. Perhaps my inspiration will come from other sources. I’ve got some ideas, but I’m keeping tight lipped about them right now.
So I’m making it a goal to reverse this trend of withdrawal, and start sharing myself and my enthusiasm once more. I’m not going to say when or how often I’ll post here, or make a commitment of having art on every post. I’m going to think about when, how and why I started this blog, and what I want it to become. I’m going to think of ways to re-inspire myself and what I want to say to people. I’m going to brainstorm, experience, work and play. I’m going to reflect, refresh, and evaluate. We’ll see where it goes from here….
November 29th, 2005 at 7:37 pm
Not a problem! You shouldn’t feel forced to do anything. We can still keep in touch with you via email. :)
November 29th, 2005 at 7:52 pm
Hi! Nice to meet you!
I just saw your stack of goodies below this post and was very happy for you! I hope you jump start your creativity again. Sometimes a creative lull, although painful, can be good for the soul.
A couple of friends of mine are going thru the same pains -I like to think of it as artistic/creative growing pains- so I know this too will pass.
I’ve just begun recovering from all similar experiences myself with regards to my art and creativity, and continually battle the highs and lows of my depression. I began doing my morning pages again (Artists Way), and it’s helping. I’m also de-cluttering my studio, to get some of that creative energy flowing.
I trust your think session will go well for you; I’ll be coming back soon. :)
November 29th, 2005 at 8:07 pm
Hello Amis!
I thought I’d offer my opinion. I don’t think there’s anything boring about your writing. I like when you tell us about what’s going on with you; it gives us a glimpse into your life. Anyway, just wanted to offer my encouragement. It was good talking to you on Thanksgiving! Love you and miss you lots!
p.s. did you get your "gift"? I think you should post a picture of you wearing it! Hee hee!
November 29th, 2005 at 8:44 pm
(((Hugs)))
sometimes having made a commitment that i’m not really excited about and telling others i’m doing it can put me in withdrawal mode. now that november is about over, you can shake off the aem stuff and move on to what fills you with delight. i often go thru periods where art just isn’t coming. like julia cameron says, sometimes you need to fill the well!
keep in mind also that you’ve had a difficult year and you deserve to be kind and gentle with yourself. a think session sounds good (that reminds me of winnie the pooh. hehe.) perhaps just thinking (maybe in a warm bath?) will get your creativity flowing in whatever manner that might be. xoxoxo
November 30th, 2005 at 1:04 pm
Kirsten, thanks! I’ll keep up with the blog in the meantime anyway, but email is good too. And I owe you a real letter!
Zee, nice to meet you, too! Thanks for the encouraging words! Yes, it is good to keep in mind that it’ll pass, and that other artists go through the same kinds of things. Glad you’ve stopped in and will again!
Kathy, I DID get it!! I laughed so hard and had to try it on..I was thinking of posting a picture of it here…hrmmm..we’ll see! Thanks for your encouragement too, it means a lot. I had fun talking to you on Thanksgiving too!
Kat, yes, filling the well is in order! I think I’m trying to rush things a little bit, and finding out that I’m not ready to be creating at the same level I was this time last year. Ooh..the bath idea is good. I might try that tonight! Thanks for the advice!
December 1st, 2005 at 2:20 am
Hi Sweetie! I thoroughly agree with Kathy and Kat’s comments and advice, dear. You have coped with so much and are still in the process of healing. Take time to get your physical and mental strength back. Do things which you enjoy and rest when you are tired. Spend quality time with Cam and your friends, and in time, you’ll return to your art with renewed enthusiasm. You have never lost your skill in writing. It’s one of your special gifts! xxxooo
December 1st, 2005 at 2:29 am
Thank you, Mumsy! That’s wonderful advice and encouragement. Love you lots!