Maybe it's just the usual summertime lull. I've been kinda…flat, creatively speaking. A friend once reminded me that creative cycles can be analogous to
growing seasons. To get the most out of your soil, you need to let the
field rest for a season after the harvest. Give the planting area time
to grow rich again. Since I had been really productive there for awhile, maybe this is just that break for the field to lie fallow.
Anyway – I try to remind myself every time this happens, that this always happens. It's not a symptom of anything, and certainly not a permanent state. But every time I go though it, I get to this antsy uncomfortable place after a couple months. That's when I know it's been a long enough break and I'm about to "bloom" again.
The photo above is my table space at Art Nest this past February. Looking at it reminds me of that good, good place I was in right after the retreat. Happy, rested, full of possibility and, not to go all John Denver on you, but really high on new friendships. This is what I remember when I look at that photo:
The room we were working in was really quite warm, and I can't stand being too warm. (Good thing I live in Alaska, right?) Being winter in Utah though, I was able to get a nice chilly breeze across my work space by cracking the window. We had a lovely view too, and the natural light coming in made it perfect. I adopted that cute white coffee cup for the duration of my stay. Having a "just right" coffee cup is a grounding (no pun intended) element for me. Good, strong coffee and a yummy treat of a homemade cookie. New art supplies ready to break in to ~ like brand new school supplies ~ wonderful! The name tag. Those were on each of our beds when we arrived. Some of us used them to sit by our budding art projects so that as we walked around to admire the progress, we would know whose work we were ooo-ing over. They were also used to save our place in line for the showers. 3 bathrooms + 30 woman….and it was no problem! I found that amazing. But it was just one of the many things that made the experience special. If there was any catty-ness going on, I was never aware. From my perspective, everyone felt supportive and supported. I don't know that I could ever have such a nice experience again, but I definitely hope to.
*sigh* Here's to growing back out of this blank time. I'm ready to get in the swing again, but I've learned it's not something I can force. Not if I want to enjoy it. So it will come. And I'll be more than ready. ♥
Comments
3 responses
I love good memories for that reason – they can put us right back into that feeling of a great experience we had! I’m glad you know about the ebb and flow and aren’t concerned about your momentary creative dry spell. You’ll be painting and sculpting again before you know it! I, for one, can’t wait to see more of your creations! Hugs, Silke
P.S. Did you get your chickens yet? And how is that going?
Karen the minute I opened your new post I recognized your ArtNest name tag. I also thought wow that open window reminds me of ArtNest and then I read your post,too funny.
Silke,
No chickens yet! I had planned to build my coop in August and get them late in the month. I’m starting to wonder though if my building abilities will be up to this challenge. To house the hens (and keep them laying) over the cold, dark winter here – the coop will need to be insulated, and have heat & light. Almost like building a tiny real house! I might have to start it next spring to give myself plenty of time to figure it out. 🙂
~ k