So, what is my problem?! I do all the prep work but then I seem to make any excuse under the sun to avoid getting into my studio to actually paint. The last painting I attempted was before I got sick and it just wasn't working out for me so I painted over it with gesso. Ever since, I've been avoiding the studio.
I'm knitting.
I crocheting.
I'm journaling.
Just about everything BUT painting......
Am I a lost cause?
I WANT to paint and my excuses are starting to wear a little thin with my patience. What is up with that? Is this period of stagnation here for a reason? Whatever it is, I know that it's bugging me and I sure hope it passes soon.
What do you do when you come up against periods of stagnation in your art/craft?
What do you do when you come up against periods of stagnation in your art/craft?
Posts
11 comments:
In the beginning I push myself because I think "what is wrong with me?" Usually, that doesn't work so then I just let it run its course. I find the well is replenishing at that time and if I draw from it before it is complete, the water is never as sweet.
In the meantime, enjoy those other just as full filling pursuits. It is amazing to discover what else one can do!
Peace~
Dawn
I think it's my fault. I'm supposed to put up the apple so you can work on that;-) I haven't touched my coloured pencils in over a week.
I was locked up in art class and the instructor made us draw with our non-dominant hand which is my left. Worked wonders! Maybe try some quick, frustrating but possibly rewarding non-dominant handed painting for a half hour or so before trying with your dominant one. You never know. She said it gets you into the correct frame of mind because there are no expectations for what you can do with your non dominant hand. It quiets the critic in us.
Sometimes you need a little break and doing other creative things is a good change. Breaks--times where things just don't seem to be working--actually keep us from getting in a rut. I take it as something is telling me I need to refresh myself in other ways for a while. You know you love to paint--and you will be painting again. Maybe now is just the time to crochet or read or whatever your soul needs. Follow what feels like what you really want to be doing. If it is making a scarf--make a scarf. You are being guided on a little side path. No problem. Have fun! Relax! :):)
that is the worst place to be for sure! some things that work for me are to just go in and play without any commitment to actually create/finish a piece. sometimes that breaks the block. also i love to have an assignment where i don't have to think up what to paint. lastly, i find music in my art room very motivational.
hope your get what you want very soon!
i read a lot to try to get back to drawing. if that doesn't work I look at old paintings. journaling helps a lot to get me back to drawing.
your not a lost cause! everyone can have these moments but they do pass. thinking about the problem adds to it unfortunately :/
I have been where you are so many times. Sometimes its been a stage I just had to go through. Other it is just fear. If I don't try and can't fail syndrome which really gets you nowhere. To get going again I sometimes do an Art Journal page, if I can't find a prompt that interests me I will do a page about not being able to paint. Put my feelings right on the page and that helps me work through it. Look at blogs when I see something I love I try and go do that, sometimes that inspiration from someone else helps me. Or so a smaller piece like an ATC and send it to a friend. It does not have that big art feel so there is no right or wrong attached to it. I would just try something new and see what happens.
Kate
P.S. I thought of you when I came across this video! I want to try this...watch the whole thing...sounds like gesso and messy could be your thing right now! Good luck!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh8Hd2QiIls
Just let yourself be doing whatever is enjoyable. Remember painting is supposed to be fun...you can't force it! Just relax and have fun with everything else you do! When I get home, I will show you the little silly thing I crochetted! But...it was fun, and it accomplished what I needced it to (fill time, laugh, relax, and let go). I will be home again Friday night...so will start to post all my pics and stories of my trip!
I get in those slumps. Feel like your creative muse left you. It will get better and you'll be creating beautiful art again.
Slumps happen to me all the time! I usually just keep playing in the studio and give myself permission to make something really ugly! That way the pressure is off and sometimes I can relax and get back into the swing of things.
You guys are THE best!!! I'm so touched by your support and caring. Thanks so much for all your wonderful thoughts and suggestions.
Julie, I think I have that video. Maybe that's what I need to do...sit and watch creative people at play with their paints.
Post a Comment