I have been fighting with my muse all week.
Actually it's been a little longer than that, but holidays don't count. We usually fight about the directions we want to go...well, I'm fighting about the direction I want to go while She can't help saying something about it.
It starts because I haven't been doing something. Haven't been painting. Haven't been writing. And then the idea of "not doing" starts to get in the way of everything else.
I've identified four "P's" in this cycle: two black, two white, bound together in a creative yin-yang relationship.
Procrastination. This is one of those sneaky activities that gets a toe-hold during a legitimate "time-out." Company comes. A holiday arrives. Anything that lends itself to cleaning the studio and then closing the door. It's important to take time off -- that's my side of the argument. Muse, on the other hand, loves to point out that time off becomes something worse when it extends for more than a few days.
Protectionism. Now, isn't this just one of those politically correct words that means "I don't want to change and you ain't gonna make me?" Muse's argument, not mine. But on this one she's right.
Practice. And that's the catch, isn't it? If you've been procrastinating you aren't practicing...
Persistence. Which doesn't mean beating your head against the "I'm not inspired" wall. It just means that the professional - the serious artist - understands that inspiration isn't something that "comes to you" but something that evolves out of what you are doing.
Of course, just because I might know that doesn't mean I can easily break away from the grip of the first two "P's" because Muse is nagging me. I have to work into these things. Slowly.
Yeah, I know, I hear her laughing, too.
Actually it's been a little longer than that, but holidays don't count. We usually fight about the directions we want to go...well, I'm fighting about the direction I want to go while She can't help saying something about it.
It starts because I haven't been doing something. Haven't been painting. Haven't been writing. And then the idea of "not doing" starts to get in the way of everything else.
I've identified four "P's" in this cycle: two black, two white, bound together in a creative yin-yang relationship.
Procrastination. This is one of those sneaky activities that gets a toe-hold during a legitimate "time-out." Company comes. A holiday arrives. Anything that lends itself to cleaning the studio and then closing the door. It's important to take time off -- that's my side of the argument. Muse, on the other hand, loves to point out that time off becomes something worse when it extends for more than a few days.
Protectionism. Now, isn't this just one of those politically correct words that means "I don't want to change and you ain't gonna make me?" Muse's argument, not mine. But on this one she's right.
Practice. And that's the catch, isn't it? If you've been procrastinating you aren't practicing...
Persistence. Which doesn't mean beating your head against the "I'm not inspired" wall. It just means that the professional - the serious artist - understands that inspiration isn't something that "comes to you" but something that evolves out of what you are doing.
Of course, just because I might know that doesn't mean I can easily break away from the grip of the first two "P's" because Muse is nagging me. I have to work into these things. Slowly.
Yeah, I know, I hear her laughing, too.
The Muse likes to think herself the most important; and after all, she is really….mine is tough enough to watch all my temper tantrums and stand there and say, “Now get back to work.”
Leslie
http://texturesshapescolor.blogspot.com/
Posted by: sue smith | April 23, 2009 at 11:37 AM
Well, keep Muse busy in your face so she won't bother me! I sure don't need any nagging...especially since I'm in the habit (now) of painting 4-5 hours a day!
Posted by: vicki ross | April 22, 2009 at 05:48 PM
If you're not familiar with the blog Art Propelled, I highly recommend it. A short while ago, Robyn posted about procrastination as well, and gave me a new mantra: "one cow." Check it out:
http://artpropelled.blogspot.com/2009/03/happy-friday.html
melanie
Posted by: melanie | April 22, 2009 at 05:02 PM
I think your thoughts are those of soooooooo many of us.
However... I LOVE your North Carolina muse who added patience ... I think we all have to give ourselves the gift of patience..
Good for you... Love your thoughts... now back to your regular website to see your art. (Thanks for dropping by my website blog!!)
Posted by: Marian Fortunati | April 22, 2009 at 09:23 AM
Thank you for your insights! Your words speak to me directly, too.
Posted by: suzemyst@nycap.rr.com | April 22, 2009 at 07:21 AM
Absolutely spot on! brilliant - and feelings I know so well
I'm printing this to stick in a sketchbook!
Posted by: vivien | April 22, 2009 at 12:25 AM
Dear Sue-
I agree with all- (you have the best ideas!)-however as your North Carolina muse methinks you deserve one more "P" word. (And all of us artists deserve this as well.)
"PATIENCE".. a calming personal loving patience for yourself.
We are not machines. We are people. We need- rather we REQUIRE-- good solid satisfying down time too-- without regret or guilt!
After times like that we do come back better refreshed, more inspired and ready to Rock And Roll!
A good friend once told me something I never forgot; she said-- take the love and care and concern you have for others and spend it on YOU.
It is GOOD to do that.
It's not selfish.
As women...typically we take care of so many things/people/businesses/activities...(not to mention that fri$%^g twittering!) ...
We can at least be as kind to ourselves as we are to others.
I say you need a day at the spa, a day to watch old movies, read a book, a trip with gal pals, go to a play-- whatever! You'll be inspired to whip up a painting in the studio lickity-split! I promise!
OH that makes another "P" word!!! "PLAY" !!!!!!!
oxoxconnie
http://www.Conn-Artist.com
Posted by: Constance | April 21, 2009 at 07:23 PM