Still learning (more on my quest for a creative routine)
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt in my ongoing quest to find my perfect creative routine, it’s that I need to be kind to myself. Kind to myself, and grateful for what I have and how far I’ve come.
I remember when I first started drawing lessons just about ten years ago, how I looked in awe at the studio of the artist I was studying with. How I just couldn’t imagine having a workspace of my own, the time, the energy, the money to be able to live the life of an artist. Today I’m sitting in my sunny studio, doors open onto my garden feel incredible privileged to be in the position of someone hunting for a creative routine.
One of the best things about this hunt is that I find myself researching other artist’s routines and practice. I loved watching this video of artist Nigel Peake at work.
Michael, I am on the same quest and wondering if I will ever “arrive” or if this is an ongoing and frequently changing journey that I have to continually readjust to. Because I have four kids and a husband, and I home school my two youngest kids, and they all involved in activities, and blah, blah blah….I find that I have to set time limits for my work in my studio. For two reasons: #1, I have to let me and my family know that I am “going to work” and don’t disturb me unless you are bleeding….badly! #2 I need to make time for me to get work done whether I “feel” like it or not! . I have come to realize that I can’t wait to “feel” like being creative or “feel” inspired. And since my studio is in my home, it is easy to let the busyness of everyday distract me from my work. However, that doesn’t mean my creative mind shuts off when I leave the studio. It never shuts off! My friend and fabulous artist Mona Cordell
( http://www.monajonescordell.com/ )takes a picture of her work
when she leaves her studio and has it lying around so she can look at it and think about it when she’s not at “work”. She sees it from a different perspective and with fresh eyes and can make notes on her copy and be ready to work the next time she returns to the studio. I blogged about reading Twyla Tharp’s “Creative Habit” and asked for input from others and got many great responses that you might enjoy reading!
http://anniesalness.blogspot.com/2009/02/what-is-your-creative-habit.html
Thank you for opening this dialog. I look forward to seeing other responses!
Thanks Annie, that’s an excellent discussion you’ve got going on over on your blog. Lots of food for thought. I too have been reading Twyla Tharp’s excellent book (I actually got it back today from a friend who I lent it to so think I shall have another browse through at bedtime tonight).
For me I think I’m beginning to understand that creative routines and rituals are one thing (the things that get me out to me studio and ready to create) and a creative shape to my day is something else.
I certainly need the routines and rituals that start my creative process, which I think is what Twyla Tharp talks a lot about in her book, the creative shape to my day (the things I do) is what I’m really examining. It’s good to at least see that, it’s a place for me to start.
isn’t it interesting that we, as artists, have to remind ourselves to be kind…to ourselves. it’s like putting sleep on a to-do list, (which i do often).
good post
Michael–I appreciate your thoughts and hearing your voice. I’m a Canadian/American & love your accent and the dialect. But that aside, My question has never been how to discipline myself to work in the studio but rather how do I not work on my creative pursuits and do the yucky stuff i.e: pay bills, keep up with dentist visits, service my car, exercise. All important stuff but I find it difficult to balance everything (especially being a mother too!) I always feel desperate that when I sacrifice a day like this week and volunteer for my child’s field trip to plant trees I am giving up work time. And i need a day to service my car and a morning to get my teeth cleaned!
I must force myself to be disciplined and NOT go to my studio on Mondays and attend to the business of life–which I dislike intensely.
Listening to you speak Michael I wonder if it is more difficult to keep a routine at a home studio. I work in a warehouse complex with other artists which is supportive. The best part however, is I take my children to school at 7:55 am and get my coffee and go to my studio at 8:15am. when I arrive I am usually alone for a good two or three hours and have the place to myself so I do not have to be sensitive @ my radio or music, etc. and can just be creative. I love that!
have you read the book by artist , actor and playwrite Anna Deveare Smith, Letters to a Young Artist: Straight-up Advice on Making a Life in the Arts-For Actors, Performers, Writers, and Artists of Every Kind? It is so inspiring!!!
http://www.amazon.com/Letters-Young-Artist-Straight-up-Arts/dp/1400032385/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243878568&sr=8-4
She writes in the form of letters to a fictional artist giving advice through the guise of correspondences. It really inspired and helped me to move forward!
Best, Annie
“Kind to myself, and grateful for what I have and how far I’ve come.” Indeed! I should regularly remind myself of that, too. I like how Jaclyn actually puts sleep on her to do list
I’m suggesting two books, both cheaply available, used, on Amazon, Michael, which offer a variety of relevant topics:
1) The Artist’s Way
and
2) What Colour Is Your Parachute?
Hi Michael – I’m in the same boat actually, having weaned myself from 9-5 over the past several years, and now have the opportunity to pursue my artwork nearly “full-time.” It took me a couple of years to find my own rhythm in the studio, which varies depending upon where I am in my cycle of work (which is very process-heavy, as a textile artist.) I recently read (and am re-reading) probably the best book I’ve ever read on creativity — Fearless Creating by Eric Maisel. There are OODLES of helpful stuff in it — e.g. he helps the reader learn to locate themselves within the creative process, discussing blocks of each stage etc. A couple of really helpful points that come to mind now are learning to “shift gears” quickly; “hushing and holding” when incubating an idea, and that most artists need to manage their anxiety. That last bit is really true for me. Sometimes as soon as I start work my anxiety is gone…but there are many other ways of managing it. Right now I am realizing I need to draw more — the immediacy is something I need because of slow process, and want to incorporating drawing into my daily routine. I used to draw a lot in my youth but somehow got away from pure, purposeless (i.e. joyful) drawing. Your Twittering has really encouraged me to move on this!
Thanks for writing exactly what I needed when I needed it. I am finally taking time to do what I love doing but I am still struggling to find a routine and after working a day job it is difficult sometimes.
It is good to know that other people have had similar battles. I am looking to set myself a challenge to help with my routine but have not decided yet what that should be. Still looking for suggestions.
Love your blog and will follow it which I am sure will inspire me more.
Thank you
I couldn’t agree more. Embrace and accept who and where we are in our creative journey. I am in exactly that place myself.
Love your post Michael and Owen’s note at end of thread here. One thought hit me however, maybe because I am “older” and been TRYING this for a long time
In being kind to yourself, remember it is a never ending pursuit and practice so don’t overly fret… that saying “one step forward and eight steps backwards” is not meant to deter you, just help you to be kind to Self.