Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Painting Space




I spent almost all of last week cleaning summer out of my studio; layers of projects, supplies and artwork on every surface. As I de-cluttered my space, I de-cluttered my mind.
After talking this morning with some BYU students, I appreciate my quiet, clean, work space. It's challenging to concentrate in chaos, although, it can be done.
Creating art in a chaotic atmosphere is a training exercises. If you survive it, you get the ranking of  black belt fast and furious ninja artist with a silver star. I don't think it's just an issue for moms who work. It takes Jedi mind power to block out life's other demands/clutter while still being perceptive to what is important and perceptive to a creative muse, whether male or female.
Work time is precious so I prepare for it as much as possible. I prefer to work with the rest of the house in a state of semi-order so I clean up the night before or early in the morning. I am the most productive with my studio time when I know what I'm going to start working on. I forget fast so I leave whatever it is on my table so it's obvious or I write myself a note. Conscious decisions and preparation allow me to do what I do.
I didn't try to work this summer too much because I know that if I started painting, I would be consumed with it and I wanted to fully enjoy, guilt free, my kittens and all things summer. Today though, now that I am back to painting and I'm practicing my Jedi mind tricks.
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3 comments:

The Art of Kim Kincaid said...

Wonderful suggestions. I'm going to bookmark this.
(An egg timer has become my best friend to help me take breaks from the easel and also, limit time on computer).

Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Oh you have a wonderful space to paint in!!!

Cassandra Barney said...

Thanks to both of you. My sister-in-law was just telling me about setting a timer for fifteen minutes per task. Interesting idea.

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