Dressing for Work

I received and email from Pam Bowman a while back about an art project she is working on. She is preparing an exhibit which contrasts daily routines in China with routines in the Unites States. Pam asked for a few written sentences or a paragraph about routines or rituals and it got me to thinking about two things, lotion and dressing to paint. The lotion part I'll save for another time. Regarding Dressing or Work, this was my response to her.

I love my job and I feel very lucky to be allowed to spend my days pursuing what I enjoy so much. I have battled guilt because I hear of and see other people who spend their days doing work that doesn't have the potential to inspire and maybe isn't as fulfilling and enjoyable. Because of that gratitude I feel, I don't take my job for granted and I use my time well in the studio. One of the ways I set this time/activity apart and outwardly acknowledge my feelings and state of mind is in how I dress, just like putting on a uniform to play a sport or even the uniform I wore when I worked at Basking Robbins when I was sixteen. So, even though I'm anxious to get right into the studio after I get my little ones out the door for school, I take the time to dress for work. I wear good shoes. I like the sound of my heals on the tile floor and I get my paintings supplies out. This winter it was my turquoise Fluevog boots and a skirt that I felt the best in. I put on my rings and a necklace, usually one that Dan made for me. I keep lipstick on my painting taberet. The funny thing is that it's just me in there. No one is going to see what I'm wearing, but when I'm wearing heels, I walk differently. When I'm wearing jewelry I stand up straighter. I also think I paint with more focus. I think that to me, when appearance is in order, I'm going to paint in order (meaning less distraction and not sloppily or as an after thought.)

I think I've written about this subject before but it's good to remember. Look up Pam's work. She is extraordinary. She's this nice little woman, living in Utah whose installations could rival any artist in any museum right this very minute. I'm serious, her work leaves me in awe every time.

I'm excited about this painting that I'm working on. It's a little strange but sweet.