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.