The last thing anyone wants to read is someone whining on their blog about their creative slump. So... here’s the last thing anyone wants to read ;)
In case you'd rather scroll past (perfectly understandable), here's a picture of me wearing a bad hat accompanied by a dinosaur....
I’ve had a block for the last few weeks. I just don’t have my usual enthusiasm. It could be burnout, could be stress from the end of the year madness (Susan and I have worked in school and park districts for so long that the end of the year always means June). Could be I just need to step back and reevaluate.
Art isn’t work for me. It’s play. I’ve gone to lengths (not great lengths, but some lengths) to keep it that way. I’m not one to push forward, per se. I don’t have that drive that so many admirable artists are celebrated for. This is why I frequently use the words “amateur” or “hobby”. But, all the same, it’s a huge part of my identity. As someone who has a lot of social anxiety, it’s also a way of reaching out and connecting to people. It’s important to me!
So, when I’m in a slump, it hurts. I don’t have any deadlines, no pressures other than what I put on myself. But, I feel an urgency to accomplish something. With the many amazing projects out there, I look back at a history of false starts and incomplete projects. It sometimes feels like I’m fumbling with my shoelaces while everyone else is already out the door.
But, maybe that’s OK! Maybe that’s just the way I am. Maybe I’m more of an experimenter than a finisher. I sometimes daydream of finishing a modest project to enter into a film festival in Portland, but the reality is (though I have plenty to live on) I couldn’t even afford the plain ticket! What I mean is... maybe it's better to accept what works for me instead of trying to extend beyond my abilities. Dunno. Just thinking out loud.
So, my ways of dealing with a creative block or slump or whatever...
Facilitate -- Makes lists, organize materials, write down any ideas (even if they suck), clean and organize my work area, so that I’m good to go when I’m back to feeling it.
Write in my Journal -- This is just a good practice for any thinking/feeling human being. Sven Bonnichsen, via Faceblort, suggested that a good thing to do is just write question after question without attempting any answers. I like that idea.
Change the channel -- Even though my puppets aren’t budging, I’ve been recording music like a mother. My usual doodles aren't looking too good right now. However, I’ve been experimenting with computer drawing. See what I mean?
Experiment -- Not sure if this adhesive with bond with this material? Not sure which wire to use? Now’s the time to run a few tests. I can do my homework so I’m ready out of the gate.
Defining intents and pursuits -- Notice I didn’t say list my goals. I think that goals should be vague (this is what works for me, anyhow). An example; I want to loose 20 pounds by next year, is too solid. I’ll make an effort to eat better and exercise and I’m still eating that brownie cause brownies are delicious and whatever happens with that is fine by me, is to me, a more relaxed practice and better for managing anxiety.
...
Well, that’s all. None of this is gospel. Just writing things out as they come to me in the moment. I guess I am being a little creative. So, as for now, I'll just go with the flow. Try new things and see what happens, not forcing anything.
THANKS FOR READING, SEEYA SOON!
