First, let me say, I’m blessed to be able to pursue what I love. Second, know that life gets in the way of our pursuit and it’s okay to pause. Passion will bring you back.
My studio is overflowing with pieces in various degrees of completion. I will finish them over time (who knows exactly when, some of them I tinker with for months). The reality of so much in progress would have caused anxiety in years past. It could be overwhelming and daunting to think about what to do first or prioritizing tasks. Mostly, I think, because of societal conditioning to follow through with what you start in a timely manner. I’ve talked about perspective before, how you view your circumstances, etc. In altering perspective I opened myself up to growth and I was amazed by the result.
Because I was a regimented, scheduled soul for so many years (like 20+) the concept of not working on an individual piece to completion was foreign. What I have noticed in changing perspective is one project often sets forth another idea, sets forth another, etc, etc. They commence within and without addressing that inner voice, it could be lost or forgotten. Now, when that inner voice nags at me to explore something, I listen. In doing so, my anxiety was reduced and I am able to literally ‘create’ stress away! What a great concept!! It is completely refreshing to explore, experiment and choose a piece to work on based on inner voice instead of exterior deadlines. Profound concept, I know.
One step further; this applies to most everything we do in life. As human beings we start out as an idea, if you will, hardwired with a basic design. Given our individual circumstances, that design is slowly developed by family, faith, friends and community. We have a basic understanding of what we may want our finished outcome to be and then exterior influences beyond our community make an impact on our being and we morph/change. In my 42 years here, I’ve experienced this numerous times. Changing and improving with each phase of our ‘life project.’
Viewing my art in this manner allowed me freedom of choice When I step into my studio and often before I allow myself the guilty pleasure of quieting my soul to hear what is being said. I know which pieces will need attention or detail, which ones aren’t developed enough and which ones are ready to impact somebody else on their journey. As humans, we aren’t meant to be complete until our journey has ended and I would say the same of my work. My art will live on in the viewer, it will change/morph and inspire someone else in a way uniquely personal to them. For this reason, and the pure joy of creating, I choose to continue the pursuit.
Happy Art-ing all you Be-YOU-tiful peeps!