Being creative, but needing order in my life…
Sunrise over the fields - Carolyn J Roberts
I would normally describe myself as an optimist with a healthy dose of realism and a touch of cynicism thrown in for good measure. Most of the time I potter along quite happily, but every so often, something happens that throws me off kilter, leaving me somewhat discombobulated (what a fabulous word that is!!). I know this affects my creativity as my emotional state and creativity are intertwined. I’m learning to accept that I can only control my actions and responses, and with that acknowledgment comes a modicum of ‘letting go’…
Regular followers might know that I’ve been on somewhat of a de-cluttering mission (house, art, life…) I think this is a residual effect of the death of my parents; nothing focuses the mind more than the acknowledgement that life is short. I’m concentrating more on what is important to me, for me… One of the things I find contrary is that, in my art, I love a loose, expressive style; fluid watercolours and inks, gestural marks…
…but away from the actual making of art…I detest disorder and mess…it makes me feel unsettled, unable to focus…hence the mission to de-clutter…do away with the superfluous…and in doing so, construct an environment and life, full of creativity…
Newly sorted bookshelf…
This quote by Judy Shreve struck a chord with me:
“And I believe creative momentum must be cultivated. It’s not an automatic self-sustaining condition. It’s not about finding the time to be creative, but to actually live creatively. We all have full schedules and lots of responsibilities that take us away from our art making. I’m working on how to keep my creative momentum going whether I’m in my studio or not. Just because you have free time, doesn’t mean you are inspired enough to work.
So to keep this momentum, I practice my art making daily and I try and approach all my tasks as a chance for inspiration and renewal. If I can keep from being frustrated or annoyed about all the things that take me away from my work, I hope to notice more about the world around me. And that just might help, because I believe creativity must be a frame of mind – a way of looking and being in the world – not based on talent at all – just a way of being. Then when I have studio time I’m already inspired!” – Judy Shreve
In order to achieve the above requires a change of mindset on my part. Up until now, art was one part of my life, kept mostly hidden away in a small studio, seemingly separate from the rest of my world, and yes, I’ll admit to being frustrated when other things required my time and energy. However, Shreve’s idea of approaching ‘all of her tasks as a chance for inspiration and renewal’ feels such a positive mindset that I’m trying to change my way of thinking. I realise this isn’t going to happen overnight, but this idea of actually living more creatively, being more mindful about my creativity is very appealing…
As I mentioned earlier, I hate disorder, being in a mess; therefore part of creating, my ‘way of looking and being in the world,’ – (Judy Shreve) is about making space, having order, in all areas - hence the de-cluttering.
“A creative moment is part of a longer creative process which, in turn, is part of a creative life.”
I’m attempting to incorporate creativity into all areas; beautiful flowers to brighten a space, ongoing garden renovations, varying my breakfast…(!!!)
…looking for inspirations wherever I go…
Snowdrops - Carolyn J Roberts
Finding order and acceptance in other areas of my life, will feed my creativity…leading to more of this…
Do you like chaos or order…?