A Restlessness
a scattered work table of artworks coming together
After two years of frequent travel for family, and art related events, I find myself at loose ends having been pulled in many directions, physically and emotionally. I was not at home and in my studio for more than two weeks at a time in those two years. I managed to make art around my other commitments while also meeting deadlines, participating in exhibitions and presenting in professional critique sessions. I maintained my art practice, and now it is time to once again move it forward. I am out of the rhythm of practicing in the studio, digging deeply into a series and having it open multiple avenues of exploration. I am in the last part of several long-term bodies of work, all of which I feel strongly about and want to bring to fruition. Simultaneously I am restless and itching to delve into and expand upon materials and concepts I’ve only had the time and bandwidth to peripherally explore.
“My hands know ahead of my head and heart what it is I want to say. I need to allow myself the space and time for them to speak.”
Structures to Create Space
a tidy storage area
I have not followed a structured schedule since committing to my art practice full time, and the lack of a system worked for me. I’ve adapted as best I could to the turbulent last two years, but now it is time to get out of my own way and change my approach. I have begun the sometimes-painful process of recalibration. I cleaned the studio, made more storage room, organized the physical clutter to allow breathing room and cleared surfaces from which I can create again. I am setting long and short-term goals, breaking these down into manageable bites, to be scheduled weekly and in ways I can be self-accountable. I’m including admin tasks like taxes, invoicing, cataloging, searching out new opportunities, and the promotion of social media, talks, and other events. As well as studio tasks to complete the three long-term bodies of work that have been ongoing, to the point where I can graciously free them into the world and allow myself to move on. Most importantly, I’m scheduling time to explore nascent concepts and materials, allowing room to experiment and ask questions. My hands know ahead of my head and heart what it is I want to say. I need to allow myself the space and time for them to speak.
Inspiration to Begin Again
Finally part of my work table is cleared!
Current world events, particularly those in the United States, have weighed heavily on me - I feel unsettled. Being able to separate from this worry, anxiety and distress is a challenge in the studio. I can only move forward bit by bit. I ask myself what I can contribute amidst all the noise, pain, inequality, fear and anger. I am fortunate to have colleagues whose persons and work I admire, whose conversations inspire me. I believe that art, in all its forms, is essential to humanity. I must trust that whatever artwork I can contribute will reach others; offering beauty, solace, recognition, a place of quiet contemplation, and an understanding that one is not alone. I itch to sink my hands back into my materials and processes and discover the next series. This restlessness signals to me there is more I want to say so with this new year, I begin again.
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