Since returning from the Charles Reid workshop a week ago I haven't even gone into my teeny tiny studio or anywhere else for that matter to paint. I actually haven't unpacked the totebags filled with all the supplies I dragged with me to Vermont and some stuff is still in the car. I have been busy doing other very important things that have demanded my immediate attention.
Distraction #1 I can convince myself that a 4 mile run or 8 mile beach walk means I am too tired to do anything like draw or paint.
Distraction #2 I love dragging an armful of books and magazines around so when I find that perfect place to curl up, I have choices. I can read one or parts of each. I usually have an eclectic choice of art books, design magazines, some kind of informational non-fiction to slog through and a fun beach read. This is my current pile. I also think if I read about art it counts because I think about what I am going to draw or paint. It does count!
Distraction #3 I used to sew all the time in another place and time in my life. Now I use the sewing machine to mend and redesign clothes I don't wear anymore. I beat myself up a bit for buying the darn thing in the first place and then I look for the hidden potential that will not make my impulsive buy so hard to swallow. I will cut off legs or sleeves, add lace or fringe, change buttons, rip, bleach, embroider, shorten, lengthen or anything else to give it another chance and make it fun and wearable. If that doesn't work it goes to the Goodwill. My mother says I have been doing this forever.More distractions to come...
12 comments:
Oh my, Jennifer, perhaps there is something in our names that gives us this proclivity to creative ADD.:) Walking/Joggling is one of my favorite things, as well as knitting/crocheting and looking at and reading art books. I think it ALL counts! It keeps us fresh with our art, and makes us multi-faceted creatives! I too, usually feel that they are "distractions" but I try to remember that they are all really from the same art "pool". Have fun! And I LOVE the sketches!
Jennifer, your distractions have made for beautiful images, so I wouldn't call them distractions at all! Your art is so inspiring. I especially love the composition of the Running/Walking one. I think you will be fine, since you turned even your distractions into art, and you are still longing to return to your painting. Everyone needs a break sometimes! Thanks for sharing these wonderful images with me.
Even your distractions didn't prevent you from creating great journal pages. I'm not sure why you don't consider that "making art" when so many of us LOVE your daily paintings and musings.
Jennifer I am probably the last person to give advice or comment on something I also suffer from, but I have learned to set an hour aside a day to my drawing.I end up getting in to the grove and go for hours.
I love your distractions, especially The Redesigning. You are so creative even when you feel like you're in a creative drought. The work is beautifully done!
These distractions are great!! I love them. I too used to sew everything, and now I make curtains or pillows or things for the house, but I used to sew all my clothes. I miss it at times, but I just don't have the time. I'll look forward to your next distractions--they're wonderful!
I only wish I could be so distracted! LOL :) NIce work!
I feel you on the books and magazines!! I start 'looking for inspiration' and end up spending hours reading and paging instead of drawing! Love the drawings...they are all gorgeous!!
Oh I love your distractions--and I am too there w you on the redesinging clothes thing too-I've laready gotten my 8yo daughter into doing hte same...which is not always fun because she expects me to alter, change and sew what she wants the moment she wants me to do it!
Oh, goody, another thing we have in common! Do you think we'll be up for early morning five mile power walks before we hit *cough, cough* Disneyworld and drawing bootcamp days?? Is it perverse of me to say I can't wait? Of course, part of me is also questioning my sanity, but that dialogue goes on pretty often ;D.
What an awesome depiction of a pin cushion! When I look at my pin cushion I do not think to draw it.
Oh, I would have never thought to have drawn books. Very good sketch.
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