Facing my studio scaries head on
Facing my studio scaries head on
Writing towards a consistent creative practice
We’re almost two months into the new year. In less than six months, I’ll turn thirty. I’m in the middle of a new series, and the horrible weather is keeping me within fifteen feet of my home studio. All of these things should come together to light a fire underneath me and result in a perfect chain of studio days where I make work like I’ll never have the chance again. Somedays, I even feel like I actually won’t have this chance again, with time rushing by me faster and faster and my days getting more full instead of less.
So why can’t I get off my couch?
I sometimes think of my studio time the same way I do exercise (something else I have a will they/won’t they relationship with). My mind knows that I’ll feel better after, and sometimes even during, and the more I put it off the less fun my next session will be. Sometimes I can white-knuckle through my resistance, put on some good music, and get myself through the studio door.
But for the days I can’t, I’ve made trying to deconstruct my bothersome brain a whole hobby of its own, with research on habit building, creative practices, motivation, and all of the other things that I can find a self help book about.
Sometimes I feel alone in this self inflicted suffering, but the more I’ve shared with other artists the more I’ve come to realize avoiding the work we love is just as universal as the call to make the work itself. If, through this newsletter, I can help another artist feel like they’ve got a studio mate and an accountability buddy to lean on, it’ll make my own studio-less days feel that much more purposeful.
Today, I went into the studio. As for tomorrow: if you make something, I’ll make something. Deal?
Bright side:
This week St. John’s, NL, saw two snow days! It was nice to get to stay cozy at home while the winds blew, and it gave me some time to knit in front of the tv (one of my favourite activities!).
Fear buster:
This album is perfect for working through the winter blues and bringing a bit of toe-tapping reflection back into your day.
Extra credit:
If you’re also struggling with the studio scaries, maybe try a studio log. Natalie and I are giving it a try this year.