Maybe because it’s the end of winter, I don’t know, but lately I’ve been feeling meh. Of course having a sick kid last week and then subsequently catching said sick kids’ virus didn’t help, but it’s getting frustrating. Any great inspiration pick me ups out there? Since I don’t have a machine that I just turn on to put out paintings, I can either force my self to push through it and hope good work comes out the other side, or let myself feel through it (and hope customers are patient) until that energy and inspiration comes back. I usually do a bit of both as I tend to go through these cycles a couple times a year. I also know that the pendulum will swing back and new work will come, my passion will again get ignited and a ton of great stuff will come out of it. Until then, thoughts? Do you experience similar cycles in your life?
Yes, I think it’s normal to have cycles of inspiration and non-inspiration. Maybe it’s ok to feel this way. Maybe it’s a sign that you need to allow yourself some downtime, rest or just the permission to not always have to be ready to produce the next masterpiece.
When this happens to me, I fuss for a few days about it then just allow myself a few days to just do what makes me happy that may be unrelated in a way to what I do. Am I making any sense? In a nutshell, gives yourself permission to be ok with the “blahs”. This too shall pass.
I know what you mean:( It feels like we’ve had the month long cold and it sure sucks away all the energy to create. I find a date by myself usually helps. As a mom with two little ones I need quietness more than anything. Exploring a hardware store, a candy store or a fabric store at my own slow pace with no interruptions and no agenda does the trick. I simply look at colours, textures and shapes and by the time I drive home images of paintings start flowing in. Hope that helps:)
Meh is such a good word (if it’s a word?) – perhaps there is an air of discontent. I’m with Tania in that I try to no longer fight or analyse the ‘mehs’, knowing that they will pass…easier said than done. And if it all gets too much there is always kulfi ice cream from Cool Moon.
I definitely get many variations of this feeling now that I’m back into making art on a (somewhat) steady basis. I always wonder if other artists feel this cycle! It usually helps me when I can make some sort of small change… or wait for one to happen – spring is just around the corner after all! Your work is always amazing and I’m sure you’ll turn out something wonderful whenever you decide to get back at it
