I guess you could say I have artist's block, and a dose of writer's block too. Although technically Im not working a job this week, it seems that there is so much "going on". How does that happen? My husband is home sick today so I better go check on him, but in the meantime hope you enjoy these two artists (Lisa Solomon and Rose Deniz) who don't seem to suffer with my condition today. Of course, who knows, I'm sure they get stumped too. How about you? What do you do when you feel as though you just don't have anything left to give or no new ideas?? What do you do to inspire creativity again?..... i need some new ideas.
images l.solomon and r.deniz
Lately I've been spending 5 minutes before I leave for work tucked up in my armchair leafing through back issues of Victoria magazine. They never fail to inspire me. :-) I also write. I just sit down and write "stream of consciousness" style - no thinking or planning, just whatever comes into my head. This helps get the muddle out. I read "The Artist's Way" and go for long walks. Nature does wonders. :-) And I sleep, and let go of expectations, and do stuff with my hands: cook, clean the toilet, etc. It helps. :-) Hope you find what works for you. :-)
Posted by: Krista | October 27, 2010 at 11:01 AM
I am right there with you Heather. I have some major changes going on over here and I am feeling emotionally overwhelmed which means that everything else has shut down. My best advice is don't beat yourself up over it. Be kind and nurturing and when the time is right the creativity will flow. Catch up on some reading or take some naps.... it's all good my friend!
Posted by: Stephanie Ryan | October 27, 2010 at 12:41 PM
There is something in the air lately, because I'm seeing this sentiment all over the place. I posted on it. Tara Gentile did. Jules, too.
Maybe it's the changing season? Worry that the year is ending and goals are yet unmet?
It's definitely something. For me, it's a lack of energy, not creativity. But I heard an exercise today that basically broke down big topics into small parts. So, maybe I want to blog on this big, scary topic. Can I break it up into bite-sized pieces?
I don't do "art"...does that idea translate at all?
Posted by: Brigitte | October 27, 2010 at 03:30 PM
Ok, just realized my comment was simply the rambling of an exhausted person. Not helpful.
Posted by: Brigitte | October 27, 2010 at 03:32 PM
No not rambling, Brigitte! this is really great!!!!! you mean im not alone??! oh, yes. of course the time of year. i hadn't thought of that. of course listening to those negative voices again that tell me im the only one not crafting my brains out when everyone else is. "you gotta keep up" "stay on top of your game" but come to think of it i dont have a game. maybe i don't want a game.. maybe i want reality instead and your comment sound pretty real.
thanks hun!
Posted by: Heather | October 27, 2010 at 03:52 PM
thanks stephanie! you always have the most encouraging words, voice, spirit. my heart always skips a beat when i see that you have commented because i know it will be something deep and rich. thank you!! sounds like you are in a place of major transition, which is both exciting and scary at the same time. thank you for sharing and for being a part of my life here. we are in this together!!
Posted by: Heather | October 27, 2010 at 03:55 PM
Hello sweet Heather! I would subscribe to all these fabulous comments from these strong women! I believe that we should not force anything... i believe in reading, wandering around through our favourite places... naps... sunny days... i believe that creativity will come. And btw, dear friend... we all feel the same at some point! Sometimes there is so much pressure... close your eyes and let go... breathe. it will come to you in a whole fresh way! have a sweet evening! twiggs
Posted by: Twiggs | October 27, 2010 at 04:41 PM
I always take a "time out," go easy on myself, and try not to obsess about it. It works almost every time.
Posted by: Lisa | October 27, 2010 at 04:50 PM
I recommend you read Anahata Katkin's 5 stages to overcome creative resistance. It helps me every time! Good Luck!
http://www.papayablog.com/2009/11/the-creative-process-working-with-the-5-stages-to-overcome-creative-resistance.html
Posted by: diane kappa | October 28, 2010 at 03:36 AM
You definitely have game. Just not "a game." way too genuine for that. :)
Posted by: B | October 28, 2010 at 09:55 PM
awwww! i got game?!!! how sweet. i never knew. no one has ever told me that before. i think im blushing over here behind my metaphorical veil.
Posted by: Heather | October 28, 2010 at 10:31 PM