I'd like to be able to write that the new year is starting off well and alive but to be honest I feel a bit sluggish. I have a lot to look forward to and I have a few projects I should be relishing but I am only able to do this in my mind. I have the ideas and the materials to create what I plan but I don't seem to have the energy or motivation to actually get in the studio and produce. I hate when this happens. Artists talk about having "blocks" mostly you hear the term "writers' block" but it applies to all artists I believe, whether in music, art, or writing. I don't have a lack of ideas, in fact I often have too many. But I do find at times I can't seem to urge myself on. I feel the need for the muse to kick in or some kind of encouragement from an outside source, but I know deep down it is really up to me to create the will. Do you ever feel like this? What do you do to get over the "blahs"? Is your creativity affected if you force yourself to do a project rather than joyously attack one?
I know the gathering storm outside affects me. When the storms hit in California it can be days of constant wind and gray skies and rain. We're suppose to get lots of rain. One would think that this weather would drive me into my cozy studio to immerse myself but instead I've just been reading book after book.
I'm on my way to the dentist now to have an implant repaired. I guess that might be giving me the blahs huh?
Next post I hope to have photos of my new projects that I finally complete.
Happy New Year to all and would love to hear about your remedies for times of melancholia.
I think it's something we all go through. Depending on life circumstances my remedies are to go with it (sometimes it's good to read and read and read...Remember, you have to stop and tread water before you can finish swimming the channel); tidy up my art supplies (always needs doing and sometimes the fondling of materials leads to using them); give myself a small production task of making elements and/or embellishments (cover papers with gesso, put fibers through button holes and put small beads on them; cut out found words from magazines; stamp letters onto small tags...that sort of stuff); or do something physical (yes, me!) to work out the stalactites in my head).
ReplyDeleteJoanne
For me, I blame it on hormones! I hate when the "blahs" are accompanied with ....depression!?!. Sometimes, for no apparent reason, I feel sad...and sort of...uneasy. At the time I am going through it, it seems unsurmountable and heavy and hopeless. I don't want to do anything particulary useful.I remind myself that it will pass soon, and that it is just an imbalance of my hormones. I don't know if this is what causes it, but by using this as an excuse I can then wallow in self pity and meloncholy without guilt.
ReplyDeleteUsually the next day the feeling is gone......a margueritta (SP?)is also helpful.....
... gray weather can bring on the blues too. The ocean helps there.
Hope you feel better soon....and remember, the grass is not always greener on the other side. it has not stopped raining here since you left. we are one big soggy mildewed mess!