Something is shifting.
I’ve been feeling it for some time now. You know that feeling when something that has worked for a long time suddenly stops and you have to leap into the unknown to figure out what comes next?
This is exactly where I am. I feel stuck. And to be honest, the last six months have been filled with one project after another, that I haven’t even been able to think, let alone create any artwork.
One of the first things I said to my partner when we first met was “I know things.” I look back on that statement now and think, OMG he must have thought I was cuckoo. What I was really telling him is that I’m deeply intuitive and sometimes, well, I just know things.
And I know this moment is different. I’ve just spent the last couple of weeks getting ready to paint. I’ve decluttered my studio and it’s ready for me. I’ve been writing ‘future pages’ and have found myself an artistic mentor.
The energy feels like it has shifted. And the magic has started to happen again. I’ve carved out time for myself. TIME to think. TIME to paint. TIME to reconnect with myself. TIME to just be.
I’m so grateful for this time. But I have to admit; I’ve had more than a few moments of frustration. It’s more comfortable to stay with what has worked in the past. I really don’t want to leap into the unknown. But I also know I have to do so in order to progress.
So stay tuned, I’m looking forward to showing you my new work as it progresses.
Tell me how what steps you have taken to find your inspiration or your creative voice amidst today’s busy world?
Be well….be creative,
I’ve had home studios and alone studios but now I am in a small affordable studio with a group of 15 other creative minds. There are a few that don’t even realize how much they inspire me just with a short conversation. They might mention that they are painting a kayak mural for a client and suddenly I am engraving kayaks on wine glasses and loving it. You never know where inspiration may come from but I think we need to find a balance of quiet time and a little social time to get those wheels turning.
My website needs updating and my studio room needs a fresh coat of paint and I’m going to focus on what I do best and HIRE someone to take the pressure off and get these items quickly checked off by writing a check, that will motivate me!
I love that you are now sharing space and getting inspiration from others. I find it so incredibly hard to create in a vacuum. And I also love that you are outsourcing. I’m a huge believer in not doing everything myself and freeing up my time for what I love….and for what I do well. Good luck on your website:)
congratulations! change like this can be daunting, but trust you are doing the right thing. take one step and let the rest fall into place.
So true Sheryl, so true. Thanks!
Can’t wait to see your new work.
Thanks Kay!
Can’t wait to see your next adventure
Thanks Betty!
I wish there was a formula I could pass along…maybe remember how inspired you felt when you first started out. What was it about encaustic that drew you in then? Remember your successes, feel empowered and create from there.
Thanks Tanya. This is bigger than just not being inspired. This is a shift…..one that takes time to manifest itself.
Thanks for sharing this Clare! I am hoping for a shift soon! I quit my part time “day job” and am a little frightened about having that extra time starting in January. I am bored with my photography, feeling like I have shot everything I wanted to…now what? I look forward to hearing and seeing what comes out of this for you! Thanks for always inspiring me!
I know that feeling Dianne…..the best we can do is continue to strive for what comes next:)
Hi Clare,
Great post. It’s frustrating to feel a block from our own creative process. I agree with you that taking the time to clear out the clutter in our work space gives our minds a fresh slate to renew our creative selves.
When I feel a block in my creative energy I reach out to Mother Nature…..take long walks, go for hikes with my dogs, unplug and try to connect with those things that first inspired me.
Thanks LynnAnn. I think it’s a challenge most of us as creatives feel at sometime throughout our careers. I have to admit, I reach out to Mother Nature more in the summer than I do in the winter:) It’s a nasty cold day out there today.
I am in the same creative space right now. I’ve been consumed (happily so) with our recent move to a new home, new state, new climate, etc. since last May. But all the while, and especially in the past month, I can feel the energy building toward a new phase of creativity. It’s exciting but also a bit unnverving wondering what will emerge.
I came across this post as I was cleaning up my office, desk, studio space, and computer desktop. I had left this tab open in my browser so that I could read it again. Today was the day that I got back to it and it just resonated so much with where I am now. I will look forward to hearing where your creative energy has taken you.
I so love how the universe takes us to the messages that we need to hear. Glad today was the day for this. Good luck in your new home, new state, new climate, etc:)