An afternoon to read from Essentialism. The theory all makes sense and is very relevant. I haven't gotten to the part about putting strategies into practice. One of the quietest days I've had in a long time.
Morning frought with emails and sorting out conference funding (not yet resolved). Disciplined myself to log out and read for a couple hours. Going outside helped for sure.
I'm starting here because it's what I know. Reading, Writing, and Drawing- All active ways of reflecting on the process. Hoping to allow a pattern to emerge.
The book Mapping has several writing exercises that I'd like to do. What emerged today was the theme of excess (Common of late), largely excess information.
Playing With Sketches will give me a chance to run through some drawing exercises to help make a connection between ideas and imagery.
Essentialism is likely what I need most. Looking to eliminate was is excessive and irrelevant in order to find what matters.
Too Much of everything, including notifications on your phone. It's like chaos organized in this slick hand-held, pocket-sized albatross.
Adobe tutorials, emails and phone distraction constant today. Finally solved 2 photoshop/illustrator problems I had been working on for a while. Drained by the tech today- not feeling thoughtful.
Kept thinking about a line from the book 'Deep Work' about how we often attribute initiatives that are technological as superior. Just because something involves an internet application does not make it inherently more valuable.
Another school logo driven by client direction. Maybe the tech skills will serve me sometime down the line. Today, this work just leaves me tired.
Printing for a few hours to check in on things at the shop. Not creatively rewarding, but a little extra cash is nice (and necessary). I got through about 50 shirts and spent time on a project for the Town of R'view and RHS. Trying to figure out how to separate the colours in the jpg file to export in to Adobe Illustrator in time to order, print and distribute shirts for BECCA day this week. A worthy project and an interesting challenge to use DeAdder's drawing as an image.
I'm working on these things because I am already committed and I am trying to catch up to the ongoing orders in the queue. Anxious to get drawing/painting/printmaking, but don't feel I can put these demanding things aside just yet.
Good Audio Book to listen to while I search to block out time for creative engagement.
Although it's a new beginning of sorts, it certainly doesn't feel like starting over. Having a year to go back to school is an opportunity I don't want to waste. The initial intent was to find a way to merge business with studies, but if I have the liberty to pursue more personal and meaningful imagery over this year, I don't think I can pass that up.
Buried in domestic, business, and assorted tasks, I've never found a way to stay on top of it all. Envying those who appear to have things together, I am still struggling. Middle Aged life brings an accumulation of responsibilities that just don't stop. Neglecting them causes stress. Before I can even start I've got stacks of lists to conquer. I wish I could check things off as fast as my current resting heart rate.
It feels completely self-indulgent to spend a year at school. Funny that it makes me feel guilty. If I can find a way to carve out time for creative pursuits, I just may be ok.
A Class trip to St Andrews allowed for a good state change. We were introduced some artists, some opportunities, and to each other. Two days away was a nice break, but it was a challenge to set nagging unfinished tasks aside.
I appreciated seeing Sunbury Shores in a new light. I think I had always dismissed it as a place of pretty watercolours, etc. It's nice to see that the work being produced and represented there has the potential to be far more exciting.
The new residency opportunity at Kingsbrae looks like a gem. It seems to me that having a devoted time and space to generate ideas would be a real gift. I wonder if one's mind becomes as clear as the workspace provided.
Salty Towers
Sculpture Garden at Kingsbrae