Getting back on the horse, Pt. 1
Back in July I lamented about being in a bit of a rut, creatively speaking. I’d lost the desire and motivation to paint and it was making me feel guilty and inadequate. I wondered how one goes about getting those juices flowing again and we had some very insightful readers chime in with many great ideas.
A fellow artist and friend came to visit me recently and announced the news that he just bought gallery space downtown and was really excited about it, and was I painting anything lately? I floundered and tried to come up with excuses– too busy, always moving, etc… and he laughed at me.
This guy, he paints every day. He puts himself in a room, surrounded by enough tubs and pots of acrylic to make Michael’s look understocked and just cranks out the paintings. The colors and lines just flow out of him. He has shows all the time, all over the country. He laughed at my slacking and I felt shame. Someone told me, to paint for myself and not worry about anyone else, but at that moment I was embarassed to be an inactive artist and that was motivation enough to start painting again.
So how does one get back into the groove?
One thing that will help is listening to the music I listened to the last time I was popping out the pieces. There’s this musical collage by local DJ ESC called “Dulcius Ex Asperis” and it means “after difficulty comes sweetness”. It is a beautifully mellow stream of interlaced remixes of Portishead, Zero 7, and Massive Attack, with a haunting version of “Mad Mad World”– that background song from Donnie Darko. Just listening to this mix puts you in a relaxed but focused state and every brushstroke feels meaningful. Check it out here: http://escisme.blogspot.com/
I also have this great little book, called Creative Sparks that is packed with a zillion little ideas and exercises for getting creativity flowing. Here are some of the best ideas offered:
Simply stop making excuses and BEGIN. Objects at rest tend to stay at rest. At some point you have to take the plunge.
Make your environment influence your output. Change the artwork on the wall. Change the lighting. Add a sound system. Add a couch for friends. Add plants, a goldfish. Burn candles or incense. Keep meaningful books and fun art supplies close at hand.
Cultivate the passions and interests that nourish your artistic core. Take the time to pursue creative experiences and expressions. LOVE creating and seeing art.
With this advice in mind and a great soundtrack, it’s time to get back on track. For myself and for my art. A friend came by the other day, saw the painting at the top of the page and asked me, “Who are you waiting for?” More like, WHAT am I waiting for? There comes a point where you have to stop making excuses for why you’re not using your gift and just get back in the game.
Creative Sparks is available at Barnes & Noble on Barracks Rd (by Jim Krause: ISBN 1-58180-438-5)
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Tagged as: artist, charlottesville, motivation, painting
I forgot to say that all of DJ ESC’s mixes make excellent background noise for writing, painting, sculpting, whatever.
Good for you.
As art rumors go, I’d also be interesed in your friends new gallery space. Maybe that’s something for another post?
He wants it to be underground. Which is funny because it’s on the top floor of the building. I’ll put in a word for you!
that’s definitely the way to do it. Work, work, work. Let it become an obsession. It’ll come to the point that you feel strange when you’re away from your workspace.
The only part I don’t get is the “couch for friends”– that is definitely not conducive to getting work done.
Also, never go anywhere at all without a sketchbook. Ever.
We’ve got plans to cover that gallery.. it’s gonna be sweet.
@4: Yeah, not for entertaining ALL the time, but it is good to have a little feedback once in a while.
@6– bah, that’s what the internet is for.
First, thanks for the bump, pinkster.
Second, I have just started painting again after a long hiatus. Its like visiting and old friend. Would actually like to start showing again as well…
@8: What made you start again? How’d you get back into it?
@7: No for real, a friend will drop by and I’ll be painting a vase of flowers or something and I ask them if it looks alright or if the color’s right, etc. It’s very helpful to get a second opinion. What’s your address by the way? I’m coming to visit!
@10– haha, as you threaten that I realize that I do actually have a couch in my studio. But I just last night finished an enormous piece, so you’ll be disappointed if you expect to see works in progress.
I do realize that constructive criticism is helpful for everyone, and as I was crafting a response to you I realize I don’t often open myself to it (or receive it, because for the most part people are unbelievably kind on my blog and flickr, for which I am grateful). I will occasionally bother my partner for his taste-opinion on the things I do– more to make sure I’m not inadvertently offending with content– but I guess I could stand a bit more concrete input now and then. Maybe.
@11: Needs more yellow
mustard.
I’ve had the privilege of seeing some of Pinkie’s and belmont yo’s artwork, and I’m amazed by the amount of talent some of my friends have. If either of you have a show, be sure to let us know.
Me and B-yo should have a paint-off. See who can produce the most in say, one month.
this is fantastic.
the closest i came to my old paintings is when i wore two of them; one old and one new; as a sandwich board for halloween. my costume was called “stuck between myselves,” and high people thought it was clever.
i am a complete hack.
Another way to give yourself a kick to paint is to set up a future show. It helps to know that your committed to show the stuff you are working on.
Funny, you should say that Mike, because a friend of mine just started working at the C&O gallery. I hear they have some great shows there.
I had one there last March. The best part is the wine in a real glass. Cool brick wall too.
@19 Michael Fitts, I love your work! Any shows coming up?
Thanks. I have Rehoboth Beach, Delaware September 20 opening and Miami Beach, Florida in December.
Buy Michael Fitts art now.