I finished the painting above, Winter Garden (30"x34") this week, meeting one of the deadlines I've been working toward (applying to the Wisconsin Arts Board for direct purchases.) As I've posted before, it's been an intense time in the studio, and continues to be. Lots of hours in the studio, passed in various states of mind. Many times I am in an almost meditative zone...things happen with the paint almost as if I'm watching from outside myself. I love those times--they are the best.
Other times, my brain is overly engaged in less than positive ways. Thinking about the work itself is fine--analysis and evaluation of how things are going are important to my process. But thinking just to fill a void--not so good. Negative thoughts, trivia, to-do lists, pointless replays...the static of the brain is endless. I try to be alert to it, recognize it--then turn it off, take a break. It can be deadly to creativity.
I am impressed by a clear analysis of this on Catherine Carter's blog. She writes about letting go of certain negative things she imagined other people might say about her work, or things they might expect from her. Many of us will read this and relate...why is it that negative comments or thoughts have such power, while positive ones seem harder to keep in mind?
In the midst of a rather grueling studio schedule, I'm aware of the need for managing my mind as best I can. And since reading Catherine's post, I've felt a deeper gratitude for all the positive comments that come my way. Like a lot of people, I have some trouble fully accepting positive feedback. BUT I'm trying to mend my ways here...to more fully appreciate what people write or tell me about my work, and to honor what has motivated and inspired them to offer the comment. It provides good energy all around. I recommend taking a moment to fully and deeply appreciate the last positive comment someone made to you about your work...feel the power there?
Yes, being in that zone of applying media to surface without conscious thought is a content place to be.
ReplyDeleteI can live off of a good studio session for days.
Then, I want more...
Thanks for the pointer to Catherine's blog. And for being so honest about our own mental space, having trouble accepting positive comments. This new work is lovely and restful. As is so often the case with your work, I just want to run my hands over the surface and feel the textures.
ReplyDeleteYes, I know what you mean--- we have an inner dialogue going on in our brain-- continuous it seems-- and it is amazing how up and down in goes-- one can hear 20 positive comments and 1 negative one or 1 rejection and our minds will dwell on the negative.. until the next day when we get back in to our studio and get back to work.
ReplyDeleteRebecca, love this painting, it's delicate shadowy aura.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the link to Catherine's blog - that is such an amazing post, so clear and true, I feel she was perfectly reflecting my own concerns and crazy paranoia. We must honor our own direction every day, and not fear the judgment from the galleries or collectors.