Seasons of Creativity

 I created a ton of work in the early Spring and made all my deadlines for venues, let it go and put it all on autopilot, leaving the sales and marketing to the experts.

I focused my creativity on my house and yard for the Summer and found it refreshing and invigorating.  It allowed me a different way to express myself using my left brain for construction and repairs, while still using my right brain for the design aspects.

This experience was the perfect balance to my in-studio detail work, almost the complete opposite kind of creativity, working outdoors and physically moving about.  I really enjoyed this and toyed with the idea of quitting the jewelry business all together.  

Later I saw the big picture of creative expression.  Those with many interests (like myself) need to express and experience different things, trying our hand (and stretching our minds) on new projects.  Gardening can be very meditative and exhilarating at the same time.  Building and repairing can use a part of our brain that figures things out, using new tools and testing our dexterity and patience. 

The point being that perhaps different mediums have their season.  Why not, everything else does.  Look at the earth and Mother Nature, nothing is stagnant, it's always moving, changing, renewing. 
This insight has lead me to the conclusion that perhaps nothing really has to end, just change. 
It's also helped me to lighten up and not take things so seriously, it's only art, a means of expressing ourselves.  Having said that however, I would also add that we can't really live without it either, making it or looking at it.  We all need to experience art.

But I digress, I am not a writer, I am a creator of things mostly, so forgive me for rambling.  My hope is to bring other artists some insight into their own process by sharing mine.  Perhaps you are facing similar challenges, asking yourself questions about your own endeavors.  I suggest we relax, calm down, don't take it too seriously and just enjoy the journey.

When I did this I found that as summer wound down I started thinking about the studio again.  Much to my surprise I had some new design ideas flow through me, huh, well that was interesting.  Perhaps all I really needed was a little break from the studio work, some diversity to shake things up, or calm things down, what ever is needed. 

So I for one, will be looking farther ahead from now on, into the next season, the next year, but also staying in the moment of inspiration. 

Happy Creating!

Remembering Magic

 On this Winter Solstice Eve I am inspired to remember the magic of creativity;  why I started, why I do it, and what it means to me.  What it means to create, to share, to inspire others.

Last week I was listening to Elizabeth Gilbert's audio book Big Magic, for probably the fifth time.  There are so many nuggets of wisdom for creatives in that book, not to mention stories!  She's a great story teller and it is even more enjoyable to hear it in her own voice.

I wrote down something she said and it keeps coming back to me.  Creative Entitlement.  Think about that.  A right to create.  No matter who you are, where you're from, or what your beliefs are.  OK, maybe not in all countries, but most places you could claim that statement. 
This concept leads to unlimited possibilities doesn't it?  Imagine giving yourself permission to create anything you want.  

The Winter Solstice is my favorite holiday because it represents the Return of the Light.  Celebrated for centuries as a rebirth, renewal, new beginning.  That's magical right?  A chance to recreate yourself every year, start a new project, new life, new cycle.  Creative Entitlement!
I think of it as my new year, a time to reflect on the past year and look to the next year.  Give thanks for what was and move on, looking forward to what will come and set a few new intentions, easy, attainable ones. 

I am also extremely grateful for my fellow creatives, blog readers, and Facebook group members.  It has been such a joy to interact with all of you this year!  A special thanks to all of my Featured Artists too, what a gift you've given, to share your own creative entitlement with others.

Happy Solstice Creatives!  Keep creating magic!

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

 This week I got away for two days and a night, I know it doesn't sound like much but it's all the time I could take away from my business.  Still, it was worth it!  I had been hesitant to go out of town with Covid everywhere, and people acting nuts, but I decided to do it anyway, it had been two years since I even did an over-nighter anywhere.  I did wait till after the last holiday and kids were back in school at least.  Most of the tourists that visit here are gone by October, which is my favorite time of year to travel anyway.  It's Fall, it's cool, it's colorful, and it's wild out on the coast.

Lake Crescent

Ruby Beach

Beach 4

 
I decided to drive the whole loop of the Olympic Peninsula - in two days.  Most of the trip was done the first day and I did feel a bit rushed but wow, what a great feeling to get out of my comfort zone and see something new!  Trees and rivers and wildlife, oh my!  

I went north from my place on the Hood Canal on 101 up through Sequim, Port Angeles, through gorgeous Crescent Lake and over to Forks.  From there it's pretty desolate and wild but in about 30 minutes there is the ocean! 
Ruby Beach was first on the list, surprisingly crowded for October, but it was sunny and 60 degrees.  I decided to go to Beach 4, luckily only a few folks there.  The tide was coming in and the waves were big and dramatic.  The outgoing surf made a really cool gurgling roar over the beach rocks, fascinating!  I got some video but it just isn't the same as live.
I sat there a while and watched the waves, contemplating my life and my place in the world.  I felt small compared to this majestic ocean, but still valuable and connected.  I knew at that moment that I could do anything I set my mind to.  There weren't any bolts of lightening or burning bushes but the message was clear. 

I think it's important to get out of your immediate surroundings once in a while and experience something completely different.  Unplug from your devices, drive out in the country, go all day or for several days, someplace a bit unfamiliar or at least a place you love and haven't been to for a while. Go alone, no distractions.  

Be open to whatever messages you might get, however subtle, but don't over think it.  I really didn't think about my regular life at all while I was gone, it was a perfect anecdote to my day to day routine.  I did take my phone but no other devices.  I only checked in a couple times a day.  I took a lot of photos and videos with it though, and here's the kicker - I hardly took any real photos with my camera!  That was another decision I made early on - this wasn't a shooting trip.

 By the time I got to my cabin rental it was early evening.  I enjoyed a small meal of foods I brought with me and watched the sun go behind the clouds just before the horizon, so no real sunset, but it was still beautiful. 
The wind blew and it rained overnight, kind of fun actually.  It cleared before I left in the morning and the rest of the day was spent driving home, but not before stopping in the little community of Ocean Shores for some shopping and a drive out to Damon Point.  A latte and a cookie after that and off I went home with a brand new attitude.

So if you're in a bit of a rut, and you're nervous about getting out, just take your hand sanitizer, wipes and mask, and do it anyway.  You won't regret it!  I hope it inspires you as much as it did me.  I came home and began making lists of things I'll be changing - things I'll do less of and things I'll do more of.  the goal here is - more joy, less stress! 

Till next time - keep creating!