Saturday, August 29, 2009

Getting Unstuck

commercial fabrics overpainted with Setacolor transparent paints

Do you ever feel really stuck as an artist? This has been my feeling for the last two months or so.
Perfectionism always rears its ugly head when I'm feeling blocked, preventing me from even attempting anything new. Will I fail? Will I produce something terrible? What will others think?
These are some of the thoughts that plague me.
For me, being preoccupied is the problem and, although it is certainly unavoidable at times, it does break the flow of work, which can be hard to get back in to.
I've decided to take the bull by the horns and have committed myself to two hours of studio time each day. It can be done in chunks, or in one continuous swoop, but two hours it will be.
I know that this will get me back into the swing of things. It will be my priority and I hope to be sharing some new work with you. Today I began my journey, changed up the format of my blog and started a new picture.
Feels good!

Have a lovely Sunday!
Warmly,
Judy

14 comments:

quiltcat said...

The fabric looks great, as does the bright new layout for your blog. Sounds like you're well on your way to working out of your doldrums. I haven't had a chance to sit at my sewing machine for a month...finally got to do that tonight and it was a good feeling

Lyn said...

Sounds like a good idea to make time each day, that way you can put everything else to one side and focus on your art.
I like the new blog layout too and the cat in the side bar!
Love
Lyn
xxx

Terri Stegmiller said...

The painted fabrics are lovely Judy. I hope you work through your "stuck" feeling quickly. Give yourself permission to just play!

Beena said...

I find sketching and just playing with color can always break me out of a creative funk. And doing something really whimsical, and not getting too wrapped up in perfectionism...just having some fun!

Karen L R said...

Ya, all of the above. You'll find your stride again, Judy, and then watch out! xoxoxKLR

Libby Fife said...

Judy-I know that you will get to where you want to be. Sometimes when I am feeling "funkified" I try to go somewhere that I don't normally go or talk with someone that I haven't spoken with in awhile. Even picking up a magazine or a book on quilting is helpful:)

Libby Fife said...

Oh, and the blog looks great!

Cat said...

Best wishes on a more structured creative time! That sounds like a great plan.

I struggle with organization - especially with time.

Pretty fabrics!

Judy Hartman said...

Thank you so much, dear friends, for your comments and good suggestions for how to get unstuck!!

Gayle said...

I love all the yellow in your blog! And these fabrics are gorgeous!

tea time and roses said...

Hello Dear Judy!

Wow I love the change, it is beautiful!!:o) Upon clicking your blog I truly was met with a lovely surprise, so very very pretty.:o)

What beautiful fabrics! And yes I know what it feels like to get stuck and I had been in that place for a while, but like you I am emerging!:o) I think as artist we go there from time to time, but I think it is ok as long as we do not get stuck in that place. Again Judy what a lovely change, a job very well done. Enjoy a beautiful week my friend.

Smiles...

Beverly

supplies overflowing! said...

Wow, Judy. I have been stuck, and going through my usual methods for getting UNstuck! I'm not quite there yet- but glad to hear you are!
Your new look for the blog is so light and airy looking. Very pretty!
jenny

Traci said...

Hi Judy, thank you for your sweet note on my blog. I'd love for you to add a link :) You have a very nice blog here! Take care, Traci

Simone said...

Hello Judy! I am sorry to hear that you have been unwell and hope that you are recovering. I often feel blocked creatively. In fact I haven't painted since June. It is time I dedicated a chunk of time for creative pursuits no matter what the end result! Thanks for the motivation!x