show and tell: me and miles

Last week, I shared my art with the world for the first time. Thanks to all of you for your kind words and encouraging me to share "more! more!"

Your wish is my command.

I took the above photo in my studio. You'll see good 'ol Miles Davis in front and good ol' me (with super short hair) looking over his shoulder. The Miles drawing was a birthday present for my sweetie who is a trumpet player. It was mostly done as a one-line-drawing in ink. I've found that I like to draw quickly. I don't have the patience to work on things over several days or weeks. Of course, I know the value of patience and taking time to work on things. But at a time when life is very busy, I've found I'm more likely to draw or paint if I can do it in short bursts. And these days, I don't even seem to have time for that.

These two drawings stare at me every day, taunting me. When I look at them, I am reminded of what I can do and what I love to do. But I also get a gnawing feeling when I look at them. Me and Miles are calling to me, saying, "Where've ya been? When are you coming back?" Then the thoughts creep in, saying the longer you put it off, the more you'll have to "catch up" (whatever that means). The less time you devote to art, the longer it will take to become a "real" artist (whatever that means).

I realize that life won't always be busy, but it is now. And I'm looking for ways to find moments in my week to create. THIS is what this blog is all about. THIS is why I created it. It's for you and me to figure out how we can live a creative life while juggling full-time jobs and the day-to-day responsibilities we have.

So I turn to you for guidance. How do you find moments to be creative when your life gets busy? Do you have a routine? Do you pick one day or one hour for you to dedicate to your art? Do you take breaks from creating once in a while?

**As I was about to hit "save" on this post, a post written by Heather from Fumbling for Words fell in my lap. Her timing couldn't have been more perfect. In her post, "What is Your Calling?", she writes:

There may be long stretches of time when life feels more like drudgery and just "getting things done" than following some kind of higher calling. That's okay. Just be. Don't stretch too much or try too hard. Maybe it's just your time to live, to support other people in their calling, to hibernate, or to germinate new seeds that will see growth come Springtime.

Thank you, Heather. Your words were a comfort to me at just the right moment. Friends, go check out her post. I think you'll feel comforted, too.

Okay, back to your suggestions! How do you sift through the drudgery without stretching too much or trying too hard? How do you plant seeds when life is moving at warp speed?

Comments

[Heather Plett]

Oooo... I LOVE it when my words inspire someone else on a similar path!

I went through a few years when my kids were small and it was all I could do just to survive the day and then roll into bed at night. I had NO energy for anything creative and barely even managed to read a book for a few years. Some days I felt desperate for a few blessed hours when I could hide from everyone and just create. Fortunately, that season of my life passed, things changed, and now my kids need me less and I can spend more time creating.

Your time will come too.

[melly]

When I get busy I snatch little pieces of time. Even if it is just 15 minutes. breathing & doing something that 'feeds' my soul. listening to music, painting, reading, dancing...doesn't have to be long to really be a joy.

i also find when i take the time for those little "zen breaks" my day goes better & i feel more centered. :)

would love to hear what you find is your best way?

[darrah]

These are great words of encouragement and fantastic suggestions for making time for creativity.

Heather: it sounds like their are "seasons" in life and in creativity. There are going to be times of flourishing creativity and times to hibernate and be patient.

Melly: Finding 15 minutes to refuel is a great idea. I guess if I changed my expectations from what I'd LIKE to do and instead find joy in what I am ABLE to do, I would put less pressure on myself.

Currently, my best way to infuse creativity into my daily life is with my camera. When I carry it with me, I find it easy to snap photos here and there and I have the instant satisfaction of knowing that I did something for me that day.

[Delin]

When I was working, raising kids and trying to fulfill the creative call, I always made time in the evening, after getting home, attending to kids' homework problems and dinner, to go off by myself and spend a couple of hours writing (my creative calling). I always slept better, too, knowing I had 'fed' myself.
I actually think that the 'quick drawing' of which you spoke may be better than the ponderous working of a piece. When you do it quickly, you give intuition and spontaneity a lot more leeway; spending days or weeks can make you overthink or rethink a project, which is counterproductive to an activity that should come from the heart and soul rather than from the intellect. For example, my favorite kind of writing is spontaneous, whereby when the words are set onto paper, I am reading them for the first time. It's divine inspiration when you are surprised and amazed by the product that your hands manifest from the content of your soul.

[Deb Owen]

First....wow!
How many copies of the Miles Davis one can I get?
And yes. I'm always a little in awe of people who can actually draw/paint/etc. It's not one of the talents I was gifted with, but I have such an appreciation for it. Please share more.

I don't know specifically how you best create your art. But could you do the same as you're doing with your camera? Carry a sketch pad and find little spaces of time to draw -- during lunch, or during times when you find yourself waiting (a doctor's appointment, etc.)?

Also, maybe take some time (pun intended) to note where you are actually spending your time. Literally get all boring for a few days and write it down as you go through your day. And then look for pockets that could be adjusted. A half hour less internet time? If you go to a yoga class, could you reap the same benefits from doing yoga at home and saving on the travel time?

If you need more help, let me know. ;-)

All the best!
deb