The best thing for your Creativity
The best thing for your creativity is to get life sorted, even if it means sacrificing time in the studio. I’m back in studio after a 4-month break from creating art.
Last November, I was determined to finish the remodel on the main interior of our home by the first of December. That way, we could truly enjoy our summer Christmas break right here in New Zealand.
In 2024, I spent most Saturdays working on our remodel, and then I’d head back to the studio to create art during the week.
Leaving the studio early
So, I had to put my studio work on hold a month earlier than planned so I could dedicate every weekday to finishing our bedroom hall and my future music room. I completed the restoration project a week before December, thus, we could enjoy and celebrate our beautiful home all summer.
Additionally, this timing gave me an opportunity to help Bill with the ongoing repair of our property outdoors before he returned to work in January. Furthermore, on a personal note I needed a longer break not just from my arts practice, but also from social media.
life can be brutal
You see, the past five years have been brutal starting when my mom passed away in 2019. On our returned from her funeral in the US we closed our business. That meant stuffing all the equipment from our three-story former business into our home so we could vacate the premises as soon as possible to save a lot of money.
Then, like everyone, we dealt with COVID lockdowns. So, I coped by forging a studio amidst the mess and beginning this YouTube channel.
Meanwhile, we continued the big repairs to our extensively damaged rental house which began several. months before we closed our business. Frustratingly, we weren’t allowed to work on that during lockdowns.
Creating art on a construction site
And lastly, in 2022, after we cleared out most of the old business stuff, we tackled a huge restoration project right in our own home while we were still living in it.
We replaced the floors and substructure in eight rooms! It was a chilly challenge, especially since winter was when our builder was free.
Nonetheless, through out all this chaos, I found a ways to keep creating art, because I thought it would help me stay sane, although I had to pause during the coldest weeks of the construction. I am astounded to discover I created over 100 in the past 5 years! That’s not including the all the Charles Bargue drawings I did.
Thankfully, we persevered through it all and are alive to tell the tale.
Restored Home
Good things ahead
One of the best things about my big break this summer is that I got out of survival mode and entered into a time of relaxation and soul-searching.
The biggest challenges I had to face that I was not as fit as I need to be. So, along with my usual vision-casting and planning I did for this year, I’m determined to take serious actions about my physical fitness.
Alongside all the creative stuff I’m up to, I’m training hard for a New Zealand hiking adventure with Bill next summer. It’s a huge challenge, but I’m excited about it! And even if I don’t stay excited, I’m going to do it! If you’re interested in hearing more about it, let me know in the comments.
Committed to fitness
biggest take away from my big break
You see, for me, art is not life! Rather, art is a big part of my life. That’s why the theme for my website and my YouTube channel is ‘Creating Art Around Life’.
Nonetheless, when life gets tough, I make art as much as I can. Sometimes, though, taking a complete break is necessary, like it was for me last November. Focusing on getting back my normal day-to-day life made it better to return to the studio and create.
The best part is that on my first week I back in the studio I was able to resolve and finish three major works. Fantastic!
three big works finished 1st week after my break
How to overcome overwhelm
Are you feeling too overwhelmed with your life to get back to creating art? I’ve found ways that helped me prevail over such feelings.
- Consider that you may need to be kind to yourself and let go of expectations to make art, especially if there are important problems in your life to resolve. And,
- Then, once you’ve tackled those, pause for a little breather and celebrate conquering those pressing matters!
It’s important to remember no matter how you feel about your current situation:
- Feelings can change, and they are not always accurate. For instance you may feel you’ve lost hope. However the truth is as long as you are alive you have got hope.
- Over the years I’ve discovered that doing things that are tough can actually make you feel better about yourself; even if you don’t like doing them; as long as the “things” align with your values.
learn what truly matters
Importantly, have you taken time to learn what truly matters to you? I believe it’s worth the time and effort.
There are many experts who can guide you on this journey. I highly recommend checking out their resources online.
I’ve also written a series of blog posts shown below. Click on the images below to read.
The best Thing you can do for your Creativity
I invite you to join my email by going to the form at the bottom of this page to get details as soon as they’re available on my upcoming free online mentoring sessions. We’ll share ways you can create art around your life in these small, limited-space Zoom sessions.
I promise that if you focus on what truly matters to you, and take small, imperfect steps each day, you will get closer to your goals. Remember, persistence is key. Keep going, and you will eventually reach your destination!
Renewed energy and determination
I’m back into the studio this year with renewed energy and determination. I aim to make this my best year yet! I believe you can do the same!
Please watch the video at the top of the page on my YouTube channel, and like the video over on that platform.
Finally, please let me know if this post has helped you in any way and I welcome questions.
