How to Step or Not

That does seem to be the question of late as the musings have continued in and throughout my studio.

I'm finding the always present "how" to be at conflict with my ideal of process. Through my ponderings and noodlings I have come to the conclusion that our society is all about the how of it all which results in the loss and lack of appreciation for the process. How do I do this? How do I create a name for myself? How shall I create a work of art, a body of amazing paintings that will sell over and over?

I think instead we need to supportive-ly ask ourselves and one another what is the next best thing? As each step is completed, the question is asked again, what is the next best thing? (Of course, the idea is to not get ahead of yourself as that will lead you very quickly to envisioning the end result which then won't allow you to intuitively guide yourself step to step, piece by piece.)

In my head I'm asking myself (right now), how do I do this? this ideal I propose and acknowledge? I then so easily get myself all in a tizzy trying to figure out the how of it all - wound up stuck and unable to step in any one direction that I need to slow my breath and ask what is the next best thing for me right now regardless of my fear of the future and what it may or may not hold.....

Musings from the Studio

Both shows I've been working towards have been delivered. One show is up, the opening has passed and all is well. The second is in the process of installation with the opening this Thursday.

My studios are looking bare and empty without the ideas, the works in progress floating about on all levels around me. I'm a bit at a loss as to what to do next. Start on a new piece (I have an idea for a new "Tiny Little House" piece)? Tie up last year's paperwork? Work on my pattern portfolio? Update website and such internet-relatedness out in the universe of it all? Granted the possibilities are endless and that doesn't help....

I'm also toying with my theory (posting on January 8th) about not putting out into the world creations/pieces I don't love. I had a friend over the other night who inquired about my "Tiny Little Houses". As they are all in a gallery showing right now I just had one to show her.  It was one I had set aside next to my hot plate - to be melted away the next time I turn on this part of the studio. I said as much. She in return expressed her enthusiasm for the piece pointing out an area she loved - what I didn't see she saw. And this has thrown my theory into tangled knots.

I was tempted to just give her this piece as she obviously loved it - much more so than I. And she had a happy home to take it to. But I stopped only because it did not live up to my standard of what I want to go out into the world. And because I am the creator of the piece the law of such is mine to write.... Or is it?