Writers Block or Creative Block

Posted by Michele | Filed under Random

Ok, I’m not the one who is supposed to be getting the creative block as I write this.  It’s not that I’m blocked on writing.  I am blocked on my art at this point.  The recent exhibit I showcased had new work and old work.  The interesting thing was that everyone responded to my son’s abstracts and my silk paintings. 

I had displayed some new oil paintings.  They just did not get the response I thought I would.  It was the silk.  My original vision has always seen the silk that takes me to the top.  It takes many days to complete an oil painting.  It can take less than two days to complete a silk painting.  So, why am I working so hard on the oils if I can turn a few heads with the silk?    I think we get bored as artists so we need to try new things.  I must admit that I created a deadline that was so intense for this past show that I probably wasn’t truly ready even though I prayed for each stroke to come out without such pain.  And, that is exactly what it feels like at times. 

When I paint on silk, I might feel apprehension but never pain.  When I sketch on the silk I know that I’ve got to make it work as there is no turning back.  A mistake can be good at times and other times it will be a mess.  I created no severe messes but just nothing to boggle my own mind. 

But at this point, I’m a bit blocked.  I have a show coming up in January and I feel a bit stumped.  I did not like what I sketched out today.  It was ok but nothing that made me go, “Oooh that’s great!”

So, it is time to ponder on what makes me tick and others as well. I’ll find the right image for my story telling.  That is what painters do, right?   I want my art to be my livelihood in the next year so I’ve got to tell a great story.   I will make it happen!!

Everyone goes through this.  I need to relax a bit and figure out what I want to do.  I will have to sit down tomorrow, do some research and thinking and then possibly I can let it rip?  I found a great site that I will study tomorrow.  It’s the Painting Forum at About.com.  I’m sure this will help but ….right now, I hope a good night’s sleep will encourage the juices to flow and the brush to move tomorrow.  Good night, everyone!

Permalink | November 17th, 2008

2 Responses to “Writers Block or Creative Block”

  1. Derek Says:
    November 18th, 2008 at 10:33 am

    why don’t you try some Foculate? My friend is a professional writer and he takes it all the time to “get the creative juices flowing”. It’s basically a herbal supplement that helps you relax yet fills you with focused energy. I am not an artist but am an art lover. I take it every morning now and can see how it would work for the creatively inclined.

  2. Michele Says:
    November 18th, 2008 at 11:50 am

    Hello Derek,

    Thanks for that tip! I’m much better today. Someone sent me a video from a man who has no legs or arms and creating such a great life for himself. You might have seen it. That’s all it took for me to get back on track today! I thank my lucky stars!
    But, I will definately look in to the Foculate.

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