Tuesday, January 4, 2011

The Artist's Way - a hiatus

Well, it was a good idea, but bad timing. Yes, I'm sure that those of you who've been through this workshop would argue that any timing is potentially bad, and that I should stick with it. I just don't have the psychological strength or physical fortitude left after looking after our little girl. I'm pretty sure that I'll have more time and energy eventually (hopefully soon) to pick this up again. I made it through weeks three and four (four was interesting: no reading! I managed to not read almost, and I tried to avoid TV and computer as well, mostly), but then burnt out. I did discover on the couple of days I was able to manage the morning pages first thing in the morning that it really does make a difference what time of day they get written; it was much more productive first thing in the morning.

Anyway, I'm hoping to get some more art done sometime soonish. I did a quick sketch outdoors the other day with Kate strapped to my front; if I get to the scanner any time soon, I shall include it in the blog. For now, though, I think that any spare time and energy is going to be devoted to sleep, and just coping with being mom :)

Hope everyone is having a creative and fulfilling new year thus far! I sure miss being a part of the online printmaking community right now, I look forward to catching up with you all again sometime soon.

6 comments:

Cathy said...

give yourself a break, its really hard being a parent and trying to make art.

Art and Life said...

Hi Amie,
The Artist's Way is a lot of work and a baby is a 24-7 job - don't worry - there's a time for everything and now is the time to enjoy your baby! They really do grow up fast!

Diane P. said...

I agree with Cathy and Heather. Also, being a parent is probably the most creative job you will ever have. And sooner than you think, lucky Kate will be able to print along side of mom.

Unknown said...

Thanks ladies! I've received a lot of positive energy through this post, which I desperately needed, so thank you for your kind support. I am definitely looking forward to when Kate can enjoy in the studio, too!

Aine Scannell said...

Hello Dear Amie
you are one of my net printmaker friends for whom I have a special fondness. I wish you good success with this 12 week program - I strongly believe in working with your own inner voice - it is something I have always done . It has not always been easy - at times in a way kind of difficult but in the end its always been rewarding. I like to make artwork that communicates something about what it means to be human to exist to struggle to live to love to play.............Symbolism, Egyptian art, Medieval illuminations were all things that drew me into a love affair my whole life with art. Seeing an exhibition of "art brut" in a big gallery in London years ago also gave me some hope and people like Odilon Redon. Do you know the website bibliodyssey - thats very inspiring.

Having a four week old little girl completely dependent on you has got to be a tough job so just find your way through and enjoy making whatever visuals you do - this can be a great time for you I think.

Happy New Year

very best wishes

Aine
(over in snowy Scotland)

Serena said...

Hi Amie,
I've just started reading your blog. I'm all caught up now! You've inspired me to try the artists way again, even if you are taking a little much needed break from it. I struggle with the spiritual part of the book so, I've never gotten past the introduction! haha Maybe this time I'll get through a chapter! :)