New beginnings - What does fall bring for you?

September feels more like the start of the year than January does to me. Memories of a new year at school and the excitement that brings flood in. Each fall, I usually set up a new schedule of my own activities and art classes. I bustle about, almost as excited as the kids. I often set new goals to improve my cooking and to be more adventurous.

This year, is different, but not necessarily in a bad way. Although, there is anxiety as we return to work and school and some of our old activities, there seems to be hope as well. The pandemic is not so new any longer. We’ve adjusted somewhat. We think we know how to manage the risks.

For me, classes are now online and my activities are much reduced. Over the summer, I learned to enjoy a less busy life. I was forced to rely on myself more and to spend more time working alone on my art, without fellow artists to critique and support me. I have been used to working with groups of people, and for me, this was daunting and also freeing. I was able to work from my garage at the cottage, and develop my own routine. Although, it always seems to take me a while to get started on my work, , I seemed to get a lot done, once I settled into my space and my routine.

My art became my purpose and my job and I gave it more of myself. I was surprised at how hours could go by and I forgot to even snack or take a break. I think this is what flow is, and I am grateful to have found it, for a while.

Returning to the City, life seemed to get messy again, more interruptions and distractions and responsibilities crept back in. Now I know that I need to keep that sense of purpose and calmness in my life, whether I’m at home or at the cottage, not just for my art, but also for it.

My cousin posted on Facebook after her summer holiday, “Back to reality!” But, why does our daily life have to be so different than when we are on holiday? Can’t we bring a bit of the holiday attitude back to our daily goings on? Can we simplify? Slow down? Focus on what’s important?

COVID-19 has really put the brakes on many of my old habits and activities. But, it has opened more opportunities with my art work. I did my first commission this summer, which I found daunting but also rewarding. I’ve made a few sales, mostly to friends, and I’ve learned to breathe and let my work develop on its own.

I’ve looked at the work of other artists whom I admire and also at their philosophies. My peers, whom I relate to, also find that ideas come from all around you in daily life, not just in the studio. Ideas take time to gel. Rushing or forcing doesn’t work. Experimenting and pushing your limits is how you learn and get better. I find that I learn a lot about life, through living with and making my art. The lessons are very transferable to the rest of our lives.

I am now in a different rhythm, thanks to the pandemic, and it suits me better than the old one. I hope you have found your own way to adapt and have lessons you can take away from this time, and forward into this new season.

Ch-ch-ch-ch- changes..........So many coming at us. What will be next?

Turbulence is life force. It is opportunity. Let's love turbulence and use it for change. Ramsay Clark, civil rights lawyer

COVID-19 has forced us all to change, like the title of my favorite David Bowie song. Most of us don’t like change, but we know it is inevitable. We are all going through “unprecedented” and unplanned changes that came on us abruptly. We weren’t prepared. We’ve had to adapt. And it has taken some time; it’s been a grieving process for many.

However, some of those changes are probably good in the long run. For myself, I have slowed down, a lot. I’m taking my time to do things. Creativity takes time, and so many of us seem to be taking up creative pursuits now that we have the gift of time. In another vein, my neighbors’ kids are thoroughly enjoying their freedom. There are bikes and scooters strewn over lawns and happy little voices along with the birds chirping. They are now allowed outside and are creating their own games. It reminds me of when I was a kid — a long time ago. Drive-in movies are also back in style. We seem to be regressing, but in a good way.

Ready, set, hop scotch.

I’ve had more time to reflect on what is important and how to protect my “creative” time from interruptions. I find I need to spend time warming up and then getting into a flow. Then my creativity is allowed to come. I used to spend days rushing around doing errands and could not find more than three hours a couple days a week to focus on my art and my art business. I am trying to be more disciplined about how I choose to spend my time. But, I also want time to connect with friends, to walk my dogs and to observe life around me with more attention. As the yogis say, “To be present”.

I have been reading a book that seems quite appropriate for our situation, “World Enough & Time on Creativity and Slowing Down”, by Christian McEwen. She believes we can have a “rich sufficiency of time”, but we have to choose what to let go of. I’m hoping it will help me with my priorities and keep my focus on my art.

Mannequins dressed in fine 1940's-style attire were already theatrically staged Thursday at The Inn at Little Washington, tucked in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains about 90 minutes west of Washington, D.C.

I enjoy hearing about all the novel ways that businesses are finding to cope. Most are moving their stores online and offering free delivery. One restaurant is putting mannequins in seats to separate customers and to create an atmosphere. This sounds kind of fun. The pandemic seems to have spawned a lot of creative and positive forces.

Another change I will be going through is the move of my studio. Unfortunately, a rent increase has resulted in the closing of the Akin collective that I’ve been a part of. This is sad and another change I have to accept. But, perhaps, it is also a new opportunity. I will be joining Nanci Miranda’s Studio 360 and hope to keep creating and building a new partnership.

I hope you are all able to work through your own challenges and changes during this time. And that you are able to look for the silver linings.

You can click on the photo to take you to some small work I have for sale. I also have joined the #Artistsupportpledge and have two paintings on sale through them.

Smalls