Of late, I haven't been as productive in my studio as I'd like. These last few days have found me weeding, hoeing, and mulching my gardens. My children's activities continue to be the focus of my afternoons and evenings.
With all this going on, my textile art is on pause.
I'd like to fit time in my studio into my daily life. Many folks say it's possible if you make it a priority. Well, I guess I fall short there. My family will always come first. I know that's true for everyone, but I probably take it farther than some. For example, I'll sit with my youngest daughter while she's home from school (as she was for two days this week) though she didn't really need my help. I do it because I know I have a limited amount of time to be with her; in five years she'll be out the door in college. Besides, I like hanging out with my kids. They're at an age where they're FUN!
So I've also been giving thought to when I'm most productive, as per a suggestion from Lisa Call. Quite frankly, I'm most productive after 10PM. That's when the phone stops ringing and no one needs to be picked up or driven anywhere. I find a peace and quiet then that's quite meditative. I feel like I'm stealing time and I somehow, pick up the pace. But alas, I'm also someone who needs lots of sleep so I can't consistently work late at night since I don't have control over when I can get up in the morning.
So what does that mean?
I think it means I'm going to have to stop feeling
guilty disappointed and adjust my expectations. I'm going to try not to compare myself to other artists' output and be more comfortable with what I CAN do. I'm going to try to re-align my perception of myself and realize I do make art every day because I'm always taking pictures. It may not be textile art, but I'm thinking about line, shape, color with every click of the shutter. That can only help me in the long run. I'm going to take intense pleasure from every moment I can be in the studio, instead of lamenting when I can't. And, I will try to get to the studio a bit more; should be possible now that the gardens are done --- and if I get off the computer!