Productivity


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!

Comments

Kristin L said…
I totally understand. I too have a hard time reconciling time I want to spend in the studio and time I want or need to be with my family. I feel like my commitment to them trumps art as a priority. I don't always like it, but it feels right, right now. Easier said than done, but no guilt. :-)
May 11, 2012 at 3:13 PM
Unknown said…
Rest assured, your day will come. This is a season of your life...and hopefully, you'll get an opportunity later when the chickies are out on their own when you CAN be more productive.

It is difficult when you are looking at others who have no children or family responsibilities. I have been there, although my daughter being in her freshman year of college needs me less (although recently a dental issue requiring us to drive the 3 hour trip down and back twice in 2 days did require that same time).

I hope for both of you to have long lives where you CAN create as you both have glowing futures in the art world.
May 11, 2012 at 6:40 PM
Terry Jarrard-Dimond said…
You have to follow HAPPY. Translate that to where you want to be. Sometimes you want to be in the studio. Sometimes you want to be in the garden. Sometimes you want to hang out with your family.

It will not matter that you are in the studio if your Happy wants to be somewhere else. xo, T
May 12, 2012 at 9:03 AM
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