35 steps: that's how far it is from the couch to the door of my studio. I never counted them before. Until last Monday.
Every morning, I sit in the same spot on our couch. Meditation, tea, prayers with my partner. It's a good start…until I pick up my phone. Then I'm off to the races. News, emails, puzzles, tasks. Time leaks away like money at the casino, and next thing I know, the day is half gone and I'm more behind than ever. It's created a block in my creativity.
But last weekend, I had an epiphany.
Mt. Shasta
Like most epiphanies, what felt like a sudden awakening was actually the tail end of a looong fuse. I've been trying different ways to prioritize my painting in the midst of a crowded schedule. I coach students to set regular times to work on their art. It's always there in the back of my mind.
Then, last weekend, my partner and I went camping in Mt. Shasta. We visited the Peace Garden, went to a sound bath, and bought crystals. We went for a walk through the woods next to the headwaters of the Sacramento River. I sat on the sun-dappled root of an ancient tree, and right there, listening to the water and the wind through the trees, I knew I was ready to paint again.
The spot next to the headwaters where I had an experience
On the way home, a friend randomly suggested I count the steps from my couch to the studio. The idea sparked that long fuse and BAM, it hit the mother lode. Why hadn't I thought of that?? It was the opening I needed.
So, the next day, after meditation and tea, I picked up my crystal and counted steps. 35 of them and I was at the door. I opened it, went inside, cranked up the painting mix and jumped right in. Before 10 am, I'd painted a new layer on a stalled painting and started another canvas. After that, I felt ready to work because I'd already done the most important thing.
I did it 2 more days this week. It was the same amount of steps every time.
The Muse is back in town!
The piece that had been stuck before I counted steps to my studio--now it's chugging along again.
Every artist struggles with blocks. Tons of books have been written about the subject. I know, because I've read most of them! I've had a consistent practice for decades and I still get stuck. A routine that works for years might fizzle out in a day. That's why I read books, and listen for clues, and make trips to places like Mt. Shasta. I have to keep my toolbox full. And if I'm going to help my students stick to their work, I need to be doing the same.
Do you put your art first?
If not, would counting steps to your easel get you there faster?
It's Sunday, a great day to make art….
Art Heals
I find John Singer Sargent's drawing studies to be very soothing. Maybe I'm odd, but I find comfort in seeing his perfect lines and shadows. I can simply relax into his drawings, knowing that I'll be carried along in his confidence. Even the way he grouped subjects on the page was pleasing. I first saw a collection of his preparatory studies at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. I think I love his drawings even more than his paintings.
John Singer Sargent, a charcoal study for "Judgment."
With love and light,
Maggie
PS Whenever you’re ready to start working with me, here are three ways:
1. Want to learn drawing, painting, and find your unique voice? Visit my online teaching site, www.parrcreate.com. I list online and in-person classes there, including an upcoming Drawing Heads Like a Pro on 10/5.
2. Already working on something, but want more support? Schedule a private lesson to clarify next steps or work through blocks.
3. Not sure where to begin? Schedule a free 30-minute consultation and I’ll ask you a powerful important question that will inspire you to become the artist you’ve always wanted to be.
