Do you feel like you’re walking on pins and needles, waiting and waiting for the next report, the next directive about what we should and shouldn’t be doing?
Being ‘fluid’ in my approach to making art is a joyful feeling, part of my creative process, but that’s because it is a self-imposed time for exploration, not something that is mandated out of fear and anxiety. Who likes to be told what to do?!
We all want to do the right thing for the community and ourselves. It’s our obligation to society in general and to those we love. But how can we reframe this time of uncertainty in a positive light? How can we turn this time of ongoing uncertainty into an opportunity for growth, joy and hopefulness, not to mention my favourite: creative exploration in our lives? In my daily life, I make lists and am very happy to cross off the things I’ve completed. I get a sense of accomplishment from seeing projects come to fruition. So I think I’ll make my lists for this special time and derive satisfaction from checking off things like:
- buy some artsy masks and wear them in public spaces
- keep a physical (not social) distance especially with those outside our bubbles
- wash my hands with natural sudsy soap
- avoid touching my face – hard one, isn’t it?
- be helpful, not judgemental when someone gets it wrong and that includes me getting it wrong! Old habits die hard, as they say.
I’ll reframe the obligations for our ‘new normal’ with a positive attitude and move on to the studio where I’ll find my freedom. Logic and pragmatism are my friends, but I paint alone so I can leave them out of the studio while I let uncertainty help me create magic.
If you have ways that have helped you adjust, to keep your spirits high, I’d love to hear them. Please Share! We need each other now more than ever.
And as always, thank you for your interest in my art-making journey and for your kind support. If you’ve received this newsletter from someone who has forwarded it to you, you can subscribe to get your own monthly copy here.
Have a safe, joyful and creative summer!
Monika