Please hold
I dream a lot. I do more painting when I’m not painting. It’s in the subconscious.
(Andrew Wyeth)
I hate this. I have scheduled my first license exam for 8/10. I don’t really think I will pass it this first time, but at least it gives me a deadline to cram towards.
Unfortunately, it means that I have to put a stop to all creative/artistic work for the next 2 weeks. I can’t sew the beads on the ice cream. I can’t cut out shapes for my next 3 journal quilts (already planned and sketched out). I really shouldn’t even be photographing or blogging.
I guess I’ll just have to reframe this time as an incubation — a preparation for the deluge of work that is certain to come after I finish these stupid exams.
What about you? Are you incubating anything right now? Or are you actively harvesting?
Mal, I hope that during this two weeks you will at least continue using transit time for your art journal–if not the whole time, then at least keep the first five minutes for yourself. Remember how healing it can be just to make contact with materials even when you can’t fully engage.
I am now going to practice what I’m preaching by digging out my journal and watercolors from the bottom of my overstuffed “absolute essentials” bag (the stuff that didn’t get wedged into the U-Haul)…because I keep thinking I’m too overwhelmed by moving-in-progress to get out the art journal, and then I realize this is exactly the sort of time when I actually *need* it.
Best wishes to you on exam #1.
Comment by Tracy — 31 July 2009 @ 1:09 pm
I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you!
Cheers,
Christine
Comment by Christine — 31 July 2009 @ 2:31 pm
Incubating, i like that. Yes, i am incubating, that must be what it is. There are things forming and growing inside, and hopefully the chrysalis will split soon.
Be well, be calm, be artful when you can.
Comment by arlee — 31 July 2009 @ 3:35 pm
Mal – sending good thoughts your way on the exam! To answer your question, I am taking a trip of a lifetime right now. Hoping to experience cool, new and exciting things. I think that falls into the harvesting category.
Comment by Laura Smith — 1 August 2009 @ 4:04 am
Good luck with your exams! I am hoping you pass first time through! And I am also hoping you can squeeze 15 minutes here or there for artmaking or journaling (it does help process info)
Comment by Debbie — 1 August 2009 @ 6:56 am
PS I will miss your blogging but look forward to reading it again in a couple of weeks.
Comment by Debbie — 1 August 2009 @ 6:57 am
Tons of luck with your exams! I will miss your inspirational posts and look forward to catching up with you again in a couple of weeks. Sending you lots of positive thoughts “across the pond”!
Comment by Jules — 2 August 2009 @ 4:56 am
Best wishes on your exams! (Tests make me break out in a cold sweat, and I admire your courage!) Love the Andrew Wyeth quote, (I have made many trips since I was a child to Brandywine to see his works. Even though he is considered a realist I see so much of that dream like quality in everything he has done.) As for me, I also spend a lot of time incubating. I think it’s essential to the creative process! Again, best wishes, I am sure you will do just fine!
Comment by Victoria — 2 August 2009 @ 12:51 pm
I just too exams. I find that spreading test prep out into small slots is more efficient than an all-out marathon session so I feel I can still manifest and harvest then as well.
Comment by NK — 2 August 2009 @ 3:36 pm
Goodluck on your exams Mal!
Incubating sometimes makes for more powerful artwork. Then again…it can also make you feel like your going to burst. Hopefully you’re the former
Comment by liz — 3 August 2009 @ 4:34 pm
I wish you good luck for your exams!
Besides that the reason for my comment is that I want to thank you (again?, am not sure) for this profound blog.
In a short home-stop between summer travels I scipped over your posts and I look forwards to reading them after return.
I’m summer-nating for quite a while now. That does not meen for me incubating, it’s just a matter of time and other interests. In June/July too much work and all free time spent outdoors. Now travelling.
I keep my fingers crossed for you
Tally
Comment by Tally — 4 August 2009 @ 12:38 am
sorry you have to pause your creative pursuits for a time – I can only imagine how tough that will be for you. don’t forget though that they will wait for you when you are ready…
Comment by Amy — 4 August 2009 @ 5:03 am
Good luck on your exams! Taking a break could be a good thing if you come back from it with million of new ideas and inspiration! Your mind will surely wander while studying (or is it only me?) so keep a notebook at hand to write down all the ideas you have!
Comment by B — 4 August 2009 @ 3:01 pm