My deadline is looming...the one to package up 6-10 pieces for the Teeny Tiny Art Show in New Hampshire. Still trying to have new work for much of what I send, but as I suspected, I don't work well under pressure and as each day goes by, there is more of it building so that I have spent much of the day rushing the process, smearing ink that I've not given time to dry or adding bits of this or that just to add them, realizing immediately what a clumsy thing I have done. But, such an interesting process, as once again, I listen to the voices at work there in the studio....trying desperately to help me, if only I'd relax and listen. There were a couple of key moments when the Observer got through to me. At one point this morning I had about 6 or 8 pieces in various stages in front of me on the desk, trying to work a little on each one and move it along, but as you can imagine I was feeling pretty fragmented. I heard one of my better selves...."choose four that you will send and work on those and set all the others off to the side...can't you see that you can't even concentrate with so many irons in the fire?".....Gotcha!!!....I chose the four with the most possibilities and relaxed into working, but it wasn't long until I began to see the smudged ink on one of the pieces and realized I'd been rushing through the drawing, just so I could move on to the next one. It wasn't until I slowed down even more this afternoon that I began to feel better about what was happening with the pieces. Some people work better under pressure...a looming deadline somehow brings out the best in them....if only it were so with me.
Have a great weekend....I know where I'll be, but that's not a bad thing!
I find a looming deadline can keep me focused and productive, so long as it is not looming too close! Then it just makes me feel nervous and oppressed, and careless mistakes follow. You did the right thing selecting a few works to focus on. Any worthwhile ideas or efforts the others require will "hold" until you are ready for them, and they are ready for you. Thanks for sharing this, P - I'm sure many of us can sympathize. Now get back to it!
ReplyDeletePatti..that piece is so Gorgeous..SLOW down...and breathe....this is amazing work.....
ReplyDeleteGabriella...Thanks for your loyal support! I guess it's a new day tomorrow!!!
ReplyDeleteLucy...thanks so much! Nice to hear the favorable review from someone outside of me....I am constantly second guessing myself! Slowness and listening are the keys to me!
ReplyDeleteYes I can so relate to this feeling. Deadlines can bring me to a grinding halt. Don't even say the word commission!
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely piece Patti. Wishing you days of flowing creativity.
Be gentle on yourself Patti - this is a lovely fresh piece and I know others will emerge! I think in these situations, the zen and buddhist stuff about being in the moment really rings true. Somehow we will get it all done if we stop racing ahead with worry about that time ahead when its all due, and just spend the time with the pieces in front of us, making them what they need to be. So much easier to say than practice...but I look forward to the results of your weekend in the studio!
ReplyDeleteHi Patti,
ReplyDeletei dont like to be rushed and pressured... I spent years not giving myself deadlines...and so now I do find it very daunting as I got used to that luxury of just developing the work in one part of my life and making $'s at a day job.
What you did was so wise .... pull yourself put of that complete urgency...
I know some do like that rush... dates fine. I do really have to trick myself into whatever allows me to not feel pressured.
Im sure you will get there... Your work is always wonderful... and the rhythm is there .. somewhere!
best of luck,
S
Robyn...thank you! Commission....oh, that would definitely bring me to a grinding halt...eeeks!!!
ReplyDeleteFiona, yes being in the moment is really key for me. Being rushed doesn't allow me to listen to the work itself...and that's where the place where the answers lie (lay?)...thanks so much for your support!
ReplyDeleteHi Sophie...thanks for your comment. The trick of tricking oneself....I'm can be duped if I turn the other way....I'm heading down to the studio now. Deadline? What deadline....free as a bird!
ReplyDeletePatti - The piece is lovely!
ReplyDeleteI don't like deadlines either. There's a very narrow line for me between concentrated/ focused and rushed.
Choosing four was a wonderful idea, I'm sure they will be absolutely wonderful!
I actually like deadlines, but that's because I'm naturally lazy. Good luck on your show, from what I've seen of your tiny works so far, your works look stunning! I reaaallly love the language one, it's just wonderful. ♥
ReplyDeleteThea...thanks so much....always helpful to hear comments from readers! And the support is much appreciated!
ReplyDeleteKira....hmmm. Lazy...really??? I think that deadlines bring out the best in some folks and create havoc in others! Wish I could work well under pressure! Glad you like the language one....I think it's my favorite too...I'm about to do a new post and will show them all...finished! Thanks for your support!
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