I went back into the studio yesterday after a 15 month hiatus. My dad passed away unexpectedly last May. The grief was all pervasive. Most of us have experienced grief. Especially during this unprecedented time. It can be like looking out at the world with foggy glasses. My Dad was one of my biggest supporters. I knew it was a big disconnect to stop creating, but I just couldn’t find the inner resources at the time. But that seems to have changed recently.
I went into the studio two times over the past months for projects I had envisioned, but the vision wasn’t strong enough for me to sustain and complete the project. A few weeks ago, I made an EcoMemory for my daughter’s friend based on where she got engaged, a prairie, how cool. I felt creatively good, in the flow, productive. But what really helped me get back in the studio yesterday was a question from a friend last week. She said “how is your work going?” I didn’t know what she was talking about. I talked about my job that I no longer had and she said she didn’t mean that work. In other words, she meant my real work. I had forgotten I was an artist. It is almost hard to believe when creating was something that consumed my thoughts and brought such joy for so many years.
This wake up call from my friend led me to start reading Austin Kleon‘s new book Keep Going. What perfect timing. Because this book is exactly what I needed at the exact time. So I assigned myself small daily tasks. Actually not that small. Going into the studio yesterday and writing this blog post today were not necessarily small or easy.
Returning to the studio on Monday, I had a vision for using a technique I find fun and playful using foundation fabric and sewing on scraps of fabric. Again it felt natural, in the flow. Basically the reason why I go to the studio in the first place. This series is ROY G. BIV 🌈I’m using wedge shaped canvases which allows the piece to stand upright and creates some really fun texture in a series.
For most people, your creative outlets have become super important during these challenging times. I would love to be inspired by what others are doing creatively big or small to help get through the days. You can email me kathleenwarrenstudio@gmail.com or leave a comment on Instagram @kathleeenwarrenstudio.
I posted my piece ROY on Instagram yesterday which was a not so small task I assigned myself after I created my first piece. Hopefully, I can resume actual small baby steps later this week. I posted G for the green piece today.
As for this blog, I am not sure if I will continue to write regularly. I am taking this one baby step at a time. I just wanted to write an update because of the silence for 15 months.