Winter Queen
11x14 Oil
I have received a gentle nudge to post something new.( Duly noted, friend) While this is not new, it will have to do for now.
The Winter Queen still has us in her icy grip here in MN as the temps today-7 with -400 below windchills. (okay, maybe I'm exaggerating, -200) Cold is cold! But there is promise of above freezing in the days to coming.
Artist's block has had me in her grip as well. And I'll be honest, it has been a great struggle to find the inspiration in my painting. It's been hard to make anything work in spite of my cajoling and begging of my artistic muse. It has been extremely frustrating. Not sure what is behind it, but I'm working with my coach to get through it. And it is slowly coming back. In baby steps. And I will say the skills are very rusty and I haven't been too thrilled with the results.
I suspect there are several reasons behind my block. Sometimes we just plain burn out. I have a day job that demands creativity and it's wanted yesterday. This sometimes leaves very little at the end of the day when I want to come home to paint. I also suspect that as much as I love winter, I am sensitive to the lack of light (vitamin D and a sunlamp anyone?) and I won't even attempt to go into the games the psyche likes to throw into the mix!
I think one of the things we need to remember is to allow it, take this time to rest, replenish the well of creativity and not be too hard on ourselves. Easier said than done I know.
So, my question to all you artists and creatives out there, what do you do when you hit the artistic wall? What has helped you push through it and find that artistic mojo again? Please share! I'm sure I am not the only one to struggle with this. Maybe we can all help each other!
In the meantime, please be patient with me - I do think I will have something new to post very soon.
Rusty or not.
Happy 2011 Everyone!
©2011 Deb Kirkeeide. All rights reserved.
