As Spring weather approaches, (for real this time?) I find myself feeling joyful about warmer days, but also anxious with my usual tension around transition — even positive ones.  

So many exciting things are happening right now — the greatest being the near completion of my art studio. Thanks to my wonderful hubby with some help from our kids, the project will be finished in a few weeks. The previous barn space (used only once a year as a gallery for the Lake Superior 2020 Studio Art Tour) will be ready for furniture and materials so that I can work in it year round.

I also just purchased my first press. It is actually an antique book press, which can be used, with a few adaptations, as a printing press.

So why are changes, even those for the better, so difficult to navigate?  Most likely because they require changes in mindset and action. My daily routine (most days) will soon be centered around working in the studio. The lack of studio space has, for many years, been my excuse for not executing the work I'd like to be doing. Now that the barrier is about to be lifted, there will be nothing standing in the way of my creativity, other than my own belief systems as to whether or not I am capable of growing as an artist.

Creating habits around how I use my time is becoming my main focus.  Without habits toward organization and prioritization, my days melt into nights with no significant accomplishments in any area of my life. Quality family time remains a priority as I navigate the best schedule for my work. Physical and mental health (exercise and meditation) must also take a front seat if my body and mind are to continue to function well as I age.

With my meditation group, I am exploring mindful awareness as a constant practice. That is leading me to the realization that I have been a proponent (unconsciously) of multi-tasking all day long. I am always doing at least two things at once:  listening to a podcast while taking a shower, reading on my iPadwhile eating breakfast, straightening my room while talking on the phone. This trend toward multiple activities at once is actually training my brain to be scattered rather than focused on one thing. And guess what? Artmaking requires a singular concentration on the task at hand! 

Reading time will undoubtedly remain in my morning routine, as my Buddhist and Psychology books are helpful in pinpointing how I can maintain and improve my mental health. It helps me set an intention for the day and reiterate my on-going goal of awareness.  

This morning I noticed that I was turning on my iPad while preparing to eat breakfast. Instead, I put it aside and focused on the flavors and nutrition of what I was eating and the gratitude I have for having access to good food. This is mindfulness.  As I continue to practice in this way, I hope to gain enough insight and habit energy to stay immersed in the creation of a print or painting rather than quitting due to distractions.

The poet Rilke, who spent much of his time around visual artists as they were creating, describes Cezanne at work this way:

“He sat there in front of it like a dog, just looking, without any nervousness, without any ulterior motive.”

(Rainer Maria Rilke to Clara Rilke, Paris, October 12, 1907; Rilke 1985, 46)

We can learn a lot from our dogs and the way they focus their energy. I'm looking forward to doing just that in my new studio space.

Until next time,

Shelley