The Creative Life - Barbara Trovillo

Anybody tired out there?

I don't mean physically tired, but emotionally tired, mentally tired? During this terrible time in our history, many of us are hanging on by a thread. Oh, we look ok on a day to day basis, but every now and then, we realize we are holding our breath. Let's take a moment to exhale deeply...... Ah, that feels better.

Now for today's topic:

There is an artist I follow who does online painting demos. He is very productive and does beautiful work effortlessly. While he paints, he talks. He appears to be rambling, but actually he is spilling gems as he goes. He is very generous with the knowledge he has accumulated through his many years of painting.  Last night, he reiterated a truth of which I greatly needed reminding. 

He said, "Write your goals down every day." 

Do you do that? I have to admit.....I don't.

Consequently, I lose my way. Oh, I don't stop painting but I get distracted and discouraged.  It's so easy for malaise to set in especially in this time when there are no physical shows to attend. Everything is so uncertain. Yes, I am working at getting my stuff out there online.  I am (I think) what they call an 'Emerging Artist'. Though, I have painted for many years, it has not been a profession for me until the last year. I have much to learn about the business of being an artist and about painting itself.

I have told the story before about how much I loved to spin wool, but stopped because I didn't have a goal for the finished product. I am not afraid I will stop painting if I lose sight of my goals. Painting is my passion. I fear running in place.....Being In movement with no forward motion. I have experienced in the past the frustration of wanting to progress but not being clear as to how to get there.

So, my job this week (along with Showing Up and Painting Every Day) is to WRITE DOWN MY GOALS. It's not glamorous but very necessary if we are to stay on course. It helps us remember why we continue.

The pandemic won't last forever. We will be able to show in public again. Opportunities are beginning to open up cautiously. In the meantime, let's keep our goals clearly before us. 

Any thoughts on the subject? Please share them with me.

Stay well, Barbara