After struggling with "selfish artist guilt" for many years, I wanted to balance my "day job" responsibilities and give in to my desire to paint again. I had been trying to connect with artists by getting involved in an Artist's Way group about 45 minutes from my home.
One day, I had a day-job deadline, and an artists' group assignment deadline. After fulfilling other appointments, I had about three free hours in the afternoon. Usually, I would tell myself I didn't want to work at home, but if I didn't get my work done, I shouldn't be painting, either. Thus I would procrastinate miserably on both, and get nothing done.
But on that day in February 2009, I decided to do something effective. I divided the hours in half, working on the day-job stuff first, then painting for 1-1/2 hours. I knew if I worked on the painting first, I would never leave my studio. So, I set a timer and trudged through my paperwork.
And, yes, I was so happy when that timer went off. I wasn't through with my work, but I had begun, which was more accomplished than the alternative results.
Running with a guilt-free heart to my small studio space, I began a colorful painting that had been lurking in my head to fulfill the assignment. I completed it that afternoon and it's become one of my fave paintings. At the group that night, one member requested a print of the painting, since it seemed to illustrate her personal journey.
I refer to this as the Half & Half Technique. Yes, it's sad that some of us have to play tricks on ourselves to accomplish anything. But finding what works for you can be extremely rewarding when you have struggled for years with a mentality that holds you back.
If you're struggling with something, sit yourself down, and honestly figure out what it is that holds you back.
Then make a plan to defeat your foe.
Become a warrior for your inner artist, and fight for your studio time, unique voice, personal choice of media, risk-taking permission, or a license for imperfection. These are just some of the essentials we all need to protect while creating. What is holding you back?
Define it. Then, defeat it.
Love & Laughter,
DJ
Oh...the painting?
It's the one entitled "Isaiah 40:31"
This reassuring verse states:
"But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint."
Lemme tell ya, when life gets tough, it doesn't get any better than that.
"Isaiah 40:31" oil on canvas by DJ
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