So my question for all of you out there is...How do you get out of a funk? When you are having a creative dry spell or feeling uninspired or unmotivated, what is it that gets you going again? Do you have tips? I can find all sorts of advice and techniques for writers block or for 2D artists, but I don't feel they apply to potters. I'd love to hear what you do.
I start with a big old hump of clay and just throw whatever until something develops. Sometimes I just end up with lots of cups, but often the end of the hump becomes the beginning of something cool. Like free-writing. Free-throwing? Stream-of-consciousness throwing?
ReplyDeleteWe forget, the creative mind needs to be fed and nurtured, and at times, UPROOTED just like a garden. It needs tending so that energy flows where it is needed for fruit to bear. There is no singular technique for overcoming blocks in creativity, it is unique to each of our experience. We are constantly creating and overcoming obstacles for ourselves as human beings. Sometimes we unconsciously create obstacles for ourselves because "soul" is trying to communicate to us (but that's another discussion) I have found that the creative mind is easily bored and when bored begins to act up...like a child. Apart from giving specific instructions on what to do, I would suggest asking what it is you are feeling. Is it boredom, fear, resentment, would you rather be camping and not in the studio? The creative mind will find ways to sabotage your efforts when some aspect is being ignored or not fed. Listen to it...and give it a voice. Then, Do something radical. By radical I mean, out of your day to day routine. Do something your logical mind may even oppose. If you feel that you "have to be" in the studio by 9 a.m. and work till 2p.m. Instead start at two and spend the morning doing something outside the pattern. Go a little bit out of your way, to change things up...then go farther. It is sort of like finding a new way home...don't take the same road, take a back road. If none of this works....watch Glenn Beck, maybe you will get mad enough and really want to throw down some clay!
ReplyDeleteDo one thing every day that scares you. I read this fabulous quote sometime ago and it has resonnated with me each and every day. It keeps everything fresh and out of routine...something small, something grand...anything that breaks up what the normal routine,thought process, whatever. And when worse comes to worse, I get in the kitchen and create the most incredible dish and revel in the accomplishment!
ReplyDeletePersonally I am in love with Nature, so when I'm in a funk, I try to connect with Nature on a nice quiet walk, and look at the little things out there. For example, sometimes the smallest little weed/flower/bug might have some great pattern or way of being. If that sounds a little too much from the 70's, I also like to look at others people ceramics work that inspires me (usually things that are completely unlike my own). And sometimes, I just have to wait for the inspiration to come to me rather than tracking it down myself. Either way, hope all these comments are inspiring in one way or another!
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