In last month’s newsletter, I wrote about cleaning up/clearing out my work studio as a first step in navigating where I wanted to go with my art. Someone commented on my Instagram feed that I was brave to show photos of my space since for the commenter it would be embarrassing to confess to such a mess. I replied that I thought it would help to keep me honest and on track to share my progress…I know that I am not alone in vowing to clean up my studio and then conveniently pushing it to the bottom of the to-do list, hoping no one would ever call me on it. So here is a photo of part of my mess…no need for additional evidence…you get the idea…it’s bad.
In my defense, I have diminished the quantity of the clear shoebox size bins that line the wood shelves. I have either eliminated the contents all together or consolidated items…and after cherry-picking the most prize items, relegating the remainder to the Purge Party pile…which actually now is filling up the workshop space behind my house (yes, there will be a party/sale later this year…you will all be invited!)
I’ve been tackling the purge process in small increments…30 minutes…one shelf cleared…baby steps. One morning I was having a hard time getting motivated and remembered a recent post I saw about the value of vision boards…maybe I needed such a quick and dirty activity to get fired up…
I raided the recycle bin for a couple of magazines and any interesting junk mail…
Tearing out whatever images and words grabbed my attention, I didn’t stop and edit my selections. I grabbed a piece of cardboard from my stash and my glue stick and began slapping down paper pieces. It was interesting to see the colors, tones and shapes take on a life of their own. I gave myself about 15 minutes and then it was done…again, no second-guessing or belaboring my selections!
I have to say that it was the most freeing art exercise I have done in a long time…I immediately taped the collage onto the wall in my office so I could see it everyday.
The phrase of “climb an internal ladder” struck a chord…not quite sure but keeping it in front of me might lead to more ideas…
And the quote of “Ditch A Complete Overall” sums up nicely what I’m trying to do with my studio space. I highly encourage you to give this exercise a go - maybe even do it with a group of friends…or family…could certainly spark some conversations!
Just for the record…I emptied 5 large containers and filled up three large bins for the Purge Party…in between sewing up a few Artist Tool Pouches and Artist Tote Bags (in my etsy shop) because sewing helps to calm me…I can’t be frantically purging all the time…everything in moderation…
