If you're an artist you may well know how important your creative space is. It may be the place where you store your tools and supplies, your work space, or both. For some it's a studio or an entire room, for others it's the space on the kitchen table or desk or even coffee table. For those who are fortunate they have both ample time & space to devote to their art, but for many while art is mentally a full time affair, physically it's more along the lines part time. Life, in its ways, often seems to interfere with art for those who are part timers. "Day jobs", family life, personal life, responsibilities and obligations take up much of our time and have precedence.
Lately I've seen a number of articles in e-mags and newsletters about artistic space and organizing it. They are full of ideas for how to organize your space and creative ways of displaying your tools and supplies so they are both put away but easy to find. Having read through them I can't say I have much to add, but what I will say is the importance not only of having a space but of keeping it clear.
I know for me when I don't have a work space it creates an "out of sight, out of mind" mentality. I know I'm an artist and crafter, it's at the core of my being. But I tend to put it off when everything is put away out of sight. Also when I find my space is messy (as many an artist can attest to mid-creation) it's harder to create and my inspiration will seem dampened. I was reflecting on this one day after reading a quote from Wayne Dyer in which he spoke about our physical environment reflecting our mental state. I immediately stopped and looked about reflecting on some recent stagnation. I saw several things piled up and moved out of their normal spaces, all of this occurring in an effort to make something over the previous days. When I cleared the space I felt many of the blocks lift, I didn't feel so cramped and I felt I could "spread my creative wings" as it were.
So next time you find yourself hitting a block, consider your environment. If it's not tidy take the time to put it together and clear out things that don't necessarily need to be out. If you have a window, open the shades or window and let light and fresh air in. Turn on some music, light a candle, or burn some incense or spritz your favorite scent. Then take stock of how your space feels again and appreciate the difference. And when all else fails, if inspiration is still blocked, go out in nature and quietly observe!
...sew many things, sew little thyme for ewe and eye...
