Freedom and flexibility are two of my highest values.
I like to feel my life is free and off the clock (e.g., the same routine daily at work or eating the same thing every week does not appeal to me and it’s hard to get me to commit to social outings.) Which is why I have the best of friends, they truly understand me!
What I do invest in, is meeting deadlines; never being late and making plans (doesn’t mean I always do them, but I meet them with enthusiasm and a “Can-do” attitude.)
What I have found is that my number one value FREEDOM, does not work in creating art. With all the freedom of subject matter, materials and ideas, the less art I create! Bottom line, is the freer it is, the less, I’m actually going to do it.
I have to commit to creating art as part of a conscious choice to grow in this passion of mine and I work hard at the business aspect of it. These commitments are to myself and others. In order to do this, I have to plan and schedule consistently.
Which necessitates creating boundaries.
Since I needed to create boundaries in my emotional life a long time ago, because of hypersensitivity, I wanted complete freedom in other areas of my life. So I thought, when I initially started out in my art life that the freer the better! That caused a lot of conflict for me; since I was saying yes to everything and getting nothing done. I learned a lot in those beginning years!
What I did discover was that when I created boundaries within my art making, I became more committed, consistent and a lot more prolific. This framework allows for a greater quality in my art.
Being a mom, wife and working part-time outside my studio puts me in a time crunch, but I know that saying, I will paint at such and such time for so many hours on this day makes me feel anxious and pressured, and I don’t work well with that type of inner turmoil.
So I’ve devised my own freedom of flexibility within boundaries, that meet my values and keeps my emotions from running away from me.
- I am committed to spending time in my studio every day, whether that’s for ten minutes or 8 hours of painting. This makes it easy, knowing that I can do as little as ten minutes or go all night.
- My paintings, which now incorporate more mixed media and abstract elements, give me freedom in my material choices and subject matter. Now I get to use all those art products I have consistently!
- I discovered that I cannot paint the way I want to unless I have a solid idea or at least one reference image. The difference between the freedom of painting anything and the actual freedom that opens up when I have an idea or image to work from is way more exciting.
This is what works for me. Change is the only constant and my practice and processes evolve as I do, and this allows me to create without the pressure of “I should” or procrastinating as much!
From my wildly creative passionate soul to yours in peace…
Jill Marie said
LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE this!!!!! We must truly be Soul Sisters because I have found what you wrote about to be so true in my life…however you have just given me some ideas that could help me in my life even more! I love that structure within Freedom is not only possible but even something that will help me THRIVE more 🙂 You are the best 🙂
Indigene said
Wow Jill, I’m happy it meant something to you! So often, in our studios, we’re just working or playing, not realizing that what we do and or think might be beneficial to someone. So thank you, you’ve made my day, Soul Sister! 🙂
kimpdx said
This is fantastic, Indigene! Discovering what boundaries and freedoms work best to give you the life you want is wonderful–hurray for you!
Indigene said
Thanks so much, Kim! It took me a while to learn, that Freedom just doesn’t mean running amok! LOL!
jennifer barrile said
Wonderful, yes i feel the same way about creating art. I can use some of your ideas in areas of my creating process. Thanks!
Indigene said
Thanks Jen, we all have to find a happy medium in all the jobs we have as moms and wives, because our creativity helps us to be the best in all the other roles we function in! 🙂
Laurie knight said
Yes,yes. This is so true for me as well. Well said, Indigene.
Indigene said
Thanks so much, Laurie, I appreciate your encouragement! 🙂
Deanna said
Some great suggestions here. I struggle with finding "time" to make art when life seems so busy and yet I know the value and importance of it. There are some juicy tips here!
Indigene said
Thanks Deanna! I think many women struggle with balance, especially if freedom is one of your values! It gives one the sense of being a yo-yo; hmmm…maybe that’s just me. Thanks again for leaving a comment and I hope the tips are helpful.
Linda Hensley said
I used to have my own 10 minute rule, but I've gotten away from it. Thanks for reminding me about it. Maybe I can do my art more consistently too? Keep creating!
Indigene said
Thank you Linda for stopping by! 🙂 I really like the 10 min. rule, too!
RitaJC said
Thanks for sharing this!
Indigene said
Thank you Rita, for stopping by! 🙂
Arlene Holtz said
This is a new concept, and one I do resonate with. My artwork is also better if I have a reference photo of some sort, even it the final creation doesn't resemble the reference much. Also, the idea that I need to commit at least SOME time each day in my studio painting is one I have realized for myself. Great topic and I enjoyed reading it. thanks.
Indigene said
Thanks for your comments, Arlene! I realize that my values reach every part of my life and how I live it; even down to the smallest details; which I’ve found to be fascinating! 🙂