Don’t give up

That’s the spirit. A reminder to stay happy, healthy and hopeful. And be kind to myself/yourself too.

I’ve been a little absent from painting and creating art over the past week. Have been busy with other work/chores and my mind/body hasn’t been quite up to it by the time I’m ready to paint. At 50, the body aches and tires more than before, and some R&R is very good/necessary and welcomed. (Though I still think about art and painting everyday.) I find that painting can take quite a lot of mental and physical energy out of me even though it’s not very hard physical/laborious work compared to some. Starting/prepping, getting in the zone and organising takes time and can be a little tricky (messy/slow drying oil paints in transit e.g.). It’s probably just plain/simple procrastination maybe.

I have often planned and hoped to paint every single day (at least 2 hours) and finish a new painting every week. But realistically, it’s just not possible for me. Life happens. And it can throw curveballs and surprises. Somedays, I’m just too busy with other work/things or simply not motivated enough to paint. That plan is just a little too rigid/restrictive for me and my creative life/output. It’s good to be focused and consistent with my creative work. (Regular/consistent work/painting helps better/improve our craft/practice 100%). But it’s also good/wise to be flexible, adaptable and take some time off when needed. And for my health’s sake.

I sometimes work in spurts and create good/pleasing material over a period of time, and then with moments of lull and rest in between. Consistency is a dream but whatever works right? No need to put too much pressure or guilt on myself for not creating regularly. As long as the focus, love, passion and dream is there. It’s absolutely 100% ok to have a break/rest and skip a day or two. Besides, I don’t like the idea of having to paint/create out of force or on demand. And I don’t want to burn myself out. Listen to my body. It’s natural for the mind, body and spirit to rest with pure peace & quiet and space. Rest helps to rebuild, rebalance and recuperate. And when I’m ready, I can get back on the horse with new/revitalised vigour & spark.

The Universe is generous and kind and abundant with offerings of new creative ideas/inspo and creations/outputs/possibilities. But I believe that sometimes perhaps, the Universe/Source can also benefit from some rest in giving too, in order to provide more inspo and quality work/output. In the big picture, in order to create our best/better work, it’s good/wise to sometimes step back, have a break and rest and rejuvenate. (It’s also good/wise to give back too somehow.)

The closing dates for these upcoming art prizes are getting closer and I’m beginning to feel the stress, pressure and anxiety looming. Some of these art prizes are such a big deal (Archibald, Artbank & Burwood) that I’m not sure where/what and how to start and whether the finished works will be good enough to compete/enter? (I’ve searched and the quality of previous years’ entries is so high. There’s a lot of brilliant hard working [Australian] artists out there.) Another stagnant spiral/lull/excuse perhaps. Will treat them just like normal paintings and do my best and hope for the best I guess. And that’s good enough. Sigh.

Art prizes are great to participate in. But don’t let the pressure of creating or previous unsuccessful entries burden or discourage me. If I fail/failed, I’ll try again. It is that simple. There’s no harm in participating and giving it a go (other than the costs of the entry fee, which can be expensive but some are free). I will see it as an opportunity to explore my practice deeper, experiment with new ideas and techniques, and raise my perception/vision and the quality/standard of my work. (Honestly and humbly I’ve noticed my work is getting better every year.) So I just got to keep on painting and trying and doing. Plenty of art prizes/frogs out there.

Life is best when enjoyed in peaceful equilibrium and balance. It’s ok to slow down and take a break/rest when needed. I don’t have to always be crazy busy and productive all the time. I’m not a spring chicken anymore. And rest and recovery is good/recommended for my health and wellbeing. Find ways/methods to rejuvenate and rebuild. And take time off. Meditate. Exercise, walk/run, bath, rest/sleep, retail therapy, holiday, movie, treats, learn an instrument, learn another craft/skill and more. It’s good to find balance in art making and Life in order to maintain consistent work flow, enthusiasm/zest, focus and good quality work. See my art practice as a long run/walk/marathon and lifestyle. Not a sprint/race. Don’t compare. Everyone is on their own unique paths and journeys and trajectories. The only person to compete and compare myself against is myself before/yesterday. I’m in God’s hands. Keep going. Don’t give up. I’m doing good/great. Ad Astra Per Aspera – To the stars through troubled ways.