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I finally finished my latest series of blog posts HOW TO OPEN STUDIO. You’re welcome! You probably know by now that I’m never completely “done” with a series. There will always be a great question, a new insight, a change in perspective on my end. So send on those questions, share your own insights that have worked for you, and maybe that will inspire another post! (Of course, I will mention you, and link to YOUR blog or website, too.) Now for a personal update. A friend asked me how I was doing a couple weeks ago, and I replied, “Saggy.” She said that was perfect! But as a person who knows deep down how fortunate I am in life, to even be able to make my art, have a home, have a blog for my say in the world, as a person who made a tremendous leap forward in my shrines project last year, who mangaged to slog through my steering committee assignment without actually jumping off a bridge, and who just completed said “How to” series last month, I couldn’t help but berate myself a little: What the heck do I have to complain about?? And finally I realized this is simply part of the creative cycle. MY creative cycle. I took a workshop years ago from Lyedie Greer/The Longings Project. (FORGOT to mention it was called “Time Management for Creatives”.) I went expecting to hear the same ol’/same ol’, braced myself for boredom, and practiced an “interested” face. Instead, I was blown away, inspired, and feeling much kinder towards myself. (Thank you, Lyedie!) It was based on the Theory U, but when I look that up, it seems more business/corporate leadership-based. Lyedie took it to its fullest potential for creatives. Here’s my review of that workshop: Last night I attended an amazing presentation by Integral Coach, Lyedie Geer. The focus was time management for creative people. I attended with much prejudice, assuming we were going to learn about day planners and Google calendar. I was prepared to be bored stiff and take away a nice idea or two. Well, Lyedie blew my socks off. Her presentation gave me a deeper understanding of my creative process, and how to use that understanding to focus even more on my creative and professional goals. Her information is the kind I would attend to many, many times, as I would ‘hear’ something different every time. The content is powerful, and Lyedie’s presentation style is earnest and heartfelt. Our entire audience of creative professionals (web designers, commercial photographers, graphic artists, etc.) stood up and applauded when she finished. Short story: The cycle has ups and downs, periods of being lost/at sea and times of intense production and ‘aha!’ moments. The “time management” part actually focused on the timeline in the cycle. It helped me better understand the high points, the low points, everything in between. And the meaning, and value, of each point. In fact, I now realize there are many parts of the “making” process that are frustrating and depressing: Problem-solving, trial-and-error (which is how I broke through to finally create those shrines), etc. But when I finish a shrine? I am over the moon. I shared this with my friend, too, and they wrote back to tell me this is their book-writing experience, too! I feel validated. Frustration, agony, feeling ready to give up… Yet persevering, because something in us knows that giving up would be even worse. And then, at the end, being amazed at what we’ve created. Add the pandemic mess and world events, and it’s a wonder any of us can even get up in the morning. Yet our creative work is what will get us through. I wish for you today is to hold that in your heart. That the work of your heart is important, perhaps even critical, not just for YOU, but for everyone around you who will hold it in THEIR heart. Maybe even inspire them to see their own gift that must be shared with the world… We would all be better people, and the world would be a better place. Now git to that studio and do some creative work today! |
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And now for the ifs…. If you know someone who might enjoy this, pass it on! If you’d like to share it, please be sure to share my name and appropriate links. Thank you!!!! If someone sent you this newsletter and you found it helpful, sign up for more at my website (at the top of the home page): LuannUdell.com P.S. If you want to unsubscribe, click the link at the bottom of this email. PLEASE don’t report me as spam!! Thank you!! |
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Luann Udell, artist/writer “Ancient stories retold in modern artifacts: Visit: Studio: 33Arts 3840 Finley AVE (Bdg 33) Santa Rosa (text only, or leave a message) 603-352-2270 Luann on Facebook Luann on Instagram By appointment on StudioDoorz.com Professional advice: My past columns at Fine Art Views |
Luann Udell 