I’ve been working through a book titled Coaching the Artist Within by Eric Maisel.  I have had time to reflect on what I have read and one of the statements that has stuck with me is “You must be able to create in the middle of things or you will not create.” 

When I read this I immediately thought of the Saturday Night Live character Roseanne Roseannadanna’s lament:”it’s always something if it’s not one thing it’s another”.  So if it’s always something how do you keep creating?     Here are a few steps I’ve taken to keep creating in the midst of the stress of living in a recession, the never ending stream of paperwork, sales and marketing tasks and other activities that are part of living day to day.

• I have found that if I take a broader view of creativity, my perspective changes. For example when I look at marketing as a form of creative expression instead of as task, my perspective changes, my thinking is freer, and ideas flow more easily.
• I’ve started to set priorities and a schedule for each week. This keeps me from spending too much time on admin tasks. It finally occurred to me that since the paper never ends, I can set a time limit, do as much as I can and get back to creating! I also find that setting a plan and having a structure gives me more freedom. I resisted this idea for a long time because I thought this approach would be more restrictive.
• I carry a small notebook with me wherever I go. This is place to record my observations, sketch new ideas and record any ideas for blog posts, marketing pieces or any other changes I’d like to make.
• If I start to feel overwhelmed or discouraged. I stop take a deep breath and take note of at least 10 things that I’m grateful for. This shifts my perspective and helps me to center myself, get unstuck and move forward.
• When I develop a new item for my line of glass jewelry and gifts I have an idea of where I want to head, but I don’t attach myself to a particular outcome. This no expectations approach keeps me open to how I can turn an unexpected surprise into a new product, improve my technique or set something aside and move on.

March 19th, 2009 | Category: Creative Exploration | Leave a comment

During the long election season I became a news junkie.  I developed a habit of both watching and listening to a variety of new shows.  I became fascinated by the whole process.  The news was always in background in my studio, my office and on the road.  I kept creating and selling during as the market dropped in September and October.  My retail sales were going up last fall.  It was as even people needed something small and beautiful to keep them going as we moved into a period of uncertainty.

Now that we are almost through the first quarter of a new year, I think it’s time for a change of habit.  While I think it’s important to stay informed.  The 24 x 7 news format creates the opportunity for me to choose, when to watch or listen.  To stay informed without getting weighed down.   The background I live and work in is now a combination of music, comedy, stories and yes a little bit of news.

 As I ad more lightness to the background, I have found that my colors are getting lighter and brighter.

March 17th, 2009 | Category: Balancing Act | Leave a comment

At one point last year between my two businesses I  needed to spend about six weeks on the road.   To keep myself centered during my stint as a road warrior. I started working on a beaded evening bag project. 

I picked up a satin evening bag at the department store, selected some of my dichroic glass cabochons to use as focal beads, assembled an assortment of compatible beads, and hit the road.   This first bag I made evolved during my travels to Madison WI, Philadelphia PA, Milwaukee WI, Wausau WI, Chippewa Fall s WI, Green Bay WI, Appleton WI, Denver CO, Las Vegas NV, Wilmington NC, and Charlotte NC. 

Blue Beaded Bag - Front

Blue Beaded Bag - Back

I find this type of work to be a form of meditation.  It’s a great way to quiet the mind and let go of the daily grind.  Plus I really liked the results! 

I’m happy to report that I was able to make the second bag I made in the comfort of my own home.

If you’re interesting in learning more about bead embroidery check out Sherry Serafini ‘s website at. http://www.serafinibeadedjewelry.com/index.htm.   Her work is beautiful and she has written a book titled, The Art of Bead Embroidery.  I found this book to be very helpful.  It reinforced the techniques I learned at a workshop at Bead Haven in Williamsburg VA.

January 8th, 2009 | Category: Creative Exploration | Leave a comment