Saturday Slumps

I consider myself a pretty positive person which is why I get aggravated when those critical demons show up making me doubt my abilities to create.  Yes, today is one of those days where I'm battling the self-talk.  The voice that keeps saying, "who are you to think you can pull off this workshop?"  And, "how do you think that is going to look to others?"  And, "how did I create all this great imagery," and "do you really think you can teach this to others?"

Yes, that little buzz in my head that makes me cringe, but I keep moving, keep pushing on.  It started this morning when I was set up to video backgrounds and I kept yawning.  Stop and start again.  I messed up my words.  Stop and start again.  Get through it and then find out that the stupid video recorder is tipped in the wrong direction and I have to do it all over again.  LOL  Technology....a lifesaver and a royal pain in the butt sometimes.  Then looking at the backgrounds I created, the self-talk started, "those look like crap!"

It is no mystery to me that a lot of the imagery I create is serendipitous, unplanned and experimental.  Isn't that what a lot of art is?  Starting somewhere and pushing and playing until we are rewarded with a beautiful outcome?  Of course, that is coming from someone who hasn't had formal art training and everything I do is experimental.  The question is, how do you prepare others to be experimental and keep them engaged in the process enough to get them through to the end?  One step at a time...

I think if the sun came out today, my attitude would be more on track, but it didn't, so I'm not.  I think I will need to go take care of some housework and come back a little later, refreshed!  Maybe another cup of coffee...yeah, that too!  An hour of gathering inspiration from some of my favorite blogs would help!  I'm going to start with one of my favorite inspirations....





Margaret

Comments

Hang in there Margaret!!! You aren't alone...we've all been there, okay may a few haven't but I know I have!!! I, too, find that if I just can't be positive, make things work right, etc., then it's best to step back and take a break. Hope the rest of your weekend goes well.
Adrian said…
A time out is therapeutic in many ways. Give your inner self some time to come up with the best way to get what you want done in the way you imagine it being done. Also, and this is a little off the track, BUT, for the next two and one half weeks, the planet Mercury looks as if it is going backwards. It's called "Mercury Retrograde". Now, Mercury is all about communication and if something can go wrong, it will go wrong during this period of time. It is a time when you are supposed to slow down and be deliberate in your doings. It is also a time for review of, well, just about everything that is important to you. So, if you want to go straight to a goal, be aware that sometimes going on a winding path gives you time to find something you would never have seen or experienced otherwise. Be easy on yourself, Margaret. We are all with you and we are patient while you create.
Yvonne said…
Hang in there....it's going to be awesome!
elle said…
ah, Margi. There is an old song my Dad used to sing about Margi, I'm always thinking of you... ;) And I am thinking that you are amazing and that you don't need to prove it to me or anybody. A little time out, a few sniffs of the invigorating spring air, a slow sip from the coffee cup, a meander to see if any new green stuff is strutting itself as an early bird stops for its own look see as it gathers nesting material, a few deep breaths and you'll be ready to scoot back up on top of the rest of Saturday and Sunday. You are doing good! (((hugs)))
HollyM said…
I love all the comments written so far. And yes we've all been there. I had mine last weekend when I wondered why I was wasting my time on art and I was dissatisfied with all my work.
I also took a break, did some spring cleaning and by Monday i was back to normal.
When I was younger I had a lot of problems with depression but as I've aged I've come to realize that it's quite normal for a lot of people and that if you get outside or do something physical and get a good night's sleep it will pass. Obviously I'm not talking about really serious depression but I think it's the same with our inner critiques. Sometimes you just need a little distance and when you come back it is with new energy and a fresh.
You'll be back. eye.
A step back... a deep breath. Relax. Breathe. Smell those flowers! EnJOY all that God created you - yes YOU - to BE. Can't wait! Be blessed!
Jeanne said…
The comments are wonderful; I just want to add that you have inspired so many people already. We love your work; we can wait for your class. Do not feel pressured to begin on a specific date. You are awesome!