I have a dear friend who organizes 30 day challenges (Hi, DJ!) to help one to bust through creative blocks. The main purpose of the challenge is to create a habit of creativity by making time to be creative every day for 30 days. Whether it's 10 minutes of writing, 1 hour of singing, dancing, sewing, collaging or painting or even a minute of doodling, it doesn't matter as long as you persevere. It doesn't have to be a masterpiece and you don't have to show anyone what you have done. This is for you. If you shirk you are cheating yourself. Though it's something you can do completely on your own I found that I was more committed to the challenge when doing it with other likeminded people. We cheer each other on and DJ gently encourages.
During the 30 day challenge I didn't always feel like carving (especially on weekends) so I created a 10 minute free collage which is just a matter of moving cuttings (or tearings) about on a large piece of paper and instead of glueing them into place I took a photograph. The cuttings then went back into a box to be used on another day.
Check it out at http://coachcreativespace.ning.com/group/thirtydaysofcreating
Hi Robyn, Thanks for taking the time to comment on my blog. I love when I get comments. I don't know about the creative habit! I don't know if I could create every day for 30 days straight. Sometimes my brain doesn't work. But I guess the exercise is about pushing yourself to just do it. I might have to think about that! Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteRobyn,
ReplyDeleteThe free collage is a great idea! You could then do a series by moving the pieces a little each time then taking a new photo, then put the series together in sequence as an animation or a slideshow...
Agree with what you say about the support of others, it can make a huge difference, especially when you've been feeling like you've been creating in a void with and audience of one - yourself.
Dan
I like that free collage idea!
ReplyDeletePS - I thought of you - there's a new movie out about Louise Nevelson - it's profiled in the NY Times - I can't remember the name of it, but I thought of you!
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting reading about your ideas about the creative process and how you access it. I've gotten some good ideas about how to think out of the box by putting ideas in the box!
ReplyDeleteLove the collages. You should do more permanent ones!!
ReplyDeleteHi CINDY - On the days that you aren't up to creating, even a phone doodle will do (or a cake for tea with an artistic topping).
ReplyDeleteDAN, you know I'm technically challenge....how on earth would I be able to make an animated slideshow.... ROFL
HEATHER, Glad you like the free collage idea. I would love to see that Louise Nevelson movie!Thanks for mentioning it. I will keep an eye out for it.
STEVIEWREN, That's what is so great about blogging....sharing ideas!
WILLOW, Thanks for the kind words. Not sure I would want to keep them though.
Good stuff, Robyn!
ReplyDeleteI do like that free collage idea as well! Up to now, I've "kept" my pieces by scanning and printing them so I can reuse the same image when I want to...I like Dan's idea of the slideshow. Could it be because I've been trying to encourage him to do some? I wouldn't mind having a go and I'm not technically challenged but time-challenged!
ReplyDeleteWildCherry,
ReplyDeleteMaybe that was subconsciously influencing my suggestion : )
Robyn, you could easily take a series of pictures of different free collages (using the same pieces of material), then simply upload them into an album on flickr or CCS for example, and play in sequence as a slide show.I wasn't really suggesting anything more sophisticated than that.
Dan
Hi, Robyn! I do hope you're recording those temporary compositions in some way. I admire your work, and think it should be shared with the world, since it reflects your inner beauty and inspires all who see it! Perhaps you could start a 30 Day Challenge with the other collage artists at CCS in this technique of temporary temptations...they would love it...WHEEE!!!
ReplyDeleteLove & Laughter,
DJ