Studio Friday : Artist Block

This is such a good topic today Ali, especially coming into the weekend where I spend a lot of time scrapping. My scrap spot is in our downstairs, the light is not as good, there just seems to be less inspiration down here. I keep trying to surround myself with things that will inspire and "perk" up my area....but sometimes I just have to get out and clear my brain. My best method of clearing up Artist Block? Go for a drive, listen to some good, deep, emotional, draining, cry your eyes out music. I have a fave musician who's music just reaches my soul.....every song has a meaning and it touches my heart. For me, that works!! If I can't get out and go escape reality LOL (with 4 kids that is not always an option) I like to pick up a Pottery Barn Catalog....ALWASY inspires me! Fresh! Bright! Clean! Crisp! There is always something in there that makes me a dreamer and thus evokes my creativity! :O)

Sometimes you just have to close the door on your studio and explore the other parts of "YOU".

OMG thank you for this post... my mojo has been coming in and out like the tides!
Miss you to bits...!!!

this is such a beautiful picture.
such solitude.
totally agree about getting out
and about to break the creative block.
nature is a good place to recharge.
can't wait for the newsletter!

Great post, so true, thanks for sharing!

Love the pic of Simon.

That picture of Simon is wonderful. Thanks for sharing those links. You always have such great information!!!

Oh I forgot about cleaning up the wrokspace in my post. That always helps too. I feel a lot more inspired when everything is in order.

Strangely enough, what almost always works for me is to take a shower! I "cleanse" out all the cobwebs, and more often than not, I come out of there with a "fresh" perspective!
I suppose it's a version of your "getting out of the work room" idea.
That photo is soooooo evocative!

My favorite cure to scrapper's block is reading a funny book. The only caveat is it has to be totally non-art-related. Two of my best creative periods lately have come after reading "The Devil Wears Prada" and the "Sweet Potato Queens" books.
Great photo of Simon!

Def agree w/ resting the eyes, doing something physical and unrelated....but the best when you just HAVE to plow through is a nice cold beer!
Off to read all those links. Yes ma'am.

EXERCISE! I find that running or swimming, or even better yet an awesome step or kickboxing class clears my head, lets me RELAX. I finally figured out last year, after a really hard time, that if I would exercise my brain would give me the juice I needed to get back on track. I am no exercise junkie, hell, not even in that good of shape, but a brisk three miles does a world of good for my brain.
Cheers.

That is 1 gorgeous picture!!!!

A beautiful picture...so peaceful.
I usually escape from my block in a good book but this beach looks like a fantastic place to get away to...
Ouissi x

Ali,
Hi! I talked to you at CHA, the store I work for is up in Midway, UT. If you have a chance to come visit us up there sometime when you are in UT we would love to have you! Email me if you have time. Lori

This picture is awesome!!!

I'm with you, I usually need to clean up my space. And if I leave a project, I seem to have more creative thoughts when I look at it later.

Hey Ali
this is so true! Thanks for sharing your thoughts today. Decluttering is the best thing for me in getting rid of those negative vibes.

Lovely picture of Simon!
I also feel the need to escape from time to time. Also cleaning does help, if you can control it and not spend all your free time doing it!

Ali, I just have to tell you that I think you're amazing and I love your article in CK...and the one in the September issue has made me totally mini-album CRAZY!!! I just can't get enough of them, and I totally want to make the PROOF one...I need to get my hands on one of those Maya Road board books!!
I love you!!
Joy.