Today I took my mentor's advice.
I had a jillion things to do--I can't believe how behind I am. I wanted to get a show application out, pick up my new sewing machine, pay bills.
But I took a deep breath and did a creative project instead.
It's pretty simple. It's samples for a book proposal. The editor had e-mailed me a week or so ago, in a last-ditch effort to salvage the proposal. "Can you do this--PRONTO?" he pleaded.
Sure! It went right on top of the pile of other things I've promised people I'd do PRONTO.
I made a set of sample business cards using a variety of techniques--collage, rubber stamping (store-bought and my own hand carved stamps), sewing. I even used some of my little handmade artifacts--bones, stones and artifacts.
The editor told me to go ahead and use my business, referencing only my website. So I had plenty of room to play around.
And play I did.
I cannot believe how much I enjoyed myself. I was so involved, I worked right through a doctor's appointment. Ooops!
I made sure I'd made good headway before I headed off to kickboxing. And I came right home and worked a little more before I ran my errands and took care of business.
What really felt good was all the titles I used in the cards: "Artist" "Collage Artist" "Fiber Artist" "Hand Carved Stamps" "Doll Artist" Okay, I cheated a little on that one, I haven't made dolls in years. But I LOVE my doll stamps and had to think of a way to use them.
The day ended well. I had fun, I created something interesting, and I still got my show application out the door, bought my new giant industrial sewing machine and quilt frame, returned a video and found a last-minute co-op advertising oportunity (hopefully in time to qualify.)
If I hadn't taken care of the creative bit first, I know I would never have gotten it in later.
It's hard, it's tricky, it can be like spinning plates....
But try, try, TRY to make art first. Even for a little while.
Trust me, the dishes will wait for you.
